LFC fan thankful for cause support
A Liverpool fan who has spent the whole of 2011 raising money for Claire House in memory of his daughter today paid a heartfelt thanks to the LFC Family for their overwhelming support of his special cause.
Earlier this year, Kopite Dave O'Brien left club staff touched when he revealed he was attempting to raise money for the Wirral's Claire House Children's Hospice as a thank you for the care they provided for his daughter, Libby.
Libby was sadly diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma cancer in April 2008, aged just 16 months.
A year of intensive therapy and numerous surgical interventions followed before it was tragically discovered the cancer was incurable.
Libby passed away at Claire House on August 15, 2009, at the age of two years, eight months and eight days.
Click the image below to watch Dave's beautiful tribute to daughter Libby
Dave, wife Pip and son Ben spent a respite weekend at the hospice in May 2009 and decided they wanted to be at Claire House for Libby's end-of-life care.
They were left overwhelmed by the care and support shown not only to Libby, but also to the family as a whole during such a heartbreaking and distressing time.
Claire House also helped the family enjoy their most uplifting day since Libby's death by arranging for Ben to become Liverpool's mascot for their trip to Bolton Wanderers in October 2010.
Click the image below to watch Ben's big day as a Liverpool FC mascot
Soon after, Dave set about trying to raise funds for Claire House in memory of Libby.
Situated in the Bebington area of the Wirral, Claire House aims to assist children and young adults aged from 0 to 23 who have life threatening or life limiting conditions, as well as providing support to the whole family.
However, with no guaranteed government funding, the hospice has to raise more than £2.5m each year to sustain its high level of service.
But while some people chose to take part in fundraising activities such as mountain climbing, bike riding or marathons, Dave opted for an altogether different approach - he decided to give up alcohol for the duration of the year 2011.
Now just three days away from the completion of his challenge, Dave has revealed his gratitude to the Liverpool fans from across the globe who have helped him raise in excess of £16,800 for Claire House - a figure that rises to nearly £20,000 with Gift Aid donations made on the Virgin Money Giving website.
He said: "When I started this Claire House no-booze challenge a year ago I didn't quite realise how difficult a challenge it would be.
"During 2011 I have deliberately not avoided any social occasions where the drinks have been flowing. To name a few I've been on holidays, had my 40th birthday and completed my toughest challenge - a weekend away in Dublin with my mates where believe me I was tempted, especially with the promise of what goes on tour stays on tour!
"But sometimes it has been the simple drinks, like an evening glass of wine or a pint watching the footy, that has been equally as difficult.
"I have stayed strong and not touched a drop and I am really looking forward to New Year's Eve. A local pub is hosting a party to celebrate the end of my challenge and I am sure I will have a few drinks, but more importantly it will be a chance to say thank you to the people who have supported me.
"I never envisaged that I would have such massive support from strangers but who all have the common interest of LFC.
"Raising the money has been a great way to say thank you to Claire House for all they did for Libby and us as a family, but also for me I have kept Libby's memory alive. Here's to 00.01, January 1 2012!"
As Dave closes in on the completion of his year-long challenge, there is still time to make a donation.
If you'd like to do so, or would like more information before deciding whether you'd like to donate, click here>>
If you don't want to donate, it's no problem, but why not follow Dave on Twitter @noboozedaveob.