Alder Hey Hospital Fundraiser
1760. Jess Weaver
Jess Weaver, aged 14, from Neston, Cheshire, has fundraised over £26,000 for Alder Hey Hospital in memory of her sister Georgie who died aged 5 days old of tracheal agenesis.
Through various cycling challenges spanning thousands of miles over the course of 7 years, Jess was able to raise enough money to contribute to the new Children’s Bereavement Centre at Alder Hey Hospital, Liverpool, which Jess and her family opened in September 2021. The Alder Centre is a centre of excellence and the first of its kind in the U.K., providing outstanding bereavement and grief counselling with care and education for anyone affected by the death of a child. By January 2022 Jess has pledged cycle a further 2,000 miles, helping raise money for a children’s mental health unit at Alder Hey Hospital while spreading awareness of tracheal agenesis.
In a personal letter to Jess, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:
“I was so sorry to hear that you lost your sister, Georgie, and so inspired to learn how you have responded to that tragedy in such a positive way.
“As an ambassador for Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, you are raising awareness for tracheal agenesis and raising vital funds for child bereavement services. This is a wonderful tribute to your sister.”
Justin Madders, Jess’ local MP for Ellesmere Port and Neston said:
“Jess has shown great determination over a number of years to raise a fantastic sum of money for a cause which I know will be close to her and her family’s hearts. She should be very proud of all she has done at such a young age.”
A spokesperson at Alder Hey said:
“Jess has been an Alder Hey Children’s Charity Ambassador for seven years and has raised over £26,000 for Alder Hey in loving memory of her little sister Georgie. Jess organises and completes an annual bike ride, takes part in Oli’s Safari Walk and does many other fundraisers in between. Her commitment to the Charity and Georgie’s memory are amazing and a credit to her caring, resilient nature.
Not only has Jess put herself out there to raise money for others but she has also shown incredible bravery and character to talk publicly and she recently opened The Alder Centre, Alder Hey’s new bereavement centre on the hospital campus. Everyone at Alder Hey Children’s Charity are super grateful for Jess’s continued support and we are delighted that Jess is receiving this recognition.”
In response to receiving the award, Jess’ family said:
“As a family it has been an honour and a privilege to be able to fundraise for Alder Hey. Jess embraced her role as a charity young ambassador from day one and gave 110%. It is so lovely that her hard work and dedication has been recognised, however it has always been about giving back to the hospital that cared for us at the worst time of our lives, rather than for merit. We are very proud of Jess. Thank you.”