A FATHER and daughter team from Evenwood have launched a new fundraising drive in memory of their best friends’ still-born daughter.
Adam and Lily Morton began raising cash for the 4Louis charity in support of David and Charlotte Hogarth, whose daughter Ekysia Robyn was born still last year. They raised about £3,500 with coffee mornings, taking part in the Junior Great North Run, holding a Euro sweepstake and a raffle.
This year, they have already won support from Bishop Auckland Football Club. Players and officers donated a portion of one-week’s wages to the effort.
Mr Morton said: “I got in touch to see if they could do a raffle prize. It was fantastic to get their support – the players and management team all pledged money to support the purchase of a CuddleCot.
“The CuddleCot is in use across thousands of hospitals worldwide, hospices and now increasingly at home, providing a comforting and dignified way to give families the time they need to say goodbye and to treasure their child. It’s a small but meaningful way to support families at this painful time.”
The players also took part in the Otley Run which they dedicated to the 4Louis charity. Mr Morton was also invited to watch a match and met the club’s chairman Steve Coulthard.
A big part of this year’s fundraising campaign is a Game Show and Comedy Night at Middlesbrough’s Eston Events Centre, where their big raffle will be drawn.
Mr Morton said: “Simon from the events centre has provided the room, staff, prizes and DJ to host the event on September 20 in aid of 4louis charity in memory of Elysia.”
Among the prizes are tickets to An Evening with Annabelle Croft, entry to Team Battle Cart Gateshead, Junkyard golf games and a family ticket to Mr Mulligan’s adventure golf, a Darlington Hippodrome £50 voucher, and tickets to a Full Tilt Wrestling event.
Tickets cost £7 per person or £50 for a table of ten. To book, call 07708 651795. To support the campaign visit justgiving.com/page/adam-morton-2.
