AN EVESHAM brother and sister made a splash along the Cornish coastline to raise cash in memory of their mum’s best friend who was cared for at St Richard’s Hospice.
Abigail and Joe Gisbourne raised £325 swimming from Padstow to Rock in the charity challenge in memory of Glynis Benton who passed away in February at the age of 68.
The kind-hearted duo’s mum Lesley enjoyed a friendship with Mrs Benton spanning 42 years after they first met at a local bus stop in 1976.
When Mrs Benton, also from Evesham, was referred for hospice care her daughter Jacqueline had already booked her wedding.
“The hospice really went above and beyond in their care of Glynis. They even arranged for her to join her daughter on her wedding day. They drove Glynis and I to the venue in Kidderminster, unbeknown to Jacqueline, in the hospice minibus which was decked out with ribbons,” said Mrs Gisbourne.
“Thanks to the hospice, Jacqueline and her husband Dave now have beautiful memories of being able to share their wonderful wedding day with Glynis.”
The brother and sister duo completed the swim in 27 and 26 minutes respectively.
Elder sister Abigail said: “We both have such fond memories of family holidays in Cornwall and decided on the Padstow to Rock swim. Neither of us were prepared for just how incredibly difficult it was going to be; with storms rolling in, waves crashing down and the need to dodge jelly fish, this really was quite the challenge.”
Joe added: “This was without doubt the stupidest thing I have ever signed up for! My training was rather sporadic as every time I was planning on training England were playing in the World Cup. However, it was a thoroughly amazing experience and we are both so proud of what we did and how much money we raised for the hospice who cared so lovingly for our late godmother Auntie Glynis who really meant the world to our mum.”
Jodi Brandwood, fund-raiser at St Richard’s Hospice said : “We are extremely impressed with Abi and Joe’s swim and would like to thank them wholeheartedly for their support and dedication. Glynis continues to hold a very special place in their hearts which is wonderful; she would have been very proud of their achievements.”
St Richard’s has launched the Build 2020 Appeal which aims to raise the final £1.4million needed to build a bigger hospice, enabling more patients and families to be cared for in Worcestershire.
The total cost for expanding and redeveloping the existing building in Wildwood Drive, Worcester, is £5.3million.
Visit www.strichards.org.uk for more.
