Self-proclaimed ‘chess nut’ John White is hoping to raise £2,000 for the British Liver Trust by taking part in the Bunratty International Chess Festival from 21st to 23rd February 2020.
John decided to take on the challenge after his friend, Stephanie (pictured), who had an auto-immune liver condition, died in 2019 at the age of 44.
John says: “Stephanie was the best of friends and the best of people. She was funny, kind, loyal and so supportive.
“Organising the fundraiser has definitely helped me and my partner Karen, who was one of Stephanie's closest friends.
“Stephanie’s death left her family and friends devastated. Doing this has made some sense of it all for me.”
Game on
Taking part in the festival has been a longstanding ambition for John, and the first day of the event coincides with the first anniversary of Stephanie’s death.
John says: “I’m asking friends and family to sponsor me for every half-point I score to the tune of one euro/one pound. The maximum score I can achieve is 5 from 5 so we are talking a maximum of €10/£10 per sponsor.
“The flights, the hotel, the entrance fees and any other expenses I incur will be paid for by myself. Any prize money I win will also go into the fundraiser.”
Audrey Cornelius, Fundraising Manager at the British Liver Trust, says: “We were incredibly sad to hear about Stephanie’s untimely death from liver disease last year.
“We’re incredibly grateful to John, his family and friends for taking part in this event and helping us raise awareness of liver disease, which has many causes, and helping others in a similar situation.”
Save the date
The Bunratty International Chess Festival runs from 21st to 23rd February 2020. If you’d like to sponsor John, please visit https://tribute-funds.everydayhero.com/uk/stephanie-kennedy-our-friend.
