Marathon, Mastermind and music raise cash for South Yorkshire charities

A mum whose daughter has cerebral palsy is to put on her running shoes and complete her first marathon to raise money for Sheffield Children's Hospital.
Amy Usher, left, with her sister Beth and Steelers star Tim Spencer with the play-off champions trophyAmy Usher, left, with her sister Beth and Steelers star Tim Spencer with the play-off champions trophy
Amy Usher, left, with her sister Beth and Steelers star Tim Spencer with the play-off champions trophy

Kate Kelly, from Sheffield, wants to say thank you for the care her daughter, Abbi, has received.

If she raises £500, pupils at Sacred Heart Primary School in Hillsborough, where Kate is the headteacher, can take part in a fundraising sculpture trail project this summer.

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Her pupils will join youngsters from more than 70 schools taking part in the Little Herd trail project - a parade of elephant calf sculptures designed and decorated by children, which will be launched a month before the main Herd of Sheffield sculpture trail is unveiled in July.

The Herd of Sheffield trail will see more than 40 elephant sculptures designed by artists displayed in Sheffield streets, parks and open spaces between July and September.

The sculptures, all sponsored by businesses, will then be auctioned off to raise money for The Children’s Hospital Charity.

Kate who has signed up for the Manchester Marathon with her husband, Phil, said: “I am hoping to raise enough to cover the £500 and then some. I just want to support The Children’s Hospital Charity in any way I can, because of all the amazing care they have given my daughter over the years.

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“She has had countless operations, and everyone from the nurses and doctors, admin staff, play team, cleaners and lunch ladies are incredible.”

Gemma Bower, community fundraiser at The Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “We have been overwhelmed by the number of schools who have chosen to join the Little Herd to help showcase the amazing creativity of children in our region. “Kate is a long-time supporter of our charity, so we are delighted that she has got on board to support us again with this project – and can’t wait to see what her pupils come up with.”

Sheffield Steelers fan Amy Usher, who lost a battle against a rare form of throat disease last year, is the inspiration behind a 96 mile fundraising trek.

Fellow Steelers fan Christopher Lee, 28, is preparing to embark on a 96 mile trek over the Scottish Highlands to raise money for Weston Park Hospital in Sheffield, which specialises in treating cancer.

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Fans were moved by Amy’s battle and were left devastated when she died at the age of 21 last March.

“Weston Park Hospital showed unwavering support to a fellow Steeler’s fan, 21-year-old Amy Usher, who sadly lost her battle with cancer last March. The day my walk begins will be a poignant day as it will be exactly one year on from the day Amy sadly lost her battle,” said Christopher, from Gainsborough.

“In Amy’s memory, I hope to complete this walking challenge and make a difference to the vital and impressive facility that provides support to so many cancer patients across South Yorkshire and beyond.

“Unfortunately most of us have experienced cancer in our lives, whether directly or through a loved one. The very wonderful and courageous Amy Usher was very brave and went above and beyond; and if I can achieve even a quarter of what she managed I would be very proud.”

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Actress Jane Hazlegrove, who stars in the BBC’s Casualty, paid a visit to Cavendish Cancer Care in Sheffield to hand over a cheque for £3,000 that she won for the charity.

Jane, who has played the character Katherine ‘Dixie’ Dixon since 2006, chose to support Cavendish Cancer Care in the Christmas Celebrity Special of Mastermind because of the help and support a number of her friends have received there.

She answered questions on author Harper Lee and beat her fellow celebrities to the grand prize.

“I chose to support Cavendish because they have supported some very dear friends of mine and their work is just incredible. So many of us are affected by cancer and it’s great that Sheffield has such a brilliant facility in Cavendish Cancer Care,” said Jane.

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Doncaster builder Alan Rodwell, 48, from Skellow, has hit the right notes with two charities after producing a CD to raise cash for them both.

His CD, called Tribute Songs, was produced in memory of his mum and two brothers, who all died of cancer.

Proceeds will be split between Cancer Research UK and St John’s Hospice in Doncaster.

It can be bought for £6 from the hospice reception, The Staff of Life pub in Doncaster town centre or from Angie’s Tasty Corner Café, Hexthorpe.

Useful numbers:

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To sponsor Kate Kelly for the Manchester Marathon visit Peak Rockers

To support Christopher Lee on his 96-mile trek visit Chris’s 154km Walk for Weston Park Cancer Hospital

To find out more about Cavendish Cancer Care call 0114 278 4600.

Anyone interested in raising money for The Children’s Hospital Charity should call 0114 2717203 or visit Children’s Hospital Charity

Visit Weston Park Hospital Cancer Charity to find out about helping Weston Park Hospital Cancer Charity.