23 May 2023 Community

Local businesses raise funds through a sports day event in memory of Mary Byram

On Saturday 1st July, three local businesses, all with a family connection, will compete in ‘The Mary Byram Sports Day’ – a high octane charity fundraising event which will raise funds to help The Kirkwood Support Life!

The inaugural event will see SB Homes (headed up by Stephen Byram), Byram Construction (owned by Steve’s brother, Wayne Byram), and Empire House (run by Steve’s daughter and Wayne’s niece, Amy Byram), will go head-to-head, in a bid to take the trophy home.

Taking place off Waters Road in Marsden, the event will be raising funds to help The Kirkwood as they seek to care for people affected by any life limiting illness across Kirklees. 

Our charity holds a special place in the hearts of the Byram family, after we cared for Mary Byram, Steve and Wayne’s mum, following her diagnosis of heart failure in 2017. Mary sadly died whilst being cared for on our In-Patient Unit in December 2022.

A keen sports-playing family, the sports day is sure to become highly competitive (even  if starts off friendly), with tug-of-war, running games, rounders, archery, an egg-and spoon race and biking all set to take place. 

The event will be a family fun day out, with spectators welcome to watch and make a donation on the day. 

An ice cream van, food stalls, face painters, balloons and a bar will all be available on 

the day too.

Stephen, Amy and Wayne will be team captains, while a scoreboard will be kept updated throughout the day to indicate who is winning. Speaking about the event, Amy commented: “The Kirkwood took care of my nana for six years following her heart failure diagnosis. She first started going for days out to the Braveheart sessions, where she’d not only learn about heart failure, but also take part in activities such as meditation and arts and crafts. At the time, she was nervous about going to new places by herself, but they made her feel so welcome. She made new friendships, and her confidence grew.

“In the few days before she passed away, she was so brave, but her symptoms became unbearable to her, and she chose to go to The Kirkwood, a place she knew she would be looked after for treatment. Unfortunately, there was nothing they could do, but they put her at absolute ease. The nurses and doctors were quite literally, out of this world.

“As a family, we couldn’t have asked for more. From the priest who did a blessing, to the girls who came around to offer us drinks, we felt comforted knowing that our nana was surrounded by such calm professionals. 

“We’re excited to raise some funds for the charity, whilst having some fun.”

Sign up for free here and donate on the day.