29 Jun 2017 Community

Teenager’s Touching Fundraiser

Local lad, Ethan Stone, 17, shares a night of fundraising fun with friends in memory of his mother, Emma Stone, to raise thousands towards Kirkwood Hospice patient care

A young man from Dewsbury, Ethan Stone, has raised a staggering £5,804.93 in aid of Kirkwood Hospice in a touching tribute to his mother, Emma Stone.

Making the decision to give back to Kirkwood Hospice after the care they provided for his mother at the end of her life, Ethan took it upon himself to raise as much as possible towards patient care.

The fantastic total, which will contribute significantly towards the outstanding care and support provided by the Hospice, has been put towards a Tribute Fund set up by Ethan's family.

The fund will ensure that other friends and family members can contribute towards Emma’s memory with any of their own fundraising efforts in the future.

Ethan and friends Henry, Tom and Josh with Kirkwood Hospice nurse, Caroline Calvert

 

Setting the scene on the 7th April was the Comrades Club in Heckmondwike, which was home to Ethan’s night of fundraising marvels.

Participating in various fundraising activities throughout the night, from raffles to live entertainment, Ethan, along with a group of 14 supportive friends, pulled out all the stops to host the fundraising night of the year in Emma’s honour.

Ethan and his friends even went the extra mile by shaving their heads in return for sponsorship, in a true tribute of their dedication towards the cause.

Friends of Ethan’s and local Rock ‘n’ Roll band, “Anam Cara”, provided the entertainment for the evening which created a buzz that rang through the night and helped to raise a huge total in aid of Kirkwood Hospice.

Ethan and his friends sporting their new look

 

Commenting on the success of the night, Ethan said: “Thank you everyone for your support. I can’t imagine how proud my mum would be.”

In wake of their huge achievements, Ethan and friends, Henry, Tom and Josh, paid the Hospice a visit on Saturday 17th June for a much-deserved cheque presentation, and to receive thanks for their incredible support.

In a poignant coincidence, the nurse pictured with the boys on the day, Caroline Calvert, actually contributed towards the care provided for Ethan’s mum, Emma, when she spent her time in Kirkwood Hospice at the end of her life.

Caroline was delighted to be in the picture, and to receive the funds, and thanked all of the boys for their hard work.

"Supporters like Ethan are allowing us to keep our doors open and for that, we are all so grateful." Lyndsey Richardson

Kirkwood Hospice Community Fundraiser, Lyndsey Richardson, who attended the recent cheque presentation, is extremely touched by Ethan’s story and wishes to pass on her thanks on behalf of the Hospice.

Lyndsey said: “What Ethan and his friends have achieved is nothing short of incredible. Kirkwood Hospice relies on the generosity and support of the local community to continue the wonderful care that we provide; supporters like Ethan are allowing us to keep our doors open and for that, we are all so grateful.”