We have been blown away by fundraiser Jane Pearce, whose grandson is undergoing treatment for a brain tumour. She was inspired to raise funds for our Beam campaign after seeing the remarkable difference the ultrasound vein-finding machines have made to his cannulation experience, a tricky and painful procedure. Seeing how much the technology helps alleviate discomfort and distress, she wanted to help more unwell children across the UK in a similar way.
So she walked 16 miles along the Thames, with a donkey in tow.
She and Bobby the donkey, along with her sister Clare, friend Jane and Molly the dog, trekked the half-marathon route from Goring towards Caversham and back again, raising a staggering £16,079.
They enjoyed glorious April weather and beautiful behaviour from Bobby and Molly. The combination of a famous local donkey and a young boy’s story was a compelling one, and plenty of strangers stopped along the way to donate and share their own experiences.
Many people they met spoke of their experiences of cannulation trauma and described it repeatedly as the worst part of their medical treatment. For Jane, hearing these stories firsthand reinforced the purpose of their donkey walk.
‘The walk was a real pleasure,’ she said. ‘The scenery was gorgeous, the weather fantastic…well-behaved animals and lots of friendly strangers we met along the way.’
Donations ranged from £2 to £2,000, and after the walk, when Jane circulated a thank-you letter, a late gift of £5,000 arrived.
Jane’s total makes great strides in our Beam campaign’s efforts to fund ultrasound vein-finders for all 26 specialist paediatric centres in the UK, and will go a long way toward ensuring every child facing surgery has a smoother, less distressing cannulation experience.
‘What an incredible amount this inspired fundraising event has raised. We are enormously grateful to Jane, her co-walkers and, of course, Bobby. These vital funds delivered by Jane generously giving her time and care are the lifeblood of our campaign and will go a long way to supporting thousands of children as they navigate their surgical journey.’ said Helen Ison, our CEO.
If you are inspired to organise your own fundraising event, please contact Helen Ison.