Lee marks milestone by taking part in 30 events for The Rowans Hospice

WHEN most of us reach an age milestone we either celebrate with style or hide away from the world completely.
By The Newsroom
Published 20th Dec 2016, 05:55 BST
Updated 29th Dec 2016, 15:12 BST
Lee, left, and Marc Collier-Williams at the Moonlit Memories Walk for The Rowans HospiceLee, left, and Marc Collier-Williams at the Moonlit Memories Walk for The Rowans Hospice
Lee, left, and Marc Collier-Williams at the Moonlit Memories Walk for The Rowans Hospice

But Lee Collier-Williams decided to use his 30th birthday as a way to give something back to a hospice that helped his terminally-ill mother-in-law in the last week of her life.

Inspired by his age, Lee, from Waterlooville, set himself the challenge of doing 30 fundraising events to raise cash for The Rowans Hospice, in Purbrook.

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He said: ‘When I turned 30, I cried the day before, but then I pulled myself together and thought I’d do something good. This is my way to say thank you.’

Lee Collier-Williams' late mother-in-law Denise CollierLee Collier-Williams' late mother-in-law Denise Collier
Lee Collier-Williams' late mother-in-law Denise Collier

Lee’s mother-in-law Denise Collier, from Gosport, died from cancer at the hospice in August 2015. Denise, who worked at Sainsbury’s in Broadcut Fareham for 27 years, was 69 years old.

Lee said the hospice was a backbone of support for Denise’s family, including his husband Marc.

He said: ‘It was an emotional time but we were welcomed there 24/7. The staff and the volunteers were amazing and so welcoming. I don’t think we can ever repay them. It is an amazing place.’

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Lee has completed 13 events, with five more so far planned, and he has until his next birthday – April 22 – to think up and complete the remaining 17.

Lee Collier-Williams getting a tattooLee Collier-Williams getting a tattoo
Lee Collier-Williams getting a tattoo

Lee, a team leader at Affinion International in Portsmouth, said: ‘The most challenging event so far was the Great South Run. I’m not very athletic and I still can’t believe that I have done it. I ran it in 1hr 53 mins, which I was really proud of. The people on the streets of Portsmouth cheering me on really kept me going. It was amazing.’

Lee has already raised £1,359. To donate to his cause, go to justgiving.com/fundraising/Challenge30TRHLEE’S CHALLENGES

1) The Moonlit Memory Walk

2) Abseiled the Spinnaker Tower

Lee after his head was shavedLee after his head was shaved
Lee after his head was shaved

3) Got a tattoo of The Rowans logo

4) Shaved his head

5) The Great South Run

6) A 5k race before the Great South Run

Lee Collier-Williams' late mother-in-law Denise CollierLee Collier-Williams' late mother-in-law Denise Collier
Lee Collier-Williams' late mother-in-law Denise Collier

7) Another 5k race

8) The Rowans Ride - bike ride

9) Woofs and Wellies walk in Stansted Park with his adopted dog Lucy, who has wheels for back legs

10) The Moonlit Meander

11) Summer fete

12) Built a neighbour’s furniture

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Lee Collier-Williams getting a tattooLee Collier-Williams getting a tattoo
Lee Collier-Williams getting a tattoo

13) Snowflake Challenge at the Santa Run in Southsea – a one-mile race, followed by a 5k and a 10k

14) Race with Rowans

15) A 5k virtual race

16) GAFIRS New Year’s Day Swim 2017

17) Sky dive

18) Brighton Marathon

Related topics:WaterloovilleGosport