Emsworth charity Verity's Gift boosted by extraordinary supporters taking on fundraising challenges
EXTRAORDINARY fundraisers are taking on challenges for an Emsworth charity set up in memory of a popular mum and wife who died after a short illness.
A five-year-old jogging 60 miles, a school teacher taking on 250km during May and a woman overcoming her multiple sclerosis to walk more than she ever has have each raised hundreds of pounds for Verity’s Gift.
The charity was launched in March by George ‘Topsy’ Turner, to carry on the legacy of beloved wife Verity who died in 2018 following a brain haemorrhage.
Verity, mother to their five-year-old daughter Harriet, spent many happy times with the family in Emsworth Park - so George’s mission is to complete a £100,000 renovation of the run-down children’s play area, before moving on to other community projects.
Fitness coach George and Lisa Saunders have raised more than £3,000 doing free online fitness sessions through Innovations Fitness’s Facebook page every day since lock down started.
Five-year-old Daisy Berwick was inspired to help when her mum Theresa explained what the charity was aiming to do with the playground.
Emsworth Primary School pupil Daisy decided to cover 60 miles through Emsworth, Westbourne, Southborne and Bosham to raise funds.
Theresa said: ‘I think it’s lovely, I’m really proud of her. She’s naturally a caring girl so I wasn’t surprised!
‘She’s aware that even the smallest amount will make a big difference.’
Daisy has already raised more than £370 - with around 40 miles still to go.
Debi Snowdon, from Emsworth, has multiple sclerosis and finds walking any distance difficult, but was determined to make a difference while she is confined to home.
The 57-year-old, whose daughter Bryony knew Verity well, completed seven one-mile walks over a two-week period with the support of her carers.
Debi, who has raised more than £500, said: ‘I was inspired by Captain Tom. Every day I found it hard work, walking round was hard.’
Initially aiming to run 10km for every letter in Verity’s Gift, Alice Melly has taken on the effort of completing 250km throughout May.
The teacher, who has completed more than 140km so far and raised £1,000, said: ‘I am so pleased to be able to be part of the fundraising for this fantastic charity. Particularly after this lockdown, our children are going to need somewhere safe to play and learn to socialise again. At the moment Emsworth park is not fit for this purpose.
‘More sponsorship will help me on my way to 250km, and maybe even push me further. I would love to see this amount continue to rise.’
George, who is set to take on a Three Peaks challenge in a few months’ time, said: ‘It’s very humbling and gives me an immense amount of pride that people will go the extra mile to help raise money for our charity.
‘One day I will sit down with Harriet and show her what her mummy meant to so many people and how her legacy lives on in Verity’s Gift. Verity would be so proud too.’
To support Verity’s Gift with a donation, visit justgiving.com/veritysgift.