A determined fundraiser is pulling on her walking boots in memory of a “kind, fun and cheeky boy” who was a much-loved member of her Beaver pack.
Amy Barber has signed up for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices’ (EACH) Norfolk Pier 2 Pier event and will be inspired by the memories of 12-year-old Rhys Kershaw.
Rhys attended the 15th Norwich Beaver pack, where Amy volunteers, but was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in November 2021. Sadly, he died in July 2022.
Amy is taking on the 32-mile walk from Cromer to Great Yarmouth alongside his mum, Melanie, on 7th June. The pair run the Beaver pack with Melanie’s husband, Trevor.
“They’re like family to me, and I knew Rhys from a very young age, when he first started coming to our Beaver pack,” she said.
“What happened is so sad, because he was a perfectly normal, healthy young boy.
“Then he started getting poorly towards the end of 2021, and he ended up being diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
“At one point, he made what we thought was a full recovery and completed his course of chemotherapy in February 2022. He proudly rang the bell to signal the end of his treatment.
“However, in the April, we found out the cancer was back and even more aggressive this time. We were told it was incurable in the June.
“He was such a lovely boy and like a little brother to me.
“At Beavers, I’m obviously not supposed to have favourites – but he was one of my favourites!
“He was such a kind, fun and loving boy, and, although he could undoubtedly be cheeky, he always knew where the line was.”
Rhys and his family received vital care and support from EACH, and Amy was among those to visit him at The Nook.
She describes is an “incredible” place, like a home away from home.
“Towards the end, it was an incredibly hard time, and, when further treatment was out of the question, his family were referred to EACH,” said Amy, from Aylsham.
“They spent six weeks there, and it was amazing for family and friends to come in and spend time with them, given that this was in the midst of Covid.
“I spent an afternoon with him while his mum and dad were with the care team, and we had such a lovely chat, which I’ll never forget.
“It was the last time I saw him, and, in many ways, both horrible and awful. However, it was also very beautiful and a lovely memory.
“We spoke about so many things, and I promised to look after his mum and dad.
“Everyone did so much, and we’re doing this to say thank you for the incredible care and support Rhys received.”
Looking ahead to the Pier 2 Pier walk, Amy says she and Melanie love a challenge, and, in May 2023, they completed a 52.6-mile walk from Hunstanton to Cromer, for the Norwich City Community Sports Foundation event.
“Mel and I are a bit crazy, and we’re no stranger to these mad challenges,” said the 31-year-old.
“In comparison with the Norwich City Community Sports Foundation walk in 2023, this will feel like a walk in the park!
“In all seriousness, we know it’s going to be tough, but we’re prepared and game for a laugh.
“We’re excited about the challenge and looking forward to sharing the experience with so many others.
“That’s one of the main things I’ll always remember from the Norwich City Community Sports Foundation walk in 2023, and the way random strangers became friends was a real buzz.”
To show your support and sponsor Amy, head here.
The Norfolk Pier 2 Pier takes participants along the Norfolk Coastal Path and sign-ups close on 11th May. For more details, head here.
