Benjamin Mason, a 34-year-old service technician from Newton-le-Willows, St Helens, is preparing to kayak 35 miles in 12 hours to raise money for Derian House Children's Hospice. The challenge, set for Saturday, July 4, honours his grandparents Barbara and Louis Mason, who stepped back from over two decades of fundraising for the hospice.
Family Legacy of Fundraising
Barbara, 84, and Louis, 86, became key figures in Derian House’s Kendal-based fundraising committee shortly after the hospice opened in 1993. Barbara served as treasurer, while Louis was chairman, helping build local support for many years before deciding to step down to enjoy a slower pace of life and spend more time with family.
“My family has been supporting Derian House since I can remember,” said Benjamin, who lives with his partner Michael, and dogs Elsie the Cavapoochon and Norma the Shih Tzu. “My grandparents have always fundraised for Derian House, holding events and raising awareness so that more and more people learned about the hospice and what it does for families.”
Their support also inspired Benjamin’s father, Duncan, who ran the Manchester 10k to raise money for the charity 17 years ago, along with many other family members who have fundraised for Derian.
Personal Connection to the Hospice
“After visiting the hospice personally, I saw what an amazing place it is. It provides comfort, care and dignity to children and families facing the toughest journeys imaginable,” Benjamin said. “A few years ago, my grandparents decided to take a step back from their charitable commitments to enjoy a slower pace of life and spend more time with family and loved ones. Because they’re no longer able to fundraise in the same way, I decided I wanted to carry on their fundraising for them.”
The Kayak Challenge
Benjamin will embark on his challenge along the Bridgewater Canal on the morning of July 4, starting at Castlefield, Manchester, and finishing at The Ferry Tavern, Penketh, in Warrington. “I love kayaking, I used to do it a lot with my dad, so this challenge felt right,” he said. “I’ve been training in preparation – it’s going to be a tough one. I’m looking forward to the route as I’m a big history lover and especially interested in the Bridgewater Canal. My partner Michael will meet me at the finish line in Penketh and we’re going to celebrate with a nice pint at The Ferry Tavern.”
Grandparents' Pride
Barbara Mason said: “We’re both really pleased Benjamin has decided to carry on our family’s fundraising for Derian House. We’re proud of his bravery for taking on such a challenge, and we hope he’ll get through it ok – he should do as he’s young enough! Louis and I spent many years holding parties and getting involved in fundraisers for Derian House over 20 years, and everyone around us would help us out a lot. Thank you to all those that did. It’s a really important cause that cares for many families who need it. We wish Benjamin the best of luck and will be cheering him along from home!”
Hospice Support
Ann-Marie Fishwick, community fundraiser at Derian House, said: “Benjamin’s challenge is a wonderful tribute to his grandparents and the incredible dedication they have shown to Derian House over so many years. Barbara and Louis have been such valued supporters of the hospice, and it’s incredibly touching to see Benjamin carrying on that family fundraising legacy in their honour. We wish him the very best of luck with his kayak challenge and can’t wait to cheer him on.”
Care is free to families at Derian House, but it will cost £6 million to run the hospice this year. The charity only receives around 30% of government funding, meaning it relies on supporters like Benjamin to raise 70p in every £1. Derian House, based in Chorley, Lancashire, cares for more than 400 babies, children, young people and their families from across the North West.
