4 Feb 2025 Community
Mirfield Gamer Deon Raises £500 for The Kirkwood in Honour of Family Members
Deon Newsome, a 27 year old gamer from Mirfield, has successfully raised over £500 for The Kirkwood through a 24 hour gaming livestream. Deon wanted to raise funds to honour the memory of three close family members who received end of life care from the charity.
Deon’s great uncle Ashley passed away in July 2024 at the age of 58, following a two year battle with bowel cancer. In his final months, Ashley’s wish to remain at home was fulfilled thanks to the dedicated support of The Kirkwood. Reflecting on the experience, Deon shared, “The Kirkwood was there to help and support my family in providing palliative care at home. They gave my uncle his last wish, which was to be at home. For me, it was never just about the gaming or the event, it was about giving back to a charity that had been there for my family during some of our most difficult times.”
The Kirkwood also provided care for Deon’s late great grandmother, Margaret Saville, and his grandfather, Duncan Longbottom, allowing both to remain in the comfort of their own homes. “The care The Kirkwood provided wasn’t just for my family members who were ill; it was for all of us,” Deon explained. “It gave us peace of mind during a really tough time. My mum and grandma, especially, were so supported when my great uncle was in his final weeks. The nurses were always there, providing not only medical care but also emotional support, which made such a difference. It’s something I’ll never forget, and I’ll always be grateful for it.”
Deon decided to combine his passion for gaming with fundraising, creating an event that resonated deeply with his online community. “Streaming is something I’ve always enjoyed, but this time it felt like it had a bigger purpose,” he said. “Gaming for charity combined two things that are important to me, having fun with my community and making an impact in memory of my loved ones.”
The livestream, which took place over a weekend, involved a marathon of games ranging from Call of Duty to FIFA. Deon was overwhelmed by the generosity and enthusiasm of his viewers, many of whom had experienced similar losses. “Gaming communities are more than just groups of people playing together, they’re a support system,” he explained. “Even though they’re from all over the world and might not know The Kirkwood personally, they understood the cause and wanted to be part of something bigger.”
The event reached its peak when donations surpassed the £500 mark, a milestone that left Deon deeply moved. “When we hit the £500 mark, I was honestly overwhelmed. Knowing that every penny was going directly to patient care made it even more special. It was such a powerful reminder of how small actions can create a big impact.”
For Deon, the experience was transformative. “Doing something I love while raising money for such an important cause made the entire experience so fulfilling,” he said. “Streaming and gaming have always been a passion of mine, but this event gave it a new meaning. It wasn’t just about playing games—it was about making a real difference.”
Deon is already planning to build on this success and hopes to turn the initiative into an annual tradition. “I’d absolutely love to do this again, and not just as a one-off event."
Through his efforts, Deon has not only raised vital funds for The Kirkwood but has also inspired others to support the charity. By sharing his story, he has brought attention to the invaluable work the hospice does for families across West Yorkshire.
Check out Deon's channel HERE.
If you'd like to take on your own fundraising initiative then please contact our fundraising team on 01484 557 911.
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