Liam Ingram is wearing shorts for a year to raise funds for St Richard’s Hospice
A 10-year-old schoolboy is swapping trousers for shorts in a year-long challenge to raise funds for the hospice which cared for his aunt.
Liam Ingram, from Worcester, is over a month into the unusual challenge and intends to wear shorts every day of the year – whatever the weather.
The youngster is raising money for St Richard’s Hospice, which cared for his aunt Mel Baker before she died in 2014.
“I wanted to do something a bit different to raise money so decided on this,” said Liam, who is a pupil at Perdiswell Primary School.
“I just want to do something for my Auntie Mel as I miss her a lot and like to remember her. I’m looking forward to the challenge but hoping we don’t have snow as it might be a bit cold in my shorts!”
Liam’s challenge is the latest in a long list of fundraising events by the Ingram family in support of St Richard’s.
Jay Ingram, Liam’s 11-year-old brother, has completed various sponsored events including swimming, cycling and even a sponsored silence.
Liam’s mum, Sabrina Ingram, said: “Jay made us really proud with what he started and now Liam is carrying it on. He is a determined little boy.
“Liam was only five when he lost his auntie. He does remember coming to St Richard’s to visit which is why it is really important for him to continue supporting the amazing work the hospice does.
“It has been a difficult few years, but it is really good to keep my sister-in-law’s memory alive and to raise money to help others who are going through what we went through.”
The money raised by Liam will help St Richard’s continue to provide its free care to patients with serious, progressive illnesses, their loved ones and bereaved people across the county.
Rachel Jones, Fundraising Manager at St Richard’s, said: “We absolutely love Liam’s imaginative challenge. We wish him all the best for the year ahead and hope he doesn’t get too chilly in the winter months!
“It is so heart-warming to see such a young fundraiser so dedicated to supporting the hospice care we provide. We are very grateful to Liam – and his family – for their tireless fundraising for St Richard’s.”
To support Liam with a donation, visit: www.justgiving.com/sabrina-ingram4.
St Richard’s Hospice cares for adults with a serious progressive illness, improving their quality of life from diagnosis, during treatment and to their last days. It also supports their loved ones.
Each year the hospice team supports more than 3,400 patients, family members and bereaved people in Worcestershire.
St Richard’s is an independent charity and relies on donations and gifts in Wills for the majority of its income with 22% funded by the NHS.
The hospice is also raising funds for the Build 2020 Appeal and is part way through developing a bigger hospice, enabling more patients and families to be cared for in Worcestershire. The total cost for expanding and redeveloping the existing building in Wildwood Drive, Worcester, is £5.3m.
For more information about St Richard’s Hospice visit: www.strichards.org.uk.
