A KIND-HEARTED Silhillian has raised almost £300,000 for a children’s hospice in memory of her grandson and husband.
Jean Fewins and her husband John were motivated to support Acorns Children’s Hospice and its work caring for life limited and life threatened children, after their grandson Sam passed at the charity’s hospice in 1991.
The couple became dedicated fundraisers for Acorns, organising 17 fundraising balls in 27 years to reach £292,583. The most recent ball was held in honour of John, who sadly passed away in 2015 and raised a fantastic £24,000.
Jean said: “Acorns has been so important to John and I. This started with their amazing support for Sam and our family, and then as part of our fundraising journey. When John died I wanted to throw one last ball in his memory.
“He loved organising the balls and golf days in aid of Acorns and was astounded at the generosity of people over the years.
“The last event was really special as it was a farewell to John, and I couldn’t have asked for a better turnout. I am delighted by the total we raised and very proud to be able to donate it to such a worthy cause.”
Acorns relies on the generosity of supporters like Jean and John to raise the nearly £10 million a year needed to fund its vital care.
Toby Porter, Acorns Chief Executive, said: “What these two amazing people have done for Acorns is simply astonishing.
“They set out to raise funds to enable support for other Acorns families but ended as legendary fundraisers who have become part of our rich history.
“We simply couldn’t raise the vital funds we need to exist without people like Jean and John, and it is stories like theirs that I hope inspire the next generation of supporters to do amazing things for our cause.”
This year Acorns is celebrating its 30th anniversary, for more visit www.acorns.org.uk/30years
