Rotherham cricket club's charity day for Natalie raises more than £,1,000 for Bluebell Wood Children's Hopice

A Rotherham cricket club has once again raised more than £1,000 for Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice at it’s annual charity day.
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Whiston Parish Church CC’s started the charity day after secretary Peter Maw lost his 12-year-old daughter Natalie to a rare form of liver cancer in 2012.

In the eight years since, the event has raised an incredible £9,233 for the North Anston-based hospice.

Peter, a teacher at Wales High School, said: “We wanted Natalie to be surrounded by love at the end of her life, and for those final moments to be as dignified as possible.

Natalie Maw spent her final weeks at Bluebell WoodNatalie Maw spent her final weeks at Bluebell Wood
Natalie Maw spent her final weeks at Bluebell Wood

“That’s exactly what Bluebell Wood gave us, and we’ll always be incredibly grateful for that.

“The staff were wonderful to Natalie in her final weeks and the level of care we received as a family was outstanding, which is why we do what we can to give something back.”

The club raised £1,134 on this year’s charity day, which has become a central part of the club’s calendar.

This year, Rotherham United manager Paul Warne also donated a signed shirt which was auctioned off for £125 and will be displayed in the clubhouse.

Peter continued: "We really can’t thank members of ‘The Parish’ enough for their generosity and support for the hospice and for myself and Karen”.

Peter has embarked on various other fundraisers for Bluebell Wood over the past few years, including an epic 700-mile cycle ride across France with his friends Hossein Yazdi and Ken Stainthorpe, raising thousands through their efforts.

Sally Baker, community fundraising manager at Bluebell Wood, said “Peter, Karen and Whiston Parish Church Cricket Club are very much a part of the Bluebell Wood community, and thanks to your support and generosity we’re able to make a real difference to local families when they need us the most.”