A Wivenhoe couple who have already raised more than £20,000 for Colchester Hospital in their baby son’s memory have organised a book-themed fundraiser to boost the total still further.
Andrew Foster and Catherine Alport will host the inaugural “Rycroft Reads” event at the Nottage Institute on Wivenhoe Quay on Friday 4 October.
It will feature authors Evie Wyld and Karen McLeod in conversation, during which they will share the inspiration for their writing and behind the scenes stories of life as an author. They will also read from their new books.
The event is taking place in memory of Rycroft Alport Foster, who was born with a rare genetic condition called Shwachman-Diamond syndrome (SDS), which meant he needed a bone marrow transplant shortly after his first birthday. The procedure was a success, but Rycroft developed a chest infection during his recovery and sadly died last summer aged just 16 months.
Since then, Andrew and Catherine have raised more than £60,000 to celebrate their son’s memory and thank three charities which supported him, including Colchester’s children’s ward, which is run by East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT).
The couple hope that Colchester’s share of the proceeds from the latest fundraiser will help pay for a reading corner in the hospital’s neonatal unit.
Catherine (pictured above with Rycroft) said: “Rycroft loved books and reading to him during his hospital stays brought us a huge amount of comfort – and entertainment!
“Stories can be immensely powerful and we are thrilled that two talented authors are coming to Wivenhoe to celebrate Rycroft’s life and help continue to fundraise in his name, which will in turn help other children and their families who are spending time on the children’s ward at Colchester.”
Penny Norris, community fundraising manager with Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity, which supports ESNEFT’s services, said: “The generosity of Andrew, Catherine and their friends and family has already made a huge difference to others receiving care at the hospital. We are incredibly grateful for the fundraising they have carried out in Rycroft’s memory.”
Rycroft Reads begins at 7pm. Tickets cost £15 and include a soft drink or glass of wine. Visit the Wivenhoe Books website for more information.
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