Telford family determined to keep memory of son alive raises £20,000 for Oswestry hospice
A family from Shropshire has kept the memory of their son alive by raising a huge £20,000 for the hospice which cared for him.
Rob and Alison Jones started the Ryan Philip David Jones Snowflake Tribute Fund in honour of their son, who died in 2010 at the age of six.
Ryan had a rare degenerative disorder called Krabbe Juvenile Leukodystrophy, and would have been 10 last year, so the family was determined to hit their £20,000 target before the end of 2013.
The family and their friends have held an array of events over the last few years, including a Santa fun run, walks and parties, with the money raised going to Hope House Hospice near Oswestry.
Mrs Jones, 43, originally from Newport but now living in Muxton, Telford, with Rob said: "We're so very grateful to everyone who has helped us to raise such an incredible amount of money in Ryan's memory
"Ryan achieved a lot during his short lifetime. He loved nursery, school, spending time at Hope House, days out and many fun times were had.
"He loved being a big brother to Rhys and his determination and fight for life gave us the strength and courage to carry on.
"We just wanted to raise some money for the hospice because they do a fantastic job.
"We'll keep raising money because it keeps Ryan's memory alive."
Seven-year-old Rhys, who attends Moorfield Primary School in Newport, is also planning his own fundraisers this year.
A £160 donation from Henshalls Insurance Brokers in Newport took the Jones family over their £20,000 target.
Sallyanne Williams, from Henshalls, said the company had heard about the fund from a client and decided to pledge a donation in Ryan's memory.
She said: "We collected £80 from various mufti days and charity efforts, and the directors very kindly matched the donation bringing the total to £160.
"It was incredibly humbling to learn about Ryan's story and the huge effort his family have made to raise such a wonderful amount.
"We are committed to supporting local causes and organisations, and Ryan's appeal is a perfect example of the kind of campaign we're keen to back."
