Young children were among those who took part in an ice bucket challenge as part of an appeal to raise £30,000 so a Stevenage man diagnosed with motor neurone disease can have stem cell treatment in a bid to see his young children grow up.
Scott Everett has been given less than three years to live and is desperate to prolong his life to see his daughters, two-year-old Evie and five-year-old Anna, grow up.
The 46-year-old was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in March and is finding it increasingly difficult to speak clearly as he has progressive bulbar palsy, which affects speech and swallowing before spreading to the rest of the body.
His family have launched an appeal to raise £30,000 for stem cell treatment and a drug called Radicut in Moscow – in a bid to buy Scott some time in the hope a cure is found.
It has taken less than four weeks to pass the halfway point, with more than £18,000 raised so far.
On Saturday, people of all ages took part in a sponsored ice bucket challenge for Scott’s appeal.
The fundraiser was led by community organisation Give Back to Stevenage, and more videos – like the one of four-year-old Maia above – of people being drenched in ice cold water can be seen on the group’s Facebook page.
Scott’s sister, Kerry, said: “Thank you to everyone who took part and had some fun in the ice bucket challenge in support of Scott.
“I’m still waiting on a final figure of money raised, but I expect it to be in the region of £450 – which is fabulous.”
Scott said: “I’m overwhelmed with people’s generosity. We are humbled and hopeful in equal measure.”
Scott’s wife, Catherine, added: “It’s really amazing how people are coming together for us.”
To raise further funds a quiz night, which will include a buffet and a raffle, will be held on Saturday, June 24, at The Willows pub in Stevenage’s Broadwater Crescent.
For tickets, which are £4 each or £20 for a team of six, pop into The Willows. Alternatively you can call Rachel Davies on 07831 300388 or Alison Wilson on 07505 142148.
Facebook page ‘Fundraising for Scott’ has been set up to co-ordinate all upcoming events.
To make a donation, visit www.gofundme.com/scott-needs-stem-cells
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