FRIENDS of a devoted mum who died from cancer earlier this year have launched a fundraising drive for a new scanner for her local hospice.
Bev Connolly was just 47 when she died at St Benedict’s Hospice, Ryhope, Sunderland, at the end of January following a lengthy illness.
Bev had been a patient at St Benedict’s throughout her illness and teambev, led by her good friends, Paula Lydiatt and Marguerite Harvey, had been raising funds throughout last year for the hospice. Now, following a last wish from Bev, the team are channelling their efforts into raising £14,000 for a scanner for the hospice.
Their fundraising efforts will continue on what would have been Bev’s 48th birthday on Saturday (March 26) with afternoon tea and a charity rugby match at Houghton Rugby Club from noon to 4pm.
It marks the start of 16 challenges to be undertaken during 2016 when teambev runs the Kielder Night Marathon, in Northumberland, on Saturday night after the tea.
Marguerite, of Houghton-le-Spring, said: “When Bev needed any investigative treatment she always had to leave the hospice and go to hospital and she hated that, so hopefully the scanner will mean more people can stay in the hospice instead of having to travel for treatment.”
The team will fluctuate in size for different events and will reach 50 people at times. Challenges include the Great North Run and the Coast to Coast.
Team Bev will also be putting on events, such as a race night and afternoon tea with the fundraisers culminating in a grand masquerade ball in October. Money raised throughout this year will also go to The Alzheimer’s Society and the charity Brain Tumour Research.
The team is backed by Bev’s husband Paul and her stepson, Liam, 25, and sons Jamie, 19, and Oliver, 12. They will also have the support of the First Herrington Scout Group where Bev was a leader.
Marguerite added: “Bev was such a lovely person and more than 400 people at her funeral. We all want to do this for Bev, Paul and the boys. I’ll be doing all of the challenges throughout the year but anyone can join in along the way.”
Bev had worked as a special needs teacher for Springboard and worked closely with Houghton Kepier School as well as other schools and colleges in the area.
Bev had been diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005 and following treatment did go into remission. She was later diagnosed with a brain tumour in January 2014.
Catrina Flynn, fundraising manager at St Benedict’s Hospice, said: “Bev was a truly beautiful person and will be much missed by those who knew her. The love of all her friends and family shines through. We’re really grateful and proud that the team will be working hard throughout this year to raise funds for the hospice.”
*Tickets are on sale for a teambev barn dance on July 16 which will be held at Greenshields Farm, in Newbottle. Tickets are priced from £10 with a cowboy/girl dress code. Contact Paula Lydiatt on 07919033282 for tickets.
Details on Team Bev’s just giving page can be found at: www.justgiving.com/teams/bev16
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