Validated: Fundraiser's 24-hour challenge to support children's hospice

A fundraiser from Derbyshire has completed a unique 24-hour challenge to raise money for St Andrew’s Hospice.

Adam Bamford, Expedite Services Manager for Selenity in Lincoln, performed the company’s HMRC compliance service Validate for 24 hours to raise funds for the charity.

He was inspired to do so as Andy’s, the children’s unit at St Andrew’s Hospice, cared for his nieces and nephews, Jasmine, Willow, AJ and Angel.

In addition, another of Adam’s nieces, eight-year-old Jade Lake, is currently a patient at Andy’s.

“I chose to raise money for St Andrew’s as a small token of my gratitude for the care they provided for my nieces and nephews during the latter stages of their short lives,” said Adam.

“Jasmine, Willow, AJ and Angel have all been taken from us far too early, but it gives us comfort that they enjoyed their time that they spent at the hospice.”

Adam also spoke about the support the hospice provides to Jade (pictured above), who suffers from Leigh’s Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that slowly destroys the centre of the brain.

“Jade is a real superhero,” he said.

“She currently attends Andy’s and really enjoys using the outside areas – she sees it as a nice place to be.

“The services have been invaluable to my sister Adele and her husband Craig, with help and support in dealing with the unimaginable pain that comes with losing a child.”

With the support of his employers, Selenity, Adam undertook the challenge of performing the company’s HMRC compliant service, Validate, for 24 hours.

He had a short break for ten minutes each hour to rest his eyes and combat fatigue.

“I sat at my computer performing checks that I would normally do for no more than eight hours at a time,” he said.

“The checks have an accuracy rate of 100% and I was aiming for 1,440 complete checks with 23,040 data points checked during that time period but I ended up doubling that amount with over 3,000 complete checks and 48,208 data points checked!

“I started working at 8am on Saturday and worked through to 8am Sunday morning.”

And Adam has been delighted with the funds he has raised so far, as he closes in on the £1,000 mark.

“I was aiming for £500 but, with Gift Aid, I have raised well over £900,” he stated.

“I was obviously very tired when I finished the validation-athon but it was worth for such a great cause.”

To find out more about Adam’s fundraising or to donate, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/adam-bamford2.