Anna Sim raised a phenomenal £6,750 in memory of loving husband and father, Murray, after he was cared for by Birmingham Hospice staff.
Together with daughters Lauren and Kirsten, devoted wife Anna organised a golf tournament in honour of Murray on his birthday at nearby Pype Hayes Golf Club.
When Murray had been diagnosed with stomach cancer, he and his family were supported by our Hospice at Home team before he moved into the Inpatient Unit (IPU) in Erdington. He was cared for with dignity and comfort and died with his family around him on October 9.
The special golf day featured a host of fun challenges, including Nearest the Pin and Yellow Ball. The competitor who recorded the highest score also won the inaugural Murray Cup, which will now be held in his honour each year.
“People were in great spirits, and the atmosphere was lovely. There were donations for the beer and snacks, and it all went so well, except when we broke down in the golf buggy on the course,” said Anna.
Participants bid for signed football shirts, golf memorabilia and a week’s holiday in Bulgaria in an auction on the day.
The day surpassed Anna’s expectations by raising £6,000.
She said: “I had set a target of about £1,000, so to have raised over £6,000 is amazing.”
A Euros sweepstake at her place of work, as well as a raffle for a Body Shop calendar, ensured she reached the final fantastic amount.
Murray had recovered from kidney cancer in 2016 but was diagnosed with stomach cancer in March 23 after a period when he had been in-and-out of hospital.
The Hospice at Home team was able to provide vital advice and help Anna’s family during this difficult time. Murray then made the decision to move to Erdington IPU.
Anna said: “We are coming up to the year anniversary of Murray’s death, and the support we are still receiving is vital, and having that support network is so important.
“Grief is not a straight line. I will carry it with me forever, but it will look and feel different as time goes on.”
The Sim’s family fundraising could pay for someone to have round-the-clock expert palliative and end of life care in our Inpatient Unit. Well done, Anna, Kirsten, and Lauren. We are so proud of you!
Earlier in the year, Birmingham Hospice launched a Crisis Appeal to raise awareness of the increasing costs impacting our work.
Kirsten added: “The need for facilities like this is so important, and fundraising is so important for here. We were shocked to hear the news of the funding crisis, as the hospice is crucial and vital.”
Do you want to get involved and support your local hospice? Find out how you can help here: Organise your own fundraising – Birmingham Hospice.
