Meols teenager’s year of fundraising in memory of dad who died from leukaemia

Mar 14 2012 by Linda Foo Guest, Birkenhead News

A TEENAGER from Wirral is doing a charity sky dive in memory of her of dad after he lost his battle against leukaemia.

Dad-of-two Donald Chesworth was just 55 when he died shortly after being diagnosed with cancer of the blood.

He passed away on December 16 last year.

Donald, from Meols, left behind wife Janet and daughters Laura, 21, and Emma, 18.

His family were devastated by his death – but they have dedicated themselves to raising money throughout the year for the charity Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research.

Emma will kick off the marathon fundraiser with a sponsored sky dive this Sunday (March 18), weather permitting.

Emma, who is studying at Edge Hill University to become a primary school teacher, has so far raised £1,103 on her Just Giving page and a further £2,200 through sponsorship.

With a standing total of £3,300 with more to come, she has well exceeded her target of £500.

Emma told the News: “I lost my dad in December to leukaemia after a short but hard battle with the illness.

“The shock and devastation we feel, as with many other families who suffer such a loss, has left us almost inconsolable.

“That is why I intend to spend this year raising funds to help Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research.

“My first event will be a sponsored skydive.

“If anyone could sponsor me I would be very grateful because this is a worthy cause very dear to my heart.”

Emma was also planning to do the Liverpool to Chester bike ride and bucket collections for Marie Curie.

She is also run the Wirral Way and Wirral’s Race For Life with her mum Janet and sister Laura, who is studying retail business management at John Moores University.

Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research is dedicated to research into blood cancers, including leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma.

Janet said: “We took Don to hospital on December 3 with chest pains and he never came out.

“He was diagnosed with cancer and had a huge tumour on his chest.

“He started chemotheraphy but caught an infection.

“When Don died, we lost a huge part of our lives. He was the life and soul of our family.

“Although it has been a very bleak time for us, I am so proud of our two girls Emma and Laura.

“Despite losing their dad at such a young age, they have committed themselves to raising as much money as possible throughout this year for Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research so that other families do not have to go through what we are at the moment.

“Don would be bursting with pride and it is a true testament to the loving upbringing he gave them.”

To sponsor Emma in her fundraising, donate at www.justgiving.com/Emma-Chesworth