Rugby father raises thousands in daughter’s memory

A father has raised over £13,000 for Rainbows in memory of his daughter.

Casey Forrest died in 2015 at the age of 24. She had Lissencephaly – a rare birth defect involving an abnormally smooth brain. Casey was supported by our hospice.

Over the last nine years, her family has been raising money in her honour. Their latest donation of £600 from a charity boxing event, has taken their total to £13,176.

Casey’s father, Trevor, of Overslade, said: “Casey was supported by Rainbows, in Leicestershire, for two years. Rainbows was a big help to us and Casey loved going there. We used to go and stay as a family. We could just be a normal family at Rainbows. We could just be mum and dad rather than being the carers.

“Rainbows was always there for us and is still always there for us if we need it. Fundraising is our way of saying thank you and it keeps her memory going. And being involved with Rainbows, helps us.”

Last year, Trevor and a group of friends, climbed Mount Snowdon. Other funds over the years have been raised from events such as fancy-dress parties, a Wolf Run and bucket collections in Rugby, where Trevor always dresses up as Mr T from the A-Team.

“We are proud to raise money in her memory and we are well supported by friends and family,” said Trevor. “Every penny is for Rainbows and we just want to give thanks back. If we can help anyone else, other families, than that is what we want to do.”

Kerry Laurie, Rainbows Community Fundraiser, added: “We would like to thank Trevor and everyone who has been involved with his tremendous fundraising. They have all raised an incredible amount, which all goes to helping us keep our doors open and provide care and support to around 750 babies, children and young people.”