Staff from Aspire Housing in Newcastle under Lyme completed a Snowdon climb on Friday (May 17) to raise funds for Children’s Liver Disease Foundation (CLDF) in memory of a much-loved colleague who died in February. Twenty-eight year old Rob Adams, who worked as a governance assistant for Aspire, died after collapsing at a gym class. Although he had a long-term liver condition, Rob was a keen runner, having completed 30 half marathons, and an avid Stoke City fan.
“Whilst we knew that Rob had liver problems, it was not something he really talked about and he certainly didn’t want health issues to stop him from living a very active life,” said Paul Medford, Aspire’s company secretary, who organised the walk. “He was known for his love of sport, both competing and taking part, and climbing Snowdon is just the kind of thing he would have loved doing ” The 12 members of staff who completed the climb on Friday were joined by Rob’s parents, Deb and Steve, and his dog, Biffy.
“We were privileged to have them with us. It made the day extra special,” says Paul. ”And we’re so delighted that the climb has raised over £1,000 for CLDF to be able to support other young people who live with liver disease.”
Rob’s love of sport was reflected in another fundraiser the previous weekend when a team from Aspire took part in a charity football match hosted by Milton United FC. As a lasting memorial, Aspire Housing are creating a new bursary funded role of a trainee teaching assistant, an opportunity for a young person with a keen interest in sport to develop a career supporting teaching and learning.
“It seems a fitting way to remember a valued colleague, whose passion for helping others coupled with a love of sport and football was an inspiration to us all,” says Paul.
Alison Taylor, Chief Executive of Children’s Liver Disease Foundation commented: “CLDF is the only UK charity dedicated to fighting all childhood liver diseases, by providing information and emotional support, funds for research and a voice for all those affected. In order to do this however, we rely on voluntary donations, so we are humbled and really grateful to see what Rob’s colleagues are doing in his memory. It’s a wonderful tribute and the funds raised will make a real difference to young people with liver disease throughout the UK.
You can still support the Aspire Snowdon climb by going to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/rob28. For more information on CLDF visit childliverdisease.org.