Gosport business donates money to Sophie’s Legacy
A POPULAR BUSINESS in Gosport has recently donated a total of £1,136 to the local ‘Sophie’s Legacy’ charity after a fundraising campaign, which was carried out in memory of Sophie Fairall who tragically passed away at the age of ten from cancer back in 2021.
Covers Timber & Builders Merchants raised this money through a series of depot fundraising activities including a ‘guess how many nails in a jar’ challenge, raffle, and generous donations from customers. These efforts generated £568 and Covers doubled this amount through a company-wide match-funding initiative, thus bringing the total to £1,136.
These funds have been presented to ‘Sophie’s Legacy’ and it is hoped that the money is used by the charity to help honour the changes that Sophie wanted. She was diagnosed with the rare childhood cancer Rhabdomyosarcoma in September 2020 and passed away just one year later; despite enduring nine rounds of chemotherapy and seven weeks of radiotherapy.
Her story was followed by thousands of people and Sophie was an inspiration to many as each step was documented on Facebook; which allowed her and family to push for changes that have even been discussed in the House of Commons. MP, Dame Caroline Dinenage, has also been a solid supporter of the charity and its work as she pushes ministers on the subject of childhood cancer.
Sophie hoped for hospitals to have play specialists available seven days a week and better food for children; alongside provision for parents to be fed while staying with their child. She further wanted improved training for GPs and health professionals in childhood cancer as well as an increase in the current 3% funding for crucial research, which would be used to improve treatments and outcomes for young patients.
The charity also supports families who have children in hospitals in Portsmouth and Southampton; helping to fund snack / toiletry boxes, transport, emergency clothing, and more.
The money raised by Covers was presented to Charlotte Fairall, Sophie’s mother and CEO of Sophie’s Legacy during a recent charity football match contested between Portsmouth Legends and a veteran Manchester United team. This was held at the home of AFC Portchester and further raised money for the charity.
Charlotte Fairall commented: “We are so grateful when local businesses like Covers get involved and show their support for Sophie’s Legacy. Every penny raised goes towards continuing Sophie’s mission of making life a little better for children undergoing cancer treatment, as well as supporting their families. The generosity from companies and the local community means so much, and we are thankful for Covers Gosport’s fantastic effort.”
Anna Simpson, depot administrator and cashier at Covers in Gosport, arranged the fundraising activities and presented the cheque to Charlotte. She added: “We are thrilled with the generosity of our customers and the support we’ve received in raising money for Sophie’s Legacy. This charity is very close to my heart, and I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who participated in the fundraising activities, contributing to help continue Sophie’s mission – your kindness is hugely appreciated.”
Donations to Sophie’s Legacy can be made by visiting: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/Sophieslegacy, whilst more information about the charity can be viewed here.
PICTURED: Sophie Fairall passed away in September 2021 after strong battle against rare form of cancer.
