A GRATEFUL Rugby father and his family have raised over £13,000 for a children’s hospice in memory of his daughter.
Casey Forrest died in 2015 at the age of 24.
She had Lissencephaly – a rare birth defect involving an abnormally smooth brain.
Casey Forrest during her time at Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People.
Over the last nine years, her family has been raising money for Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People – the hospice which supported Casey – in her honour.
Their latest donation of £600 from a charity boxing event has taken their total to £13,176.
Casey’s dad Trevor, who lives in Overslade, said: “Casey was supported by Rainbows, in Leicestershire, for two years. Rainbows was a big help to us and Casey loved going there.
“We used to go and stay as a family. We could just be a normal family at Rainbows. We could just be mum and dad rather than being the carers.
“Rainbows was always there for us and is still always there for us if we need it. Fund-raising is our way of saying thank you and it keeps her memory going. And being involved with Rainbows helps us.”
Trevor and a group of friends climbed Mount Snowdon last year to raise money for the hospice.
Other funds over the years have been raised from events such as fancy dress parties, a Wolf Run and bucket collections in Rugby, where Trevor always dresses up as Mr T from the A-Team.
“We are proud to raise money in her memory and we are well supported by friends and family,” said Trevor. “Every penny is for Rainbows and we just want to give thanks back. If we can help anyone else, other families, then that is what we want to do.”
Rainbows Community Fundraiser Kerry Laurie added: “We would like to thank Trevor and everyone who has been involved with his tremendous fund-raising.
“They have all raised an incredible amount, which all goes to helping us keep our doors open and provide care and support to around 750 babies, children and young people.”
