IBM iX UK chief calls on the community to Race to Disney and raise funds for the Evelyn Nolan Trust
IBM iX vice-president and partner, Matt Candy is one of those calling on the marketing industry to get involved in a fundraising initiative for the Evelyn Nolan Trust.
IBM calls on the community to Race to Disney to raise funds for the Evelyn Nolan Trust
Following the tragic loss of their friend and colleague's daughter, Evelyn Nolan, the tech company's team is uniting for a 72-hour event titled Race To Disney.
As part of the initiative, IBM is seeking volunteers to run, swim or cycle a total of 7,000km – the distance from London to Disneyworld Florida – in order to raise £100k for the Evelyn Nolan Trust. People can take part no matter where they are in the world, with the central event being an organised 'princess run' around London’s South Bank; although, as long participants clock up the miles it doesn't matter where they do it.
After being diagnosed with an incredibly rare seizure disorder, Evelyn passed away at just four-and-a-half years old. The little girl spent much of her time in University Hospital Southampton, and made history after a specially adapted ventilator allowed staff to fulfill her parents' wish of one last swim with her.
Evelyn's mother, Debbie explained: “The most incredible team at Southampton General Hospital paediatric department pulled out every stop, overcame every hurdle, ignored everyone who said ‘it can't be done’ to give our baby girl, and us an incredible memory. A swim. The first ever child to go for a swim ventilated.”
She added: “Countless people were involved to make this happen and Elliot Nolan and I are just - speechless with gratitude. From the physio team who brought it together, to the doctors, nurses and consultants who considered every angle and saw it through, to the technicians who overcome the most ridiculous challenge that we set them.
“Everyone was incredible and as a result have given us the most unbelievable memory. Thank you. Words will never be enough.”
Starting on 5 December and lasting for three days, the event will coincide with Walt Disney’s 115th birthday, and over this period, runners, swimmers and cyclists from around the globe will work to clock up the KMs to reach the final goal. Through an entry fee and sponsorship, IBM is hoping to raise money that will help those who helped Evelyn.
The loss of Evelyn has deeply touched many of her mother's colleagues at IBM and they are calling on the wider community to register interest in Evelyn's Race to Disney.
"Evelyn never made it Disney. So we must get there for her," reads the event website.
"Race to Disney for Evelyn is about two things: we must never ever forget Evelyn and her bravery through battle so this will help to preserve her legacy. But also we must do all we can for those warriors still in the fight – for their parents, family and carers."
To register to take part please visit the dedicated website where you can find out more about Evelyn's story.