Charity joins forces with hospice

The Ross Smith Foundation has entered into a partnership with the hospice and has made its first contribution with the purchase of a support chair for residents.

The foundation, which was set up following the death of the former Brighouse and Clifton junior football player, aged 27.

David Kerridge from the foundation said: “We’ve had a few meetings with Overgate and through them we decided to start putting the money we have raised to benefit.

“The hospice has a wish list if items they need and we are delighted that we have bought them the support chair.

“This is the first steps in showing people in Calderdale how the money is being used and we hope to use the money for other things through the year.”

Representatives from the Ross Smith Foundation handed over their donation of £1350.48 which enabled us to buy the vital piece of equipment called a Stedy Sara.

Stedy Sara is a mobility standing aid which promotes and supports dignity and independence of patients.

Laura Golding, Fundraising Manager: “It has been fantastic working with the Ross Smith Foundation to enable us to buy such a vital piece of equipment for our patients which will promote independence and dignity.

“We are so grateful to everyone who has supported the foundation which has meant we have received this fantastic donation and we are looking forward to working with them in the future”

Ross, a former pupil of both Lightcliffe Preparatory School and Bradford Grammar School, was diagnosed with kidney cancer in May 2013.

He went onto study at the Belmont Abbey College in North Carolina for four years from 2009, where he spent much of his time playing football and representing the college as captain.

He died nine-months and the foundation now helps to support other local young adults with cancer. The foundation, which was given charity status in March this year.

Fund raising events are scheduled for later in the year including a charity walk on June 3, the annual football tournament between Clifton and Brighouse on August 14 and a charity auction dinner on September 17 at Brighouse Sports Club. For more information visit www.facebook.com/TheRossSmithFoundation