The family of Barrow dad-of-two David ‘Gibbo’ Gibbons have gone up a gear, organising two further fundraisers for the region’s specialist Critical Care Unit in David’s memory that have helped to double the amount achieved by their 83.4 miles “Gear up for Gibbo” cycle in June.
The bike ride from the Royal Preston Hospital back to Barrow, which was organised by David’s daughter Ashleigh, raised £9,000 but the family, who have set themselves a £25,000 target to buy the unit a specialist bed, have now banked an incredible £18,000!
Most of the additional money has been raised by a ticketed black tie gala evening at Abbey House Hotel, organised David’s niece Jessica Gibbons alongside Ashleigh and her mum Julie, followed by a crown green bowling tournament at Barrow Island Bowling Club, which had David’s nephew, Kian Goude, as its driving force.
Retired BAE Systems employee David, who passed away unexpectedly in January aged 62 after suddenly being taken ill, was the club’s green keeper. He had been part of a team of locals, who had worked to build the bowling club from scratch after Barrow Island Community Sports Trust offered a few acres of spare land to the side of Barrow Island’s football and rugby pitches for the creation of a green. David had also been club treasurer and the captain of a number of teams.
Widow Julie, a teaching assistant at Barrow Island Primary School, said: “Bowling was something David and I enjoyed together. When she was little, Ashleigh officially opened the green. The club was a big part of David’s life.
“We are very grateful to the 38 players from the club and neighbouring clubs, who signed up to play for the David Gibbons Memorial Trophy. It was a much bigger entry than we expected. We are also very grateful to everyone who gifted food and drink for the players and spectators and also, donated raffle prizes.”
Julie continued: “People made donations to take refreshments, joined in the raffle and the players also paid a tournament entry fee, which helped us raised £660 on the day. Congratulations to Lee Barnard and Sam Humphries, both Barrow Island players, who made the final with Sam taking the trophy.”
The gala evening in July raised more than £7,000. It featured live music by a bill of local bands and vocalists, who all gifted their time and talent, and a raffle supported by businesses from throughout the town. Barrow’s bakeries and cake shops were also involved, donating sweet treats for a desserts table to make guests’ two course dinner into three.
Among the guests was David and Julie’s son Lewis. Lewis flew from his now home in Sydney, Australia, to support the event and on his return to Sydney, added to the fundraising by being sponsored to take part in a 14k race.
Paying tribute to her dad, Ashleigh said: “Dad was a really fit man, who besides bowls, enjoyed walking and cycling. He had taken part in the Keswick to Barrow walk nine times for various charities and this year, was hoping to reach his 10th time. He also rode in the Tour de Furness, again supporting local charities.
“It therefore came as a complete shock when we learned dad had initially been taken to Furness General Hospital with a suspected heart attack but it turned out that dad had sepsis caused by an esophageal tumour.”
Ashleigh explained: “Usually, esophageal tumours grow on the inside of the esophagus causing swallowing difficulties but dad’s had grown on the outside so he had had no symptoms. The tumour had become so big it had torn dad’s esophagus, causing the contents of his stomach to leak into his chest cavity and his blood stream resulting in sepsis.
“Dad was transferred to the Critical Care Unit at the Royal Preston Hospital and put on life support. He came round and was able to talk to us. He told us he’d like to fundraise for the unit as he was in awe of the care given to him but sadly, dad then deteriorated and passed away.
“We want to fulfil his last wishes and buy a new specialist bed for the unit like the one dad was nursed in. We are extremely grateful to everyone who has and is supporting us.”
The family, who next year are planning to take on the National Three Peaks Challenge – climbs of Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Mount Snowdon all within 24 hours – are now working to organise a pre Christmas race night at Barrow Island Community Sports Hub and next month, two of Julie’s school colleagues are running the Manchester Half Marathon to help them raise funds. To make a donation, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/gear-up-for-gibbo
Lucy Clark, fundraiser for Lancashire Teaching Hospital Charity (LTHC), which will accept the Gibbons’ donation on behalf of the Critical Care Unit, said: “Huge congratulations to Julie, Ashleigh, Jessica and Kian for organising two more very successful fundraising events in tribute to David.
“The amount raised in just a couple of months, especially given the difficult economic climate which we’re in, is nothing short of phenomenal and is testament to the love and respect in which not only David’s family hold David but also, the local community.” LTHC is dedicated to improving the services already provided by Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which manages the Royal Preston Hospital – home to a number of regional specialist facilities as well as the regional specialist Critical Care Unit – by funding projects beyond the scope of the NHS so that patients have access to the best possible care in the best possible facilities. It funds projects such as specialist equipment, patient services and comforts, the advancement of clinical research and staff welfare initiatives.