Hospice supporter and patient Sam Perkins has raised £40K for Nottinghamshire Hospice and Motor Neurone Disease research.
Sam, a triathlete who was diagnosed with MND in 2018, aged just 37, set up his own charity with his wife Emma to help others with Sam’s condition.
Although lockdown scuppered many of their plans, they have still managed to raise funds through a series of activities including sales of a children’s book featuring Sam – which has raised more than £1k; encouraging friends and supporters to take part in the East Leake Triathlon in the summer – which brought in £5K, and a Halloween virtual quiz.
Sam’s friend James ran 40 km for his 40th birthday, and other supporters completed the virtual London Marathon. Another of Sam’s friends, who runs a micro-brewery, has produced a special beer called Good Deed Ale – sales of which have generated £800 for the charity.
Sam said: “This year has been tough because a lot of our plans had to be scrapped due to Coronavirus restrictions. Emma and I had some trips away planned but these got cancelled as they ramped up the tiers, and now we’re in a second lockdown.
“We’ve been fundraising where we can, and we’re really pleased to meet the £40K mark.
“It’s frustrating not to be able to get out and do stuff, but I still get cared for really well at home.”
Before lockdown, Sam came to the hospice once a week for counselling and massage therapy. He now receives counselling over the phone and regular visits at home from hospice Complementary Therapist Matt. He’s also taken part in some Zoom socials with other members of the hospice young adult’s group. Sam has also received some support from hospice nursing teams at night.
“I miss my visits to the hospice but It’s good to still be able to receive counselling and massage, and which is invaluable, and to catch up with the young adult’s group too. The hospice at home support we’ve had at night has been excellent as well.”
Gemma Taylor-Mahon, Fundraising Manager at Nottinghamshire Hospice, said: “Sam is such an inspiration. Lockdown must be especially tough for him and his family, but he always remains so positive. We’re so grateful for everything he’s done to raise funds for the hospice.”