Fundraising friends run 30 miles for Leeds hospice in memory of Cecelia, one

The Boston Spa hospice was a cause close to the hearts of one of the runners, Jack Firth, 28, of Outwood, Wakefield, whose niece Cecelia received their care before she sadly died just after her first birthday, having been diagnosed with the life-limiting genetic condition 1.p36. The "incredible" support the hospice provided for Ceclia and her mum - Jack's sister - Esme Westmoreland and dad James, spurred Jack and his friends on to organise a fundraising challenge as a way of saying thank you. And this weekend, the five-strong group - which also included Rob Mynett of Barnsley, Joe Metcalfe of Huddersfield and Sam Beresford and Joe Butcher, both of Manchester - managed to complete the gruelling 30-mile run from Manchester to Huddersfield, taking in the 1,200ft climb up Saddleworth Moor. So far, the fundraisers have managed to collect over £4,000 for Martin House through their justgiving page and said they had amazing support along the route from friends and family. Jack said: "There were some really tough sections but we had some great support from all our family and friends throughout. "By the end we were all aching from top to bottom but we made it round and can look back now and smile about what we’ve achieved. "We’re so pleased with the money we have raised and so grateful to everyone that came out and cheered us on. "It was a great way to remember Cecelia and to give back to Martin House who have provided my family with such invaluable support." In April, the Yorkshire Evening Post reported how the Boston Spa hospice, which cares specifically for children and young people, was expecting to lose £1.7m in essential funding due to the pandemic. Since then, hospice chiefs have revised their figures to reveal an estimated £2.2m loss in voluntary income this financial year - despite overall running costs remaining at £9m a year. Daisy Mankee, regional fundraiser for Martin House, said: "It was a brilliant day, and the boys were in just as good spirits at the end as they were at the start. We are very moved that Jack was inspired to do this challenge with his friends in memory of Cecelia. "The money they've raised with the run means that this year Esme and James, and their families, have raised around £20,000 for Martin House. We can't thank them enough for such incredible support. "Now more than ever, we need the support of people across our communities, to make sure we are there to support families like Esme and James' in the future." To add to the group's fundraising total, visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/daft-lads-dash A message from the Editor: Leeds has a fantastic story to tell - and the Yorkshire Evening Post has been rooted firmly at the heart of telling the stories of our city since 1890. We believe in ourselves and hope you believe in us too. We need your support to help ensure we can continue to be at the heart of life in Leeds. Subscribe to our website and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe. For more details on our newspaper subscription offers click here. Thank you Laura Collins