"Incredibly special" birthday celebrations raise hospice awareness and funds
Thank you to supporter Nigel Lowther, whose 60th birthday celebrations have raised more than £3,730 for St Andrew’s Hospice, whilst also creating "priceless" memories for patients and families.
A “proud Grimsby Town fan”, Nigel marked his big birthday on 31st October by sponsoring the club’s home game against York City.
However, he chose to donate the associated publicity to St Andrew’s Hospice, using it as a platform to generate money and awareness for the local charity.
“I’ve always wanted to sponsor a home game, and when the fixtures came out and it was York City at home on my birthday, it just felt as though the stars were aligning,” Nigel said.
“St Andrew’s Hospice has touched my family and thousands of other families in this area. It’s absolutely wonderful; I can’t find the words to describe the staff and volunteers and what they do.
“Now, having also met some of the patients and families who have hopefully benefitted, it’s cemented it in my mind that we absolutely did the right thing.”
With the support of Grimsby Town FC, there were a number of activities on the day – with patients acting as flagbearers, taking part in a half-time penalty shootout and selecting man of the match.
Players also warmed up in hospice t-shirts, whilst bucket collections before the game contributed towards the incredible amount raised.
“We were pitchside before the game so saw the excitement of the children and older patients as they were waving the flags,” Nigel said.
“I also stayed behind at half time to watch the penalty shootout. To see Noah Nicholson, known as Elfman, score in front of the Pontoon and his reaction – as well as that of his family – meant the world.
“Patients chose Iwan Morgan as man of the match and he spent a lot of time with them and their families, which was also lovely to watch from afar.”
Nigel also held a celebration in McMenemy’s for close friends and family, requesting donations to the hospice in lieu of gifts.
“Could I thank our guests, who were really generous, and Grimsby Town fans for contributing to the bucket collection. We really appreciate the support, which has helped boost the final figure.”
Thanking Grimsby Town for their support in helping to make the day a success, he added: “For me, Grimsby Town is much more than a men’s football team.
“It’s very much at the heart of the community, and I know the owners, CEO and manager feel exactly the same.
“Just by having Grimsby Town associated with something like this can raise a huge amount of awareness, that I don't think any other organisation in this town can do.
“It was great to partner up with the hospice and the club, which is hopefully something that can be replicated in some form in the future.”
Nigel also thanked wife Liz and daughters Victoria and Charley, who celebrated alongside him at Blundell Park.
“We’re still buzzing about the day,” he said. “I would not have done this without my family’s support, and I know my Dad Jim, responsible for my love of the club, would have been super proud too.
“We had a wonderful day, helped by a fantastic result, but raising that amount of money and seeing the joy that was brought to those families and patients made it incredibly special.
“I think sometimes birthdays just pass by and become a number, but this has been much, much more important than that. Hopefully there is there is a legacy created from it, and not just a personal one.”
As a final gift, Nigel donated the signed Grimsby Town shirt he received as matchday sponsor to St Andrew’s Hospice.
Receiving it were Emily Aitken, Head of Fundraising, and Samantha Blake, Head of Marketing and Communications, who thanked him for his incredible generosity and support.
“When Nigel first got in touch about his birthday plans, we were blown away. It’s an amazing gesture, which has had the whole hospice buzzing with excitement.
“It goes without saying that the amount of money raised is phenomenal. On behalf of our patients, families and all those connected to the hospice, we would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who donated.
“But more than that, it has created special moments for our patients which will last a lifetime. Seeing their joy is priceless, and we are so incredibly grateful to Nigel and his family, as well as Grimsby Town FC, for making that possible.”
To donate to Nigel’s birthday fundraiser, please visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/nigel-lowther-1