Teen who lost mum urges donors to help raise £500K in 36 hours for hospice

A teenager who lost his mum when he was 12 is urging people to take part in an upcoming fundraiser for the hospice that cared for her.

St Christopher’s Hospice in Lawrie Park Road, Sydenham, is looking for 200 “team champions” to take part in their upcoming fundraising event.

The hospice is aiming to raise £500,000 in just 36 hours between June 25 and 26 in an effort to meet an increase in demand for services at a time when income has fallen due to the cost of living crisis.

The fundraiser is part of the What Matters Most campaign, set up by the hospice. The campaign will launch on June 25 and will include a short film that tells the story of a number of patients, bereaved family members, and staff.

Ben Parish, now 17, from West Wickham features in the short film and talks about the death of his mum and grandad and the support he received from St Christopher’s Child Bereavement service, Candle.

“I was just 12 years old when my mum died,” he said. 

“I had no idea I was young and confused. St Christopher’s were there for me when I needed them and they might need to be there for you one day too.

“They helped me open up and realise that my mum and my grandad are a part of me. Please become a team champion and donate during the campaign so they can continue to help people.”

Every donation made during the 36-hour online fundraising campaign will be doubled by match funders, giving supporters an opportunity to make a significant impact on people in care at St Christopher’s.

Each fundraising team will have its own dedicated fundraising webpage and compete with other teams to see who can raise the most money.

Philippa Kelham, director of campaigns at St Christopher’s, said: “Our services are more in demand than ever before and we desperately need support from our community to continue our valuable work.

“This is our biggest and boldest fundraising campaign ever and we can only pull it off with the support of our fantastic South London community. 

“From Petts Wood to Bermondsey, Crystal Palace to New Addington and everywhere in between, please join our growing list of team champions so we can reach this huge target and fund our services into the future.”

To join the fundraiser visit www.stchristophers.org.uk/wmm

Pictured top: Ben Parish who appears in St Christopher’s Hospice short video (Picture: Rachel Manns)