Thousands raised in memory of dad
A YOUNG man and his partner who raised thousands for a hospice following the loss of his father have been named as the recipient of this week’s Bouquet of the Week.
Sam Fenton, of Thornhill, Cardiff, ran the Cardiff Half Marathon with his girlfriend Ilona Mackenzie just a month after his father Mike sadly died after a year-long battle with cancer.
The students, aged 21 and 19, raised more than £8,000 for City Hospice, based at Whitchurch Hospital, who provided palliative care for Mike.
They have been nominated for an Echo Bouquet of the Week by City Hospice in recognition of their “unbreakable spirit”.
“Dad was diagnosed with cancer in October of last year and my mum had done some fundraising stuff so me and my girlfriend wanted to get involved with it as well,” said Sam, who studies sports coaching at Cardiff Metropolitan University. The day of the half marathon was a year to the day that he was diagnosed so we thought we would see if we could raise some money.”
Sam said the pair initially set a modest target of £500, but that was met within a day of the fundraising page being made active.
They eventually raised £8,373 with donations still coming in.
Rachael Southcott, Community Fundraiser for City Hospice, said: “Mike, was cared for by our clinical team after being diagnosed with cancer. Eager to support City Hospice, Sam and Ilona signed up for the Half Marathon. Sadly, Mike passed away on September 7 this year, but, a month to the day later, Sam and Ilona ran the course with passion and enthusiasm.
“The family’s unbreakable spirit and passion for keeping Mike’s memory alive, as well as supporting the hospice, has been nothing short of inspirational.”
To find out more about the couple’s fundraising visit: www.justgiving. com/fundraising/sam-fenton1
■ If you know someone who deserves an Echo Bouquet of the Week, email your nomination, with reasons, and your name, address and telephone number to: echo. newsdesk@walesonline.co.uk
■ You can also write to South Wales Echo, Six Park Street, Cardiff CF10 1XR. Usual Media Wales terms and conditions apply and all nominations must agree to be photographed.