Farrar family, Christie fundraisers

This month, we’re putting the Farrar family in our fundraiser hall of fame.

The Farrar family have been strong supporters of The Christie ever since Kenny Farrar was diagnosed with advanced bowel cancer in February 2017. Kenny came to The Christie for a colostomy and chemotherapy, to help prolong his life for as long as possible.

Kenny’s wife Pamela said that Kenny wanted to raise money for The Christie charity very early on in his treatment, to say thanks for the care he had received. The family asked the local cricket club where Kenny played if they would host a fundraising event for The Christie. When the club agreed, the Farrars set about organising the event for 14 July 2018.

However, Kenny became poorly in May 2018 and was admitted to The Christie. His treatment team started intensive radiotherapy and Kenny celebrated his 60th birthday on 20 May 2018 in the garden at The Christie.

In June 2018, following his radiotherapy, Kenny had a seizure and was admitted to his local hospital. Pamela and the whole family decided to care for Kenny at home as 2 of their daughters are carers.

Pamela and Kenny’s daughter Emily was due to be married in November 2018. The family’s vicar suggested having a ceremony in our house so that Kenny could see Emily and Adam married. They set the date for 13 July 2018, the day before the fundraiser.

But sadly, on 9 July 2018, Kenny died with all his family around him, at home just before midnight. The family were heartbroken but decided to carry on and hold the fundraiser – they believed this was what Kenny would have wanted.

Pamela said they thought the fundraising day would be a sad affair after Kenny had died. But instead, hundreds of people turned up to pay their respects and support The Christie, just as Kenny had wanted. After a long and happy day, the Farrar family raised £5,000 and pledged that they would hold a fundraising day every year.

Emily did a skydive in early 2020 alongside Pamela and Kenny’s nephew, Michael. Between them, they raised £1,100 for The Christie charity.

In July 2021, the Farrar family held their 3rd fundraiser day. They had an afternoon of knockout cricket, made up of teams of people who had known Kenny. Pamela said it was an amazing and joyous day, and the family were able to hand over a cheque to The Christie charity for an incredible £4,300.

“Kenny Farrar was an amazing and individual human being who touched everyone he met.  He has left an enormous hole in our lives which is filled by our gorgeous children and grandchildren, his legacy.
“I will be forever grateful to The Christie, for the way they supported each and every decision he made about his treatment, the way they gave Kenny ownership of his condition and never preached and finally for the fantastic care they showed for the whole of our family as we grieved during his illness and afterwards.
“We are so proud and honoured to be chosen as fundraiser of the month for The Christie.  And on behalf of our daughters and grandchildren, his brothers and sisters, in-laws and nieces and nephews, I thank you.”

  - Pamela Farrar, Christie fundraiser

In total, the Farrar family have raised just over £10,000 for The Christie charity. We’d like to say a big thank you to Pamela and the whole family for their fundraising efforts - generous fundraisers like them help us keeping supporting cancer patients and their families.

Would you like to fundraise for The Christie charity? Speak to the charity team on 0161 446 3988 or see how you can get involved with fundraising.