WARRINGTON Lions and Warrington Sea Cadets hosted a Ladies Day Race Afternoon to generate funds for Ste, a local man diagnosed with locked-in syndrome.
The event encompassed a tea service, horse racing, and community fundraising initiatives. The race component was generously sponsored by Helen Horne Funeral Directors. Former President Tony Gandy allocated funds from the Sleigh 2024 appeal, while current President Carol Kilgannon played a pivotal role in the event’s creation. Collectively, they successfully raised £4,793 towards the acquisition of a specialised adapted wheelchair.
The total cost of the wheelchair is £8,300, with the remaining balance being secured through additional fundraising activities orchestrated by Ste’s family.
Ste was admitted to Warrington Hospital on August 5, 2024, presenting with double pneumonia. Subsequently, he was transferred to Aintree Hospital for investigations related to vasculitis. On November 2, 2024, he was discovered unresponsive following a brain haemorrhage and was then transferred to Walton Hospital for medical intervention.
Since then, he has experienced recurrent infections, attributed to the immunosuppressive effects of chemotherapy medication. Ste currently has a tracheostomy, exhibits limited volitional movement of his limbs, and communicates through the use of yes-and-no cards.
Ste continues to receive hospital care as he battles his condition. His wife has characterised him as “the strongest man she knows.”
The Warrington Lions extend their gratitude to all Lion members who contributed to the event’s organisation, as well as to all attendees and generous donors who supported Ste and his family.
