Farrar family feature in The Christie charity's fundraiser 'hall of fame'

The family of a former Heywood cricketer and local youth worker have been featured as fundraiser of the month in The Christie charity’s fundraiser hall of fame.

Kenny Farrar, who played for the first team as wicketkeeper in the mid-1970s, was diagnosed with advanced bowel cancer in February 2017. Kenny underwent a colostomy and chemotherapy at The Christie to help prolong his life for as long as possible.

Since Kenny died in July 2018, his family has raised over £10,000 for The Christie.

His wife, Pamela, said that Kenny wanted to raise money for the charity very early on in his treatment to say thanks for the care he had received.

The family organised a fundraising event at Heywood Cricket Club, set for 14 July 2018.

However, Kenny became poorly in May 2018 and was admitted to The Christie. His treatment team started intensive radiotherapy and Kenny celebrated his 60th birthday on 20 May 2018 in the garden at The Christie.

In June 2018, following his radiotherapy, Kenny had a seizure and was admitted to his local hospital. Pamela and the whole family decided to care for Kenny at home.

On 9 July 2018, Kenny died with all his family around him, at home just before midnight. The family were heartbroken but decided to carry on and hold the fundraiser as they believed this was what he would have wanted.

 

 

Pamela said they thought the fundraising day would be a sad affair, but hundreds of people turned up to pay their respects and support The Christie – just as Kenny had wanted. After a long and happy day, the Farrar family raised £5,000 and pledged that they would hold a fundraising day every year.

In early 2020, daughter Emily undertook a skydive alongside Pamela and Kenny’s nephew, raising £1,100.

The third fundraiser was held in July 2021 – an afternoon of cricket, the teams made up by people who had known Kenny. The family later handed over a cheque for £4,300.

Pamela said: “Kenny Farrar was an amazing and individual human being who touched everyone he met.  He has left an enormous hole in our lives which is filled by our gorgeous children and grandchildren, his legacy.

“I will be forever grateful to The Christie, for the way they supported each and every decision he made about his treatment, the way they gave Kenny ownership of his condition and never preached and finally for the fantastic care they showed for the whole of our family as we grieved during his illness and afterwards.

“We are so proud and honoured to be chosen as fundraiser of the month for The Christie. And on behalf of our daughters and grandchildren, his brothers and sisters, in-laws and nieces and nephews, I thank you.”

 

 

Heather Brookfield, community fundraising coordinator at The Christie charity, said: “Pamela Farrar and her family have been fundraising for The Christie since 2018, to support and then in memory of Pamela’s husband Kenny. Sadly, I never got to meet Kenny, but his family always speak so passionately about him.

“As a close-knit family, the Farrars were determined to carry on their fundraising for The Christie in his memory. We are truly grateful to them for their continued support and dedication to Kenny and The Christie and we look forward to assisting them with their future events.”

The Christie charity supports the work of The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, providing enhanced services over and above what the NHS funds. This includes money for care and treatment, research, education and extra patient services.

Gifts and donations from the public make a huge difference to the care and treatment that The Christie is able to provide to patients and their families.