Bereaved grandad's generosity funds children's hospice services in east Essex
Nick Edwards raised £7,100 for EACH by completing an ultra-marathon through the Amazon
The generosity of a bereaved grandad has paid for East Anglia's Children's Hospices' services in east Essex today (28 May).
61-year-old Nick Edwards, from Laxfield, completed a 143-mile ultra-marathon through the Amazon jungle in 2019.
It was inspired and in memory of his grandson, Noah Finnerty, who died just before turning six-months-old in November 2018.
He was born to Nick's step-daughter Lucy Holloway and son-in-law Stuart Finnerty with a rare genetic liver disorder, and received end of life care from EACH.
Nick said: "Noah was the most beautiful little chap who seemed to me to have very wise eyes. When he looked at me, I felt he was able to look inside my soul and see what I was thinking. He endured his suffering with a quiet and passive strength that was quite remarkable and unforgettable.
"There is never enough praise, commendation or words I can say about EACH and the support their team extended to our family following the days after Noah’s passing. It is truly an amazing resource, beyond exceptional and we’ll be forever grateful and in their debt."
Nick set off for Peru in June 2019 to complete the toughest challenge he could find, and crossed the finishing line in 47 hours and 29 minutes.
He added: "I came to realise and truly believe the spirit and energy of Noah’s true essence is still around and within me, wherever I am. I see and feel him now, when I look down my garden and see new leaves upon the trees in spring, a family of squirrels playing or a clutch of different birds at our feeding stations, or even the occasional muntjac that wanders across our lawn. I know he’s a part of that.
"I miss Noah terribly, think of him constantly and shed tears often when I hear his name, but I no longer grieve for him. I am at peace and I truly believe, with all my heart, Noah is, too. Life moves on and, for me, it’s a much richer place for having had him in it."
Nick's extraordinary effort is now being used to fund EACH services across Suffolk and East Essex today, on what would have been Noah's third birthday.
Nick said: "Noah’s passing has shown me that no-one, regardless of income or race, is beyond life’s tragic events. To have, in some small way, helped others who are dealing with these life-changing events, albeit for a day, is gratifying. It is also insightful as to the energy required to keep these facilities running so that they can continue to do their amazing work."