Claire House Children’s Hospice hosts 24-hour Gameathon to help raise funds

Claire House Children’s Hospice hosted a 24-hour Gameathon to raise vital funds for the Merseyside hospice.

Big-hearted young adults with life-limiting conditions gamed through the night to raise cash for Claire House Children’s Hospice, paying tribute to friends gone too soon.

From Mario Kart and EA Sports FC battles to late-night card and board games, the group played their hearts out, honouring friends – Daniel Ashcroft, Alex Connerty and Liam Kost – who died this year.

It was also a chance to give something back to Claire House, which supports seriously and terminally ill babies, children and young adults and has always been there for them.

The event had the backing of England and Everton footballer Jack Grealish, YouTuber Max Fosh and Liverpool content creator StillRyan, who sent messages of support to spur the players on.

Their words of encouragement, along with snacks and plenty of fun, helped everyone power through the fundraiser.

Alex’s mum Sue Connerty said:

“Alex loved going to his social group at Claire House. He used to have so much fun playing games and having a laugh and banter with not just the boys but the amazing staff who ran the clubs.

“We cannot thank them enough for the care and support they gave Alex, and us as a family, and still give us since Alex’s passing in January 2025.”

Liam Ashton, 21, who played Monopoly as the clocks went back, helping turn 24 hours into 25 hours of fundraising, said:

“It wasn’t just about playing games. It was about keeping our friends’ memories alive and doing something they’d have loved.

“This was our way of saying they’ll never be forgotten and raising money for Claire House by doing something fun.”

Liam, from Halewood, who has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, added:

“It’s an amazing charity. We don’t know what we’d do without it. They do so much for us and our families. We have a social group every month, which we love, and we can have counselling. It’s so important.”

The Claire House Social Group, for 14 to 25-year-olds, gives young adults a place to connect and share experiences.

“Events like this are a fantastic opportunity to get together for lots of fun and games, food and peer support,” said Andy Curtis, Young Adult Coordinator.

“It’s about supporting young adults to make the most of their lives, have fun and learn from each other to support them throughout their lives.

“For one night, our usual social group became a 24-hour Gameathon. Video and board games were played across different shifts, as well as word association games where we could be silly and daft.

“We had lots of messages of support, which helped motivate everyone, and it was lots of fun. Whether it was racing in Mario Kart or playing a card game like Uno with a friend, someone was always taking part in a game throughout the 24-hours.”

He joked:

“And despite it getting competitive at times, we’re all still friends, so that’s the main thing!

“All we ask is people spread the word and donate a few pounds, anything to help us because it’s a worthy cause, and the young adults put a lot of effort in.”

Claire House staff, including Andy, Kellie Jones and Abigail Kelly, worked with the young adults to organise the 24-hour Gameathon, with an initial goal of raising £1,000.