Anthony Demellweek has helped raise over £20,000 for the children’s hospice
Boy completes his 48 mile run in aid of Zoe’s Place
A 10 year-old had staff at Zoe’s Place in tears as he completed a major milestone. The centre on Yew Tree Road in West Derby provides vital support for babies and children up to the age of five.
However, children and families received the devastating news on Monday, October 7 that the centre would close before the end of the year and staff would lose their jobs in 30 days time. Anthony Demellweek, like many others in Merseyside and beyond, has chipped in to try and save the hospice, which has a close connection to his family.
Anthony’s sister Amelia, nine, has cerebral palsy, scoliosis and epilepsy, leaving her unable to walk or talk. She was treated at Zoe’s Place when she was younger. Speaking to the ECHO last month, Anthony’s mum Faye Demellweek said: “When I left the hospital with Amelia, they taught me how to look after her. They’re amazing. A lot of families will suffer when they go.
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Anthony, who is also an MMA fighter, decided to run 48 miles in aid of Zoe’s Place over the course of 20 runs, aiming to raise money for the hospice. On his efforts, Faye added: “Amelia was about three months old when she first went to Zoe’s Place. Anthony’s done loads of fundraising over the years for Zoe’s Place. He’s never stopped really, but we just knew that this needed to be the biggest one yet as obviously they are at risk of closure.
“He hasn’t got an amount that he wants to raise. He just wants to raise as much as he can. They’re a life line for families. It’s the support that comes with it. They offer counselling, they offer support if you’re not coping very well.”
Anthony has now raised over £22,000 at the time of writing. He completed his final run this afternoon, arriving at Zoe’s Place tonight pushing Ameila in her wheelchair. The schoolboy’s arrival was greeted with a sea of blue and yellow flares. Louis, who is being treated at Zoe’s Place, along with staff members greeted him with a sign thanking him for his efforts.
In a touching moment, Anthony handed over his Zoe’s Place t-shirt to Louis. ECHO photographer Iain Watts, who captured Anthony’s triumphant moment, said “everyone was in tears” after the gesture.
‘Meatball’ Molly McCann was told about the potential closure of Zoe’s Place by Faye, who is a friend of hers. Molly along with other famous Scousers have backed Anthony’s efforts. She said: “I’m helping one of my best friend Faye’s daughter who’s been in and out of Zoe’s Place since she was born. Zoe’s Place is such a safe haven for families – not only do they provide respite care, but also counselling and support, as well as teaching parents how to care for kids with special needs.
“I was on holiday in Ibiza when I first heard about it. Faye rang and told me. I was absolutely gutted. When you have a personal connection how can you do nothing? It’s unimaginable. They are taking away the only lifeline families in this city have. It’s unjust. But if there’s one city to save its own it’s Liverpool.”
After an incredible few weeks of fundraising, less than £1m is now needed to reach the £5m funding gap target to keep Zoe’s Place open. Ian Byrne MP, who has been spearheading the campaign to save Zoe’s Place said he is “massively optimistic” about saving the hospice, but urged the people of Merseyside to “keep their feet on the pedal” with raising cash. You can find out more about Anthony’s fundraiser here.
