Student goes dry for January for his brother’s hospice

A university student from Harpenden has ditched the drink to raise over £1,000 for the Hertfordshire children’s hospice which cares for his brother.

Harry Josephs, 20, who attends Nottingham University, raised the money for Keech Hospice Care which supports terminally ill children across Hertfordshire, including his brother Dominic, 17.

“It’s not been easy giving up the drink,” said Harry. “It’s been much harder than I thought it would be. I love a drink with my friends, especially after an Indian! But fundraising for Keech has been really satisfying.

“My family and I are grateful for the amazing work Keech Hospice Care does for Dom and this is my way of giving something back to this brilliant charity. The nurses at Keech are exceptional and Dom’s as happy as Larry after every visit to the hospice.”

Dominic Josephs has a life-limiting illness which includes severe epilepsy. The teenager has been supported by Keech Hospice Care for over seven years.

Harry said, without the charity, he wouldn’t get the chance to create some amazing memories and moments with his brother.

“We both love the hydrotherapy pool at Keech Hospice Care – it’s amazing. It’s the only time I can give my brother a really good cuddle. Dom loves splashing about in the pool and I can get in and support him in the water whilst getting a wonderful hug. For this alone I’m grateful to Keech.

“People are often surprised when I tell them Keech Hospice Care is Hertfordshire’s children’s hospice and even more shocked to hear it has to raise 70% of its funding each year from its community. Giving up the drink for a month to help my local children’s hospice is easy in comparison. Although I’m looking forward to my first pint in February and I’ll be back down my local Indian!”

For further information about Keech Hospice Care, Hertfordshire’s children’s hospice, visit www.keech.org.uk.

For further information please contact Lorna Chinnock, Head of Marketing and Communications on 01582 497874 or at lchinnock@keech.org.uk.