Thirty aqua-fit ladies have raised over £3,000 in a sponsored aqua-circuits event in memory of a local man, Phill McMinn, with the amount set to be donated to the new Cancer Centre at the RUH.
Erica McMinn organised the event in memory of her son, Phill, who was diagnosed with stage 4 throat cancer in January 2016 and for two years was treated at the RUH until he sadly passed away earlier this year.
The event, which took place at the MacDonald Bath Spa Hotel, involved participants using equipment such as weights and specialised floats and moved between various exercise stations for two hours.
The event finished with an auction, of which a signed Bath Rugby shirt, donated by Bath Rugby, raised £175. By the end of the day, over £3,000 had been raised for The Forever Friends Appeal Cancer Care Campaign.
Bradford-on-Avon resident, Erica, an aqua-fit instructor said: “Phill was a fighter and an optimist – he was determined to explore every option in his fight for life.
“However, the cancer had spread too much to treat and in January 2018 Phill lost his hard-fought and brave battle to Cancer.”
“I decided to support The Forever Friends Appeal and fundraise for the new Cancer Centre as it seemed the most befitting way to not only remember Phill, but also thank the staff at the RUH for all the care and attention they gave him and our family during his battle with Cancer.”
“The support from my regular aqua-fit ladies, as well as the staff at the MacDonald Bath Spa Hotel, has been overwhelming.
“I chose The Forever Friends Appeal charity as it can make a real difference to patients and their families who are being cared for at the RUH.
“I have set up a tribute fund in Phill’s name, so I can continue fundraising for a cause close to my heart and keep his memory alive.”
Erica and the group of aqua-fit ladies presented the cheque to the Appeal’s In Memory and Legacy Officer, Jan Witt.
She said: “I could tell by seeing everyone’s faces on the day, how proud all the ladies were of the amount they helped to raise in tribute to Phill.
“We are so thankful to Erica and her group of friends for raising this amount for the Cancer Centre. Phill’s memory will benefit so many others affected by Cancer and we hope knowing this provides Erica, her family and friends with some comfort.
“Anyone can set up a Forever Fund in the name of a loved one through The Forever Friends Appeal. It gives people the opportunity to come together, pay tribute and celebrate their life in a very personal and positive way, whilst also raising funds and supporting the work of The Forever Friends Appeal.”
