Team to conquer Shropshire’s biggest inflatable obstacle course in David’s memory

David Riley died at Severn Hospice last year, aged 43, after receiving ‘phenomenal’ end-of-life care following diagnosis of an aggressive brain tumour.

Now his wife Emily Riley will lead her team Riley’s Runners to take on the charity’s 5km challenge at the West Midlands Showground in Shrewsbury on April 27 – the first anniversary of David’s death.

The team of seven are hoping to raise as much as they can to help ensure the hospice can be there for future families that need its support across Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and Mid Wales.

Emily, from Shrewsbury, will have her and David’s adopted son Peter, aged two, cheering them as they attempt the course.

“When I saw the date of Kapow! was a year on from when David passed away I thought we’ve definitely got to go and to do it – we want to turn the day into something positive,” she said.

“Giving something back is important to us because the staff at the hospice were incredible. David received care at the Shrewsbury site and with the Hospice at Home team – all of which were phenomenal.

“It was just the little things that they did, making him feel more comfortable and looking after Peter, who we had only had five months before David collapsed.

“On our wedding anniversary, the canteen even made us both a special cake – it was such a lovely gesture. Everyone was just so good to us.”

Joining Emily on the day will be her mother Val Floyd and close friends Carrie Garrett, Luke Cannon, Denise De Borde, James Pinches and Emily McBride.

From Batman to Thor – they’ll become superheroes for the day while taking on the ten giant inflatable obstacles the course has to offer.

Severn Hospice events officer Hannah Gamston, added: “When I first heard Emily’s story I was so touched by how much our care meant to David, his family and friends.

“It’s lovely that they have chosen to celebrate his life in this way while supporting us.

“Events like this are a great way to raise funds so we can continue to help local people and their families when they need it most.”

Kapow! participants can do the challenge as a team or solo, with entry costing £20 for adults and £15 for children under 16.

Children must be accompanied by an adult, over the age of eight and are taller than 1.2 metres.

To register for Kapow! at the West Midlands Showground on April 27 go to severnhospice.org.uk/kapow2019 or call 01952 221350.