A sponsored sleepover by a group of strangers raised more than £1,300 in memory of a much-loved Tarporley man.
The family of Richard Pover, who died of testicular cancer in June 2013 aged just 21, had a chance meeting with a teacher from Kirkby High School when they were out one night at the theatre in Liverpool.
Richard’s mum Anne got talking to Sue Baker and told her about Richard’s brave battle with the disease, which happened while he was studying mechanical engineering at the University of Sheffield.
Sue promised all her year 7 pupils would help fundraise and before long, had arranged a sponsored sleepover that raised an impressive £1,378.55 which will go towards a permanent endowment award in Richard’s name at the University of Sheffield.
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Anne said: “I still cannot believe that they could be so kind – they don’t know me, I don’t come from Liverpool, yet they still wanted to help and given the tragic link between Liverpool and Sheffield, it just goes to show how kind-hearted they are.
“Headteacher Bill Leyland even thanked me for giving the children the chance to think about people in the wider community. I am totally overwhelmed by their kindness – it made me cry!”
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Anne visited the school where she was presented with the cheque, which has helped push the fundraising total up to a staggering £22,000.
“It is so important to us as a family to set up this perpetual scholarship in Richard’s memory, to ensure that he will never be forgotten and when strangers donate, as well as friends, it renews our faith in humanity,” she said.
To donate to Richard’s appeal, visit www.justgiving.com/rememberingrichardpover
