Two West Cumbrian siblings have raised more than £10,000 in memory of their mother who died after a long battle with a brain tumour.
Chris and Olivia Underwood of Whitehaven joined a group of friends in dressing up as superheroes on May 1 and ran 5k around Loweswater in memory of their much-loved mother Claire Underwood, raising £10,671 for Hospice at Home West Cumbria.
Claire passed away last year aged 49 after a long battle with a brain tumour and Chris and Olivia wanted to raise money for the charity that provided them with invaluable support while their mother was ill.
“As a family we have wanted to do something for a while to raise money for Hospice at Home West Cumbria in order to repay how supportive they were during a very difficult time for us and how great they were with mam,” said Chris.
“We wanted to do something that reflected Mams personality and what she enjoyed doing. Mam had a great sense of humour, so we wanted to do something fun. She also enjoyed going on scenic walks in the Lakes with her family.
“We chose to dress up as superheroes to pay tribute to my Mam and everyone who supported her when she needed it most – they are the real superheroes.”
Paying tribute to her mother, Olivia Underwood: said “Our mam Claire was a complete blessing to everyone that knew her. She was so full of life and love, and even throughout her illness remained selfless and grateful every single day.
“The pain of losing her has been unmeasurable and the world is a much darker place without the joy she radiated, but we know how incredibly lucky we are to have known and loved her. We could never have wished for a better mam and we are so thankful that she was ours”.
Gemma Bell, fundraising coordinator for Hospice at Home West Cumbria, said: “We are completely blown away with the amount Chris, Olivia and their friends have raised in memory of their mam Claire. This fantastic amount could pay for all of our palliative home nursing team to support over 60 patients and their families during the most difficult of times, which is absolutely amazing.
“On behalf of everyone at Hospice at Home West Cumbria, thank you to all who was involved in raising this incredible amount – you are all hospice heroes”.
Chris added: “The day couldn’t of went better and we were so lucky to have lovely weather too. We would like to say thank you to everyone who has donated and supported us – including Ink Design Print Cumbria of Whitehaven and J & D Creations and Events of Maryport for supplying banners, medals and balloon arches for the day we are truly grateful to all of you.”
