Ex-PC Paul tackles heights for good cause
ARETIRED police officer from Maghull is aiming high in a bid to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society by climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.
Paul Casson, whose mum, Cathy Byrne, died of the disease three years ago, at the age 75, held a cake sale outside Specsavers in Maghull and raised an impressive £350.
His next event is a Bonkers Bingo night at St Elizabeth’s Social Club, in Litherland, on June 29.
Sefton Central MP Bill Esterson, who went along to the cake sale to show his support for the cause, said: “Well done to Paul for his fundraising efforts.
“The Alzheimer’s Society is a great cause.
“Specsavers have been brilliant to Paul, letting him sell cakes at the shop and donating a prize for the bingo night.
“Other local shops to help have been Signature Cards and Gifts, Hartleys Garden Centre, Costa Coffee Maghull, Ryatt Menswear, Bootle and North Swimming Club, The Fat Italian Ormskirk, Home Instead Maghul, Morrisons Maghull and Ormskirk, Odeon Switch Island, Fun Factory, Maplins, and numerous local people prizes.”
Paul, who lives in Maghull with his wife, Helen, and children Shaun and Emma-Jane, said he wanted to raise awareness of the disease as well as money for research.
He said: “My mum died of dementia, a disease that I didn’t think could kill.
“Unbeknown to me, the disease not only takes people’s memory but also closes their body down.
“My mum knew who we all were, but her body wasn’t working.
“Along with have donated mobility problems, she ended up in a wheelchair.
“Eventually, she just fell asleep and did not wake up.
“To date, there is no cure for dementia.
“Everyone who reads this will know someone who is affected by this horrible disease.”
Paul, 55, says he has always wanted to take on the challenge of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, which will take place from September 21.
The trek is over six days and the climb is over 19,000 feet.
“It was the first choice,” said Paul. “It’s one of the world’s highest peaks and the highest in Africa.
“I organised the cake day after Specsavers, in Maghull, volunteered to hold a day to fundraise for me. They have already donated a designer pair of glasses for a charity bingo night that is arranged on June 29.
“Friends and family baked the cakes and we raised £350 on the day.
“My main fundraiser is the Bonkers Bingo, on June 29. It is a bingo and a DJ. Lots of music and dancing.
“Lots of local businesses have supplied the prizes for the events including days out to Knowsley Safari Park, Blackpool Sandcastle and Pleasure Beach, Farmer Teds’ and Blue Planet Aquarium.
“Thank you to Specsavers for hosting the cake sale and donating designer glasses for the bingo night.”
To support Paul or donate a prize for Bonkers Bingo, please email cassonpaul@hotmail.co.uk or call 07411 418 459.