A family from Battenhall, Worcester, have raised more than £20,000 for charity with a musical tribute to husband and father, Nigel Collinson.
Mrs Tracey Collinson recently organised a fundraising Blue Sky Ball and released a cover single of Mr Blue Sky, all in memory of her late husband, Nigel, who was cared for by St Richard’s Hospice before his death last year.
Mr Collinson, who died last year aged 45, was remembered by family and friends at a memorial Blue Sky Ball which was inspired by his favourite song, Mr Blue Sky by ELO.
The money raised, totalling £20,335, will be donated to St Richard’s, and two other charities close to the family’s heart; Cancer Research and Hugo’s Everyday Living and Play Fund (HELP).
His sons Henry, aged 11, and Charlie, aged seven, are also recording a cover version of the song in aid of Cancer Research, with support from their school friends, The Bellini Strings and choristers from Worcester Cathedral.
Mrs Collinson said; “Without St Richard’s Hospice’s wonderful care and support, Nige would never have made it out of hospital. St Richard’s stepped in at a really crucial time and made Nige’s death really dignified. He was in control and felt peaceful, able to say goodbye to his family and friends in the way he wanted. As a family, we wanted to do something to say thank you for the care they gave.”
St Richard’s Hospice provides free specialist palliative care for patients living with life-threatening illnesses and supports their families. Each year the hospice team supports over 2,600 patients and family members in Worcestershire with compassion, kindness, dignity and respect.
Patients are cared for in Day Hospice, the 17-bed In-patient Unit or in their own homes by a specialist professional team as well as many trained volunteers.
In the In-patient Unit, specialist staff are on hand 24 hours a day to manage patients’ symptoms and where, if appropriate, patients may spend the last few days of life in comfort and dignity. St Richard’s is an independent charity and is grateful for all donations to help it to continue its work.
Photo caption: Lizzie Brazier from St Richard’s, Sam Purser, Kate Hemming, Tracey Collinson, Rachel, Henry and Charlie Collinson