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Music to Raise Money By

Monday 16th February 2009

Sheffield Hospitals Charitable Trust has received thousands of pounds on behalf of the Skull Base Research Fund, thanks to the fundraising efforts of a local widow.

 

Irene Seggar, from Sheffield, began fundraising for the Skull Base Research Fund after her husband Bryan sadly passed away in 2006. Bryan was diagnosed with acoustic neuroma only months before, and despite undergoing successful surgery at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital, contracted meningitis four weeks after his operation. An “active and caring family man who was hugely popular”, Bryan shared a lifelong passion for country music with his wife, and it was this shared hobby that inspired Irene to stage country music fundraising nights in his memory.

 

The first event, held in Coal Aston, was organised by country music artiste Paul Martin, and raised an amazing £1,032 for the charity. After the success of the first night, Irene was driven to continue and to date has organised four events across the region, with acts travelling from as far a field as Reading to take part. The latest event was held in October last year at Hilltop Sports and Social Club in Dronfield. The night was one day before what would have been Irene and Bryan’s Ruby Wedding Anniversary and so held a special place in Irene’s heart. The night was a huge success and raised a total of £912. Thomas Carroll, Consultant Neurosurgeon from the Royal Hallamshire Hospital, who had cared for Bryan, and Nick Perks, Director of Sheffield Hospitals Charitable Trust, attended the event to accept the presentation of the cheque.

 

Irene’s son Kieron also became involved in fundraising. In the summer of 2007, Kieron organised a charity walk around the Derbyshire reservoirs and raised £750 in sponsorship.  His employer, Norwich Union, agreed to match Kieron’s sponsorship pound for pound, increasing the total money raised to £1,500.  

 

With the help of friends and family, Irene has helped raise £6,300 to date for the Skull Base Research Fund, with no signs of slowing down in the near future. She says “My family and I went through a very traumatic time when my husband passed away. I want to do all I can to support other families who are going through the same thing and to support the Skull Base Research Fund, to benefit others in the future.”

 

Irene continues “I couldn’t have organised these charity events without the help and support of friends and volunteers and I am very grateful to them for their time and efforts.” 

 

If you would like to get involved, please contact our fundraising team on 0114 226 3415 for more information. 

 

 

 

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