A charity match in memory of Ross-on-Wye man who died from sepsis last year held has been branded a “success”
Karl Parker was 61 when he passed away from sepsis, three weeks after a short stay in hospital with a seemingly unassuming leg infection.
Looking to raise awareness and funds for the condition, his daughter, Lisa Parker, organised the charity football match at Ross Rugby Club in memory of her dad.
The event held on the sunny Eater Sunday brought in £2447 for Sepsis Research FEAT, the UK’s only sepsis charity dedicated to research and raising awareness of the condition.
Lisa said: “I couldn’t have asked for a better day for the charity match and for my dad.
“The sun shined all day, we had more people turned up than I expected and the whole day was just perfect.
“Ross Rugby Club just made the day and couldn’t do enough for us. Andrew Hunt from the club was amazing and I can’t thank him enough for all he did. I thank him for all the support he gave us to make this happen.
“My dad would of been so proud and to look around at all the people that came along. It just shows how much he is loved by so many. It’s also just perfect how the community came together for such a great cause.
“I am really pleased and overwhelmed by the support we had that day. My dad would of absolutely loved it.
“I am so grateful to all who donated and to the local businesses who donated gifts and food for our special day.”
Colin Graham, chief operating officer of Sepsis Research FEAT, said: “Sepsis Research FEAT is so grateful to Lisa Parker, her family and friends for their extraordinary generosity in staging and supporting their football match in memory of Karl. He was clearly much loved by all who knew him.
“Tragically Karl lost his life far too soon - to a deadly illness that takes more lives in the UK each year than breast, bowel and prostate cancer combined.
“Fundraising from events like this one is crucial to Sepsis Research FEAT as it continues its vital research and awareness work with the aim of saving lives and improving outcomes for sepsis patients.”
Lisa thanks Morrisons for providing rolls and water, Hanks Butchers for the pork legs, burgers and sausages, Truffles, S.L pamper, Mega Bounce, Village Wax Melts, Hannah’s beauty, Forest Hills, Black Mountain Clothing for the shirts for one of the teams, Matt Symonds Tyres for donating a big voucher as a prize, Beefy Boys for vouchers and Mrs Baker for the cakes.
“We love you so much dad, and we are so happy we could do this for you.
“We will continue to support the sepsis charity and to honour a great dad who we miss so dearly,” Lisa added.