Cycling Vietnam and Cambodia in memory of Lily
Photograph Copyright of Cumberland and Westmorland Herald
Annie Mawson’s Sunbeams Music Trust were thrilled to invite Rachel Johnson and Rebecca Burrow to the Sunbeams Music Trust on the 13th January to gratefully receive an enormous donation of £2445.05.
Rachel is a good friend of Rebecca and participated in an epic 700 km charity bike ride from Vietnam to Cambodia in November to raise funds for the Trust. This endeavour was in memory of Rebecca’s daughter Lily who sadly passed away at the age of 9.
Rebecca said ‘Lily was severely disabled; she had cerebral palsy in her trunk and all 4 limbs. She was unable to walk, talk and was unable to eat or drink and suffered with many health conditions including epilepsy which meant she had seizures most days. Despite all of her health issues she was the bravest little girl with the most beautiful smile! She had a huge passion for music: this passion at times was one of the only things that soothed and calmed her when in severe pain and discomfort.
Lily used to go to sessions provided by Annie and her wonderful team and the joy and therapy it gave to Lily was immeasurable. They have a purpose-built Centre near Rheged where they have a room named ‘Lily’s Room, it’s full of wonderful things that keep Lily’s memory alive. Sadly, Lily died just before the Centre was finished but the place is a haven. It focuses on everyone’s ability not disability.
I can only imagine Lily there now. Lily would have been 20 in March last year, her memory lives on through her family, along with those who knew and love her and I’m sure she is always with us’.
Annie Mawsons Sunbeams Music Trust, founded by Annie Mawson MBE MRSM, is dedicated to
improving the quality of life and self-esteem of disabled and disadvantaged children and adults through the interactive therapeutic music sessions. Annie and all the Team at the Sunbeams Trust have been blown away by the commitment of Rachel and Rebecca to raise these vital funds, they have shared updates along the way via the Trust’s social media platform of Rachel’s bike challenge and are hugely appreciative of this enormous donation which will make a vital contribution to their work.
Rachel said ‘The cycle event without doubt was extremely challenging and a tough ride in the extreme heat. I met so many lovely people along the way in both of these beautiful countries and at times had to encounter winding through thousands of mopeds. The encouragement from Rebecca (who unfortunately due to medical reasons was unable to take part) accompanied by our supporters and with the inspiration of Lily’s legacy helped me continue pedalling on’. Following the 2024 challenge, both Rachael and Rebecca have continued to set another goal and accompanied by other Sunbeam Music Trust team members will be hoping to run the Great North Run later this year to raise further funds.
Whilst at the Music Centre Rachel and Rebecca both had the opportunity to meet a number of adults who had just participated in a ‘Music for Life®’ session, which is the Sunbeams model of the therapeutic use of Community Music that underpins all the work.
The enormous funds raised were achieved via generous sponsorship and a fantastic fundraising event held at the Penrith Rugby Club in August. With the kind support of the venue and local singer and musician Anna Bowman Atkinson donating her time and expertise, accompanied by Greggs North Lakes Bakery and a number of businesses who donated raffle prizes and refreshments further funds were raised. Rachel and Rebecca want to thank everyone who has given so generously in memory of Lily and the Sunbeams Music Trust. The Charity bike ride will not only honour Lily’s memory but will also contribute to the ongoing efforts of the Trust providing valuable services within the community, for young and old alike.
If you would like to donate to the cause, Rachel and Rebecca’s fundraising Just Giving page is open, please donate at Rebecca and Rachel’s fundraiser for Sunbeams Music Trust
https://www.justgiving.com/page/rebecca-goad-1711138862399?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL
Julie Blundell, new fundraising member of the Sunbeam Team would also like to thank the
community for their support over the last 33 years and kindly ask all if they are planning a fundraising challenge or choosing a beneficiary for an event to please consider this local Charity as a worthy cause. The New Year for many brings the plan to achieve increased fitness. We are aware that this week many within our community will have hopefully received a ballot place for the Great North Run; if so, we would be thrilled if our local supporters choose the Sunbeams Music Trust for successful bids in receiving a Great North Place or another running, walking, swimming etc challenge across the UK or overseas this year.
Sunbeams is by Cumbrians, for Cumbrians and continually re-invests in Cumbria striving to make a difference to disabled and disadvantaged children and adults though the creative freedom of music.
Founder, Annie says ‘For 33 years we have strived to help people thrive, give them hope and make a difference to the lives of the children and adults, many with complex needs. We aim to tackle the serious challenges raised by social exclusion, deprivation, ill health and inequality, through the transformative power of community music therapy. It’s about fun, acceptance and inclusion. To receive such special words of support as seen below from family members makes all we do enormously rewarding. ‘To Annie and the team… thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all you do. You can bring a smile when all around seems hopeless’.
