The money was raised and donated in memory of their son Sam, who would have turned 21 this year.
In order to raise funds, Clare and Alistair held various events including; two parties which featured delicious food and live music. One of which took place on what would have been Sam’s 21st birthday. The parties were a great success with family and friends coming together to celebrate Sam’s life.
Wanting to go the extra mile and raise even more money for the unit, Clare and Alistair took part in the Lakeland 50, one of the greatest ultra-running and walking challenges in Europe. It is run over the second half of the Lakeland 100 Ultra Tour of the Lake District, completing the final 50 miles of the 100 mile course.
Clare and Alistair said; “We are very grateful to the unit for the wonderful care and attention we received during Sam’s life. We felt we wanted celebrate Sam’s life and at the same time to do something for the unit to say thank you. The time we had with Sam was short but full and we are grateful for that.”
Paula Richardson Head of Charitable fundraising at UHMBT added “Despite spraining his ankle only 2 miles into the challenge, Alistair managed to endure the pain and limped on to complete the course along with Clare in 16 hours 13 minutes. It is an absolutely amazing tribute to their son Sam that they took on and completed this challenge.”
Susan Holliday, RLI Children’s Ward Manager said, “The work Clare and Alistair Irvine did to fundraise in memory of Sam is inspirational. We have now received the generous £5,130.30 and expect it will go towards supplying new equipment for the ward which will benefit future patients and ward staff.”
Morecambe Bay Hospitals Charity is a registered charity that raises funds and supports UHMBT’s five hospital sites. Donations received go to providing those little extras that help make the hospital experience better or improve outcomes for patients. Money is used to fund additional medical equipment, medical research, and specialist training and service improvements.
It is the generosity of the local communities that enables the charity to enhance and support the hospitals across Morecambe Bay and the lives of the 365,000 people that live here. For more information about Morecambe Bay Hospitals Charity, visit: http://www.mbhcharity.org/