Mum taking on Bubble Rush in memory of dad and brother

A mum whose dad and brother died within six-weeks of each other is asking the people of Bedfordshire to join her for an incredi-bubble day out and support the hospice which cared for her loved ones.

Sophie Tillotson, 35, and her daughter Willow, 7, from Luton are asking everyone to walk, run or dance their way through eight bubble stations at Keech Hospice Care’s Bubble Rush this June.

The Tillotson men, both named Alan, were supported by Keech Hospice Care, which cares for adults in Luton and Bedfordshire and children in Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Milton Keynes, until they both died in 2018.

Sophie says the charity has been there for them through their hardest times.

“Last year was really tough for our family as both my dad, 74, and brother, 39, died of liver cancer within just six weeks of each other in the summer. The whole thing came as a real shock to our family and was particularly hard for my daughter Willow to deal with as Dad lived with us and she was also very close to my brother,” said Sophie.

Over the last year, when the family needed support, Keech Hospice Care was there. Sophie said Willow loves going to the charity’s monthly club for children and having help from a family support worker has made all the difference too.

“We had BBQs at the hospice when my brother was staying on the in-patient unit and so Willow knows Keech Hospice Care for the happy and, friendly place it is. It’s incredible that the staff were there for us before my dad and brother died and they’re still here now whenever we need them.

“My brother made me promise we’d continue to help the hospice in any way we could so when we heard about Bubble Rush, we knew we had to do it. It’s a great event we can do together as a family. Willow can’t wait,” said Sophie.

Lynn Russell, Events Fundraiser at Keech Hospice Care, added: “We’ve got bubble cannons pumping out 4ft of multi-coloured frothy fun, obstacles, and even an after party! As a charity, we depend on 70 per cent of the funding for our care to come from the community, so please sign up today and show us your true colours,” said Lynn.

Places are going fast so sign up now to Keech Hospice Care’s Bubble Rush at Cranfield University, College Road, Cranfield, on Sunday 16 June. Visit www.keech.org.uk/bubblerush or call 01582 707940.

Entry is just £20 for adults and £10 for children aged 3-16. Registration is open from 9.30am on the day and the event starts at 11am.