Kev Pitcher, father of Benny who passed away at just six years old, is starting a 72-hour sponsored silence tomorrow in aid of Benny’s Battalion Fund. Here, Kev explains why it will be an almost impossible challenge
A Sheringham father known locally for being anything but quiet is taking on an unusual challenge to raise funds for families whose child has a terminal illness. Kev Pitcher, dad to Benny, will be undertaking a sponsored silence while dressed as a fairy in aid of the Benny’s Battalion Fund, held by the Norfolk Community Foundation. Benny’s family started the fund three years ago in memory of their son Benny, who passed away from Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), a type of aggressive brain tumour, aged six.
The fundraiser will run from 7pm Wednesday 28 January to 7pm Saturday 31 January, with Kev collecting donations in Sheringham pubs, Morrisons and on the streets of the town with help from the Town Crier of Sheringham. The challenge will culminate in a fundraising evening at Harry’s Bar in East Runton at 7pm on Friday 31 January.
Kev, who admits keeping quiet will be the hardest part of the challenge, said the fundraiser is deeply personal. “This means absolutely everything to me,” he said. “When Benny was ill, we made a promise that we would do whatever we could to help other families facing the same terrifying journey. The support we had was incredible and now it is our turn to give back.
“I don’t know anyone who would call me a quiet man, so this is a real challenge for me, but if dressing as a fairy and keeping my mouth shut for 72 hours helps raise funds, then it is more than worth it. Families dealing with a terminal diagnosis of a child are facing the unimaginable and they should not have to do it alone.”
Kev’s wife Julie added: “I have waited a long time for this. It might be the quietest few days our house has ever known. That said, knowing Kev, staying silent will be far harder for him than wearing a fairy outfit. I am incredibly proud of him for taking this on.”
Sara Herschel-Shorland from the Norfolk Community Foundation said the fundraiser would make a real difference. “The Benny’s Battalion Fund provides vital support to families who are going through so much at the most difficult time of their lives,” she said. “Fundraising efforts like this not only raise much needed funds, but also shine a light on the realities faced by families whose child has a terminal illness. The impact of this generosity will be felt far beyond these few days.”
Visit Benny’s Battalion Fund – Norfolk Community Foundation.
Featured image of Kev Pitcher dressed as a fairy alongside the Town Crier of Sheringham – supplied by Norfolk Community Foundation
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