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Search forBrave Morgan swims for cash in memory of his brother-in-law
Friday, November 21, 2008, 08:03
Morgan Greenhalgh, of Chorley Street, will be in the pool at Brough Park Leisure Centre on Saturday, November 29.
He is raising money for the Douglas Macmillan Hospice which looked after his brother-in-law, James Black, who died of cancer of the oesophagus, aged 24, in June.
James was married to Morgan's 28-year-old sister Kerrie.
It is the first time Morgan has raised money for charity but he said he was not nervous about the swim and, depending on how it goes, might like to do another.
He said: "When people get cancer, the hospice send nurses to come and help so they can stay at home, which is what they did for James.
"In practice, I've swam 800 metres and I'm hoping to get to 1,000 for the actual swim. I'm exciting about doing it because I love swimming. I learned really quickly and it's become my hobby."
Morgan, a pupil at Westwood First School, has been gathering sponsors with the help of family, friends and teachers at his school.
The money he makes from the sponsored swim will be added to the total of more than £1,500 the family has already raised for Douglas Macmillan, in memory of James, since July.
Kerrie Black, of Wallbridge Drive, Leek, works for a homelessness charity, which is where she met James.
James was diagnosed with cancer in May last year and the couple were only married eight months ago.
Kerrie said she was proud of her little brothers' efforts and of his understanding of the situation.
"I think it's really good what Morgan is doing. Cancer is something you can't understand fully until it happens to you.
"We're all just chanelling the grief into doing something positive by raising money for the hospice.
"Douglas Macmillan gave James a choice and the opportunity to be nursed at home.
"They made it more comfortable for James and easier for us both, because they helped support me as well, with their 24-hour care.
"Morgan has taken on board exactly what he is raising money for and it surprised me how much he understands.
"It's really good that at his age, he's prepared to do that and knows he will help people by doing it."
Doreen Black, James's mum, will be travelling to Leek from Wolverhampton with James' dad, Jim, to watch Morgan at the sponsored swim on the 29th.
Mrs Black said: "I'm glad that Morgan is doing it, because it raises awareness for Douglas Macmillan, who really helped James, especially with the Hospice at Home care.
"We want to help raise awareness and money for the hospice because they rely on donations to provide all their patients with care.
"Morgan is doing it because he wants to and it goes to show children do understand these things and do care.
"The fund-raising we have been doing has been a positive outlet and will help the hospice continue to care for other people."
Carol Greenhalgh, aged 51, is Morgan's mum. She will also be watching Morgan at the pool with his dad Stephen, and Morgan's nephew – and James's son – six-year-old Joshua Black.
She said: "I suggested the idea to Morgan, who accepted the challenge with enthusiasm and has arranged the sponsorship by himself."
If anyone would like to donate to Douglas Macmillan in James's memory, they can visit or send their donations to the Douglas Macmillan shop in Derby Street, Leek.
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