Written by Greg Kelly, Community Fundraiser and supporter of St Ann’s Hospice
St Ann’s Hospice are hosting their Forget Me Not services next month to bring together everyone from the community to remember their loved ones.
Greg Kelly has worked at St Ann’s Hospice as a Community Fundraiser for a few years, and as a new dad the Forget Me Not appeal is more important to him than ever.
Greg says: “I’m from Reddish, Stockport near our Heald Green hospice site. My dad, Ian, died on 14th March 2016 after several weeks as an inpatient at this site. Dad had a life-limiting illness called Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
“My family and I have raised over £20,000 for the hospice. This started as a collection at my dad’s funeral and has progressed over the years with me completing half marathons, triathlons, and marathons.
“I am an actor and musician, incorporating these skills into my current role as Community Fundraiser at the hospice by going to schools and community groups to raise awareness of St Ann’s through music.”
Greg ran the London Marathon in 2019 and achieved a Guinness World Record for running as the fastest male doctor to raise funds and help raise awareness about the hospice.
He used to work at the Palace theatre, and after announcing to the audience that there was a collection for the hospice, he raised £4,000 from that day alone. He has also organised open mic nights, as a nod to his dad who was a musician.
The hospice will be holding two special Forget Me Not services on Saturday 8th June, at the Little Hulton site at 10am and at the Heald Green site at 2pm. Everyone is welcome to attend one of the services, which give an opportunity for reflection and celebration of the lives of loved ones.
“The Forget Me Not appeal is important to me as I like coming together with everyone there to remember the loved ones we’ve lost.
“The Forget Me Not services are so moving as I often see the nurses who had cared for my dad. I really value the connection between St Ann’s and our community at these services as so many people come together to remember their loved ones.”
If you have someone to remember, you can also take part in the Forget Me Not appeal by dedicating a flower in the online Memory Meadow. You can add a photo and message if you wish, and share it with family and friends.
Please join Greg in supporting St Ann’s, as every donation makes a real difference to families like his, who receive the very best care at St Ann’s for their loved ones.
Please visit www.sah.org.uk/FMN to add your Forget Me Not to the meadow, register for the services, or for more information about the appeal.