By Keris Gurney, Adam’s sister
2024 was a truly unforgettable year, defined by incredible dedication, unity, and celebration, as we marked the milestone of what would have been Adam’s 30th birthday.
As a family, we wanted to mark Adam’s special birthday in a meaningful way—by giving back to two causes that are incredibly close to all of our hearts.
With the support of so many wonderful people, we raised a total of £36,250.81 through a series of charity events, all in aid of St Richard’s Hospice and The Brain Tumour Charity.
We chose to honour Adam’s birthday by supporting St Richard’s Hospice, a place that provided him with exceptional care during his final months in 2016 after a four-year battle with a glioblastoma brain tumour.
The hospice team—doctors, nurses, and volunteers—were a constant source of comfort and support, offering far more than just medical treatment. They created a safe and peaceful environment during our family’s most difficult time, helping us navigate those final moments with compassion and care.
The hospice itself provided an incredibly warm, comforting environment where nothing was too much trouble. Amidst the sadness, St Richard’s gave us a place to continue making special memories with Adam, right up until his final moments—something we will forever be grateful for.
We wanted to give back to St Richard’s as a thank you for the care Adam received and to help them continue offering the same level of support to other families facing similar challenges. We will always be deeply grateful for the lasting impact they had on Adam’s life—and ours.
Inspiringat30’s Year of Fundraising
Throughout 2024, we took on a series of tough challenges and events, all in memory of Adam, with the aim of raising as much money as possible for St Richard’s Hospice and The Brain Tumour Charity.
Each challenge was a way to celebrate Adam’s legacy, push our limits, and bring people together for a cause that has deeply impacted our lives.
Here’s a look at the incredible moments and milestones we achieved throughout the year:
1. Charity Cyclothon – 26 January 2024
We kicked off the year with a Charity Cyclothon, where our goal was to collectively cover 1,994 kilometres across 12 hours, in honour of Adam’s birth year. With 49 participants from all over the country, we had an incredible day, setting the tone for an unforgettable year of giving!
2. Bath Half Marathon – 17 March 2024
Six of us took part in the Bath Half Marathon, running the 13.1-mile course in Adam’s memory. It was the first personal challenge of the year, and seeing so many others running for causes close to their hearts was incredible!
3. Manchester Marathon – 14 April 2024
Our team of four faced the ultimate test at the Manchester Marathon, pushing through all 26.2 miles. This was another incredible day of determination and success, making the aches, pains and blisters all worth it!
4. 10-Mile Tough Mudder – 18 May 2024
As the name suggests, this event was no walk in the park! A team of 13 brave souls took on the London West 10-mile Tough Mudder, facing off against challenging obstacles, thick mud, ice-cold water, and everything in between. It was a very intense day, yet full of plenty of laughs. The team truly came together, pushing each other all the way to the finish line!
5. The National Three Peaks Challenge – 20 to 21 July 2024
Without a doubt, the National Three Peaks Challenge was one of the most physically demanding events we’ve taken on. With an amazing turnout of 22 walkers and four drivers, we set out to conquer the three highest mountains in the UK—Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, and Snowdon—all in 30 hours! The journey was gruelling, but it was also one of the most rewarding experiences, made even more meaningful by the presence of so many of Adam’s loved ones.
Spreading Adam’s ashes at the summit of each mountain was an incredibly special moment, keeping him with us every step of the way!
6. Charity Skydive – 28 July 2024
This event was for all of our thrill-seekers! With an incredible turnout of nine brave jumpers, they took to the skies for a charity skydive, leaping from thousands of feet above the ground. Spectating this event was incredible, and the team’s courage was unbelievable!
Not only did they face their fears, but they also raised an incredible amount of money in the process. We couldn’t be prouder of this fearless group for taking on such an epic challenge in Ad’s memory!
7. Charity Football Match – 22 June 2024
Blessed with beautiful weather, we hosted a charity football match in memory of Adam. Friends and family came together for a friendly yet competitive game, and the day was filled with laughter and great energy. With an amazing turnout, both players and spectators helped create an incredible atmosphere, all while contributing to our fundraising goals!
8. Charity Tennis Tournament – 3 August 2024
To conclude our series of physical challenges, we hosted a charity tennis tournament, which was a fantastic success. With more than 20 participants and a great crowd of spectators, the day was filled with friendly competition and plenty of fun.
9. Charity Garden Parties – September 2024
Amid the excitement of our challenges, the charity garden parties provided a welcome chance to unwind, celebrate, and raise a glass to Adam with family and friends, all while continuing to raise funds for our two incredible causes.
10. The InspiringAt30 Festive Charity Ball
The grand finale of our fundraising year was the InspiringAt30 Festive Charity Ball, a true celebration of Adam’s 30th birthday year and all the incredible achievements we made in raising funds for St Richard’s Hospice and The Brain Tumour Charity.
The evening was filled with love and unity as Adam’s family and friends gathered to enjoy a night of entertainment and celebration. Thanks to the generosity of our guests, ticket sales, an incredible silent auction, and a charity raffle, we raised just under £10,000 at this event alone, which is truly remarkable!
Not only did the ball help us raise vital funds; it was an opportunity to come together, celebrate Adam’s life, and keep his memory alive. It was the perfect way to close out a year of challenges, triumphs, and unforgettable moments—a night filled with love and an overwhelming sense of gratitude.
Reflecting on the year…
Thanks to the support and commitment of so many generous individuals, we raised an incredible £13,401.81 for St Richard’s Hospice over the course of the year. Across these 11 events, we had a total of 330 participants and received over 560 individual donations.
We are deeply grateful for the unwavering support, generosity, and dedication shown by everyone who backed us from start to finish.
Last year was one of love, reflection, and a powerful commitment to honouring Adam’s memory, all while raising much needed funds for two incredible charities.
We will forever be thankful to St Richard’s Hospice for the profound impact they had on Adam’s life and on our entire family during a difficult time. We remain committed to giving back to this amazing cause—thank you for everything you do!
