A BRADFORD man is hoping some good will come out of a family tragedy by taking on a number of charitable challenges in 2022.
John Morris' father, Kevin, suddenly died of a heart attack at the age of 73 only a week before Christmas last year.
It was a life changing moment for the Little Horton man who has lost several relatives over the past decade.
John has decided to try do something each month to either raise money for charity or improve his wellbeing.
"It has been a rubbish last 10 years," he said.
"My mum, aunty, grandma and grandad have all died. My partner’s mum died last year and her uncle did in August."
Speaking about his dad's passing, John added: "It was really unexpected. He never had any heart problems.
"He lived in Spain and was over here for a week in October.
"On December 13, my oldest brother rang me. We usually arrange something for Christmas Eve. He then gave me that news.
"He was meant to go to golf but didn’t turn up. They went to his flat and found him dead.
"I couldn’t get over for the service. They brought his ashes back three or four days later. Then I arranged a funeral over here."
This past month, it is alcohol that John has managed to banish as he prepares for the Great Manchester Run in May - where he will be raising funds for the British heart foundation.
"I just decided that I was going to do something different and change.
"I will be going from zero fitness, so I thought I should do Dry January and eat healthy.
"That got me thinking to do something every month in memory of my dad and to help other people."
In February, John, who often streams on Twitch, hopes to build a gaming set-up for a child at the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
"I am struggling with that a bit," he added.
"I have contacted so many tech companies. It (building a gaming set-up) doesn’t come cheap, I know that from building my own.
"I asked if one tech company could contribute with one item to go towards the package for the child. So far, only one company has come back saying they can help."
If you would like to help John make a child's dream come true, you can donate by clicking here.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel