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Pub doesn’t rest to raise money in memory of Liam

14 October 2008

When Elaine and Gerald Hill sadly lost their son Liam earlier this year, fellow regulars at a Sheffield pub were inspired to help.

Staff and customers at the Travellers Rest in Oughtibridge have raised nearly £1,000 for Sheffield Children's Hospital in memory of Liam.

Elaine and Gerald have been visiting the pub for more than 20 years and so when they lost Liam everyone offered their support to the couple.

The pub raised £947 during a fundraising day featuring a BBQ, three-legged race, raffle, auction, pool competition and tennis ball-river race. One regular, Neil Pyecroft, raised £120 alone by being sponsored to shave his head.

Gerald Hill said: "My wife Elaine and I were overwhelmed by the generosity and support shown at the Travellers. We expected a few people to turn up on the day and maybe raise a few quid but the place was completely packed.

"It is a fantastic effort by everyone to have raised such a good amount of money and it means a great deal to us that so many people would come out to support us."

Money raised from the fundraising day will go to Sheffield Children's Hospital's Ryegate House new sensory garden, where Liam received respite care for several years. The sensory garden will help children with neurological conditions by stimulating their senses with textures, smells and sounds.

Gerald, from Oughtibridge, added: "When Liam was born, he was diagnosed with a form of leukodystrophy, which is a genetic condition. We were told he wouldn't live to see his first birthday. But he battled through and survived to see his 21st earlier this year.

"He received care at Ryegate House for about 14 years and he loved it there. It is a wonderful place and really makes a difference to the children's lives. We are delighted to be able to donate this money to Ryegate, so they can continue to help children like Liam."

The fundraising day was organised by the Travellers Rest manager Paula Hartley. Paula said: "The idea for the day came when the pool team, which Gerald captains, wanted to donate money to Ryegate House in memory of Liam. Soon a lot of people wanted to do the same.

"It is wonderful to have raised so much. About 80 people come down which was a brilliant turn out and we all had a good day."

Fran Hunt, fundraiser at Sheffield Children's Hospital Charity, said: "Paula and everybody at the Travellers Rest have put a great deal of time and effort into raising this money which will help us build the new garden at Ryegate.

"Liam was obviously a very special lad who inspired a lot of people. All of the Charity team would like to pass on their condolences to Gerald and Elaine and thank them for this very precious gift which will benefit many patients and families at Ryegate in the future."

Categories: Sheffield Children's Hospital Charity