by Vlad Ionasc
In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic – which has forced the entire planet into stand-by mode – tremendous financial efforts have been made in order to support the often-underappreciated healthcare workers around the world.
In the United Kingdom, Captain Sir Thomas Moore rightfully grabbed all the headlines by pledging to walk 100 lengths of his garden for his 100th birthday, in an attempt to raise money for the NHS. At the time of writing, his initiative has attracted donations totalling over £32 million.
A by-product of Captain Tom’s effort was the fact that he inspired others like Aneeka Goodall – a loyal Cheshire Phoenix fan – to lend a hand in supporting Britain’s healthcare system.
Aneeka attended her first Phoenix game when she was just six weeks old (I wonder if she remembers the score?) and has been a devoted fan ever since. Her mother – Rachel Goodall – is a popular figure within the Phoenix community and has said that her daughter’s favourite players from the 2019/20 squad are Disraeli Lufadeju and Jalen Hayes but her all-time favourite player is Raheem May-Thompson, who now plays for the Worcester Wolves.
Once Aneeka saw the reports about Captain Tom on the news, she acted promptly by suggesting to her mother that she wanted to follow suit.
Aneeka upped the ante as she completed three separate 5km walks over the course of three days. She set an initial target of £1000, but, at the time of writing, the donations received by Aneeka currently stand at £1280 + £203 gift aid, amassing a grand total of £1483!
The donation page will stay open until the 1st of June and it can be accessed at www.justgiving.com/fundrasing/aneeka-goodall2.
All donations will be directed to Whiston and St Helens Hospitals Charity.