10-year-old hosts fundraiser for Stratford’s hospice following death of her father
A TEN-year-old girl planning an event to mark what would have been her father’s birthday, has been “overwhelmed” by people’s generosity.
Emily Butler, who lives in Alcester with mum Amy, came up with the idea of a coffee morning to raise funds for the Shakespeare Hospice. The event is in memory of her dad, Mark Butler, known to all as ‘Bud’, who took his own life three years ago.
Amy, who works for the civil service, suggested a raffle and the pair put out a request asking businesses to donate prizes. To her and Emily’s amazement they’ve already received 80.
These include a season ticket for Stratford Town FC, two tickets for the Women’s Six Nations England vs Scotland match at Leicester, a term of ballet lessons, a round of golf for four people, a £150 holiday voucher, an air fryer, slow cooker, motorcycle jacket, an MOT, chimney sweep, fishing tackle voucher, boiler service, baking course, breakfasts, beauty products, hairdressing vouchers, children’s games and cuddly toys.
Amy said: “We’re just blown away by the response we’ve received – it’s all gone a bit bigger than we expected. They are all amazing prizes – we can’t believe it, it’s overwhelming.”
Bud was well-known as his family are from Alcester and he played in the town’s brass band.
Emily, who goes to St Nicholas primary, suggested having a coffee morning at home and inviting family and friends to help the hospice.
Amy said: “Unfortunately, the circumstances of how Bud passed away were really tragic. Bud was a really happy man but he went to work on 3rd December 2021 and unbeknown to us he was obviously suffering with his mental health and took his own life.
“There was no build-up. He was there one day, gone the next.”
Bud was just 41. Since his death, Emily and Amy have been supported by the Shakespeare Hospice team who provide services for children, including going into schools and counselling youngsters who have experienced loss.
“They have been amazing,” Amy said. “A lot of people don’t realise they aren’t just there for terminally ill patients, they are also there for families who’ve had a bereavement.
“Emily puts it really well – she describes it as ‘Daddy had a heart attack in his head’ and I love that because something did go wrong. He was a really kind person and would do anything for anyone, a real family man. We miss him so much.”
The coffee morning, on 25th January, will be at the Alcester Baptist Church. Meantime, donations of prizes are still welcome, with all proceeds going to the Shakespeare Hospice.