L: Joshua and Bob Caplin; R: Bob with wife Rosalind
A father, his son and son-in-law are currently embarked on a challenge to visit 92 league football clubs in just 92 hours to raise funds for North London Hospice and Chai Cancer Care.
Bob and Joshua Caplin along with Stephen Goldman decided to take on the challenge to mark the 10th anniversary of the death of wife and mother Rosalind. They set off on Sunday 23 February, beginning their journey at Watford FC, and have already covered several west London clubs, Brighton and Bournemouth. They plan to cover 2,600 miles during the four-day challenge, completing their expedition at Tottenham Hotspur FC on Thursday 27 Feb.
While they were hoping to raise £9,200 for their two chosen charities, they’ve already exceeded this and raised over £12,300. Bob explains their reasons for taking on the challenge:
“You have a relative who is suffering with a terminal illness and people say to you, “I know how you must be feeling; I know what you must be going through.” No, you don’t! Unless you have lots of experience and expertise in dealing with an ill person and their relatives, you cannot understand what someone is going through emotionally or physically.”
“This is the expertise that North London Hospice brings to each unique situation. As a patient or relative you want empathy, you want understanding and you want support in the most stressful of times.
“In the final stages of my late wife Roz’s illness, the hospice supported the family’s decision to care for her at home and supplied nursing and counselling services. So invaluable at the time, and free at the point of use. No additional worries as to how to pay for this. It is impossible to measure the benefit provided by the hospice, but it is possible to measure the financial cost. Money is essential to keep the service running and expanding. Our support is crucial.”
Chai Cancer Care supports members of the Jewish community affected by cancer, and in addition to North London Hospice the family are raising money for Chai’s Image Resource Service. “Our mum always took the utmost pride in her appearance, so we have decided that monies raised from this challenge will go towards Chai’s Image Resource Service” Joshua explains.
“This service provides a dedicated space where clients can address sensitive image issues and benefit from hair, wig, underwear, nail care and semi-permanent make-up expert advice. Clients can also receive make-up lessons and manicures as well as specialist advice regarding chemical-free beauty products and make-up.”
He adds: “We miss her every single day and will never forget how she fought her battle against cancer with great dignity until her very last moments.
“Mum didn’t really like football but always made sure to put the kettle on as we were on the way home!”
For more information visit North London Hospice and the Caplins do the 92! fundraising page
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