Local businesses raising funds for The Kirkwood with sports day

Three local businesses – all with a family connection – will be competing in a charity Sports Day, named ‘The Mary Byram Sports Day’ on Saturday 1st July.

SB Homes (headed up by Stephen Byram), Byram Construction (owned by Steve’s brother, Wayne Byram), and Empire House (run by Steve’s daughter and Wayne’s niece, Amy Byram), will go head-to-head, in a bid to take the trophy home.

Taking place off Waters Road in Marsden, the event will be raising funds for The Kirkwood. The charity holds a special place in the hearts of the family, after it took care of Mary Byram – Steve and Wayne’s mum – who was diagnosed with heart failure in 2017. She sadly passed away at the hospice in December 2022.

A keen sports-playing family, it is sure to become highly competitive, with tug-of-war, running games, rounders, archery, an egg-and-spoon race and biking all set to take place, to name a few. The event will be a family fun day out, with spectators welcome for a donation. All donations will be made to The Kirkwood.

An ice cream van, food stalls, face painters, balloons and a bar will all be available on the day.

Stephen, Amy and Wayne will be team captains, while a scoreboard will be kept updated throughout the day to indicate who is winning.

Speaking about the event, Amy says: “The Kirkwood took care of my nana for six years following her heart failure diagnosis. She first started going for days out to the Braveheart sessions, where she’d not only learn about heart failure, but also take part in activities such as meditation and arts and crafts. At the time, she was nervous about going to new places by herself, but they made her feel so welcome. She made new friendships, and her confidence grew.

“In the few days before she passed away, she was so brave, but her symptoms became unbearable to her, and she chose to go to Kirkwood – a place she knew she would be looked after – for treatment. Unfortunately, there was nothing they could do, but they put her at absolute ease. The nurses and doctors were quite literally, out of this world.

“As a family, we couldn’t have asked for more. From the priest who did a blessing, to the girls who came around to offer us drinks, we felt comforted knowing that our nana was surrounded by such calm professionals.

“We’re excited to raise some funds for the charity, whilst having some fun.”

Sign up for free here and donate on the day.