Wall of support for TeamVerrico appeal

JD's Cafe, in Fountain Court, Epworth has a new TeamVerrico charity wall mural.

Epworth cafe JD’s, in Fountain Court, celebrated its first birthday with the unveiling of a giant TeamVerrico wall mural.

Cafe owner Ellen Jackson was joined by Paul Verrico for the unveiling, and invited people to make a donation to sign the wall in memory of the late Anna Verrico of Epworth, or to others they have lost.

Mrs Jackson said: “The past year’s fight for Anna Verrico to beat cancer and the launch of the TeamVerrico appeal will never be forgotten.

“The cafe got involved, and I was honoured to be one of those people who pulled together to help raise funds. Sadly, Anna was stolen from her young family and friends despite her bravery.

“I have got to know Paul Verrico and totally understand the slogan that has become synonymous with the charity, of ‘never give up’.”

She continued: “As a tribute to Anna the fundraising continues to aid others in the same sad situation and to fund research to beat this vile disease.”

The date of the official launch of the newly-established charity is now confirmed as July 19 at the Epworth Showground, and will be a grand black tie ball, with celebrity guests, live music, and more details to be released soon.

As TeamVerrico continues to support another cancer sufferer, Debs McNaughton, in her battle against the disease, a major fundraising Tug’o’War is planned for April 26, 2pm on Epworth’s Thurlow playing fields.

Teams of 12 (of which a minimum of two must be female) will compete for the TeamVerrico Tug of war Shield.

A round robin league tournament will be followed by a straight knock out, and team entry is £60. Children’s activities are planned too to make the occasion a family day out.

Chip butties will be provided by the Old School Inn for all participants.

The charity has linked with Epworth business Isle Lose It for the event, and anyone wanting further details should contact Sue Taylor at [email protected] or call 07912 367300.

Sue is also running a Sport Relief Super Camp this weekend, similar to the event that raised around £500 for the Anna Verrico appeal last year.

She said: “We will have three different sessions going on and people can try 15-minute workouts with all proceeds to Sport Relief.

“The Tug’o’War is going ahead as planned and we will start a big push for that from next week.”

A recent sky-dive undertaken by TeamVerrico supporters raised a whopping £1,153 for the appeal.

The charity has a recognised formal constitution and is Isle-based.