Finley’s helping to hit the £100k mark D
ONATIONS to East Cheshire Hospice since it was forced to cancel fundraising events have passed the £100,000 mark.
The charity has thanked the public for its overwhelming response after revealing it would lose £1m in income due to the national emergency.
The Hospice is urging the public to ‘keep up the good work’ with its efforts.
Sports mad Finley Foote, aged 11, is one of its many fundraisers showing great community spirit.
Finley has been exercising during lockdown by running at least two and a half miles each day near his home in Bollington.
He has raised £1,185 for the Hospice in the first week of his challenge, his efforts earning an honourable mention in the weekly Headteacher’s Notes at Tytherington School where he is a pupil.
Finley acted after learning about the cancelled events, including Splash Out which his family were due to take part in again this year.
Mum Sarah said: “It’s such a shame the Hospice is losing this revenue.
“It’s a wonderful local charity and close to everyone’s hearts.
“Finley hasn’t been able to do many of the activities he enjoys since sports clubs and school closed and he decided to help the Hospice.
“The sponsorship from friends, teachers and even strangers has been overwhelming and he’ll carry on running until the end of lockdown.
“His stepdad and I have been going out with him and have enjoyed helping him to beat his personal bests on the different routes.
“He has run a total of 31 miles so far!”
To sponsor Finley visit justgiving.com/fundraising/sarah-latham22
Meanwhile, Carl Lamptey, whose wife Sarah died in the Hospice in 2014, has so far raised £11,000 in his fundraising campaign.
Hospice director Karyn Johnston said: “We’re amazed by the acts of generosity shown by the community during this difficult time.
“People of all ages are raising funds to help out and our message is to please keep up the good work.
“We need your support now more than ever.”
The Hospice has streamlined services to cope without the 650 volunteers who normally provide vital help.
It means staff are filling in essential roles while demand for Hospice @ Home support has increased.
Visits to the inpatients ward are also severely restricted.