Football fundraiser nets £1k in son's memory

The parents of a man who died during the Covid pandemic have raised more than £1,000 for a hospital charity in his memory, helping to support patients receiving respiratory care.

Liam Guilliatt, from Gainsborough, was born prematurely and lived with respiratory challenges until his death in 2020, aged 36, his family said.

He was a regular visitor to the respiratory support unit at Lincoln County Hospital, where his mother, Carol, said the family built "strong and heartfelt connections" with the staff who treated him.

"Being able to give something back in Liam's memory means his legacy will live on, which makes us so very proud of our precious son," she said.

Carol and Liam's father, Trevor, along with family friend Philly, now host an annual fundraiser at the Blues Club, at Gainsborough Trinity's football ground.

The latest event, held in December, raised a total of £1,170 for the United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity.

Liam was also a "dedicated supporter" of local team Friendship FC, and his family said it was "only fitting" they wore the team's colours when presenting their cheque.

Connor Hill, from the hospital charity, said the donation would help contribute to specialist equipment and resources that helped to make hospital stays less distressing for patients and their families.

"Thanks to the generosity of Liam's family and friends, the unit can continue to evolve its services, ensuring that other patients living with complex respiratory conditions benefit from the same compassion, dignity and high-quality support that Liam received throughout his life."

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