Maltby: Caring dad completes challenge for daughter’s memory

Harry Finlayson, 56, of Maltby, completed the ‘Up Hill, Down Hill’ challenge using a wheelchair that belonged to his daughter Georgia.

She sadly passed away at Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice in December 2011 after being diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2010.

He used the wheelchair to wheel from Bluebell Wood Hospice in North Anston and the Don Job pub in Maltby.

“It is important to me to keep Georgia’s memory alive but also to thank the hospice for the care they gave her,” Harry said.

“The challenge was tough but I was supported by family and friends as well as the hospice’s dog George, who was named after Georgia and kept her company.”

“I thought it would take me six hours but I managed to complete it in three hours 13 minutes, despite the heat.”

“To celebrate what would have been Georgia’s 16th birthday we’re also having a fun day from 2pm on Saturday at The Travellers Rest, Brookhouse, near Laughton en le Morthen, which people are welcome to attend.”

Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice provides care and support to families who have a child or young person who has a shortened life expectancy and is not expected to live into adulthood.

Melanie Rose, community fundraiser for Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice said “Harry is an absolute inspiration to us all and we are thrilled that he chose to complete this challenge in the name of Bluebell Wood.”

“It is heart-breaking to see that Harry and his family are celebrating Georgia’s 16th birthday without her, something no family should ever have to go through.”

“It is touching that Harry’s chosen to remember his little girl in such a special way, while helping to raise money for the hospice - he has done Georgia proud as well as everyone here at Bluebell Wood too.”

Funds raised will add to the £500 already raised from the wheelchair challenge.

Visit www.mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/harryfinlayson1 to make a donation to Harry’s page.