A team of determined fundraisers has successfully completed an incredible endurance challenge after carrying a sofa bed all the way from Blackpool to Warrington, raising thousands of pounds for St Rocco’s Hospice and helping fund lifesaving defibrillators for local sports teams.
Led by Lee Kinsey and Vinnie Yearsley, the group of friends set off from Blackpool Tower earlier this month and battled soaring temperatures of around 26°C as they carried the sofa bed for the entire journey, raising arounf £11,000 so far.
After walking continuously for around 24 hours, the exhausted but jubilant team received a rousing welcome from family, friends and supporters as they arrived back in Warrington, celebrating the successful completion of one of the toughest fundraising challenges they have ever undertaken.
The remarkable effort was organised to raise vital funds for St Rocco’s Hospice, which provides specialist palliative care and support for people living with life-limiting illnesses across Warrington, while also helping to provide six defibrillators for six local sports teams.
Lee Kinsey and Vinnie Yearsley have long been passionate supporters of the hospice, regularly organising fundraising events to help ensure local families continue receiving the care and support they need.
St Rocco’s Hospice relies heavily on community fundraising, needing to raise more than £15,000 every day towards its annual running costs of more than £5.2 million.
Speaking after completing the challenge, Lee said: “It was without doubt the toughest thing we’ve ever done, but the support we received throughout the route and when we arrived back in Warrington made every painful step worthwhile.
“We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has donated, cheered us on or shared our fundraiser. Every penny will make a real difference to St Rocco’s Hospice and help provide potentially lifesaving defibrillators for local sports clubs.”
Although the challenge has now been completed, there is still one final opportunity for people to support the fundraising effort.
Donations remain open until this Friday, giving supporters a last chance to contribute towards the team’s outstanding achievement and help boost the final fundraising total.
Anyone wishing to donate can still do so via the team’s JustGiving page before the appeal closes on Friday. Every contribution, no matter how large or small, will help support specialist hospice care in Warrington and improve access to lifesaving equipment in the local community.
Donations can be made at: https://www.justgiving.com/page/blackpool-warrington26?utm_medium=FA&utm_source=CL
