Football tournament in memory of Sue Parry
Football tournament in memory of Sue Parry
More than 20 years ago, the first Sue Parry football tournament was held in Hereford, raising money for St Michael’s.
Two decades on, the annual summer fundraiser is on the brink of collecting £100,000. It’s still growing too, featuring an increasing number of playing categories for men, women and juniors.
‘The tournament’s journey has been extraordinary, surpassing all our expectations,’ said Sandra Parry, Sue’s mum who is now a Palliative Care CNS (Clinical Nurse Specialist) based at St Michael’s. ‘We had no idea how to organise the first event in 2000 so we approached the late Ralf Farmer, and Lyn Gummer from the Hospice’s Fundraising team, for help.’
Sue received care from St Michael’s before she died in July 1999 after contracting cancer. A keen Chelsea fan, Sandra said a football-based fundraiser seemed a fitting tribute to her wonderful daughter. ‘There is nothing worse than losing a child,’ she said. ‘Sue was a kind, inspirational person who was full of life. It was from Sue and the time I spent looking after her that I decided to go into nursing. Sue’s family feels passionate about supporting our Hospice and each year the goal is to raise awareness of how reliant St Michael’s is on the generous support of the community.’
This year’s tournament takes place at Hereford Leisure Centre on Sunday 27th June.
To take part, sign up here