The Gokcen family in Southport have spoken of their pride at raising an impressive £75,000 for the Marina Dalglish Larks Appeal in memory of much-loved Catherine Gokcen, who died last year aged just 48 years old.
Catherine’s husband Neil, her children Eve and Tom, plus other family members and friends rallied together to take part in a 15,000ft skydive six months ago this weekend.
They also staged a number of other fundraising events including a Sportsman’s Dinner at Auberge Brasserie in Southport plus ladies’ nights, wine tastings, and other charity events.
They presented their cheque for £75,859.71 to Sir Kenny and Marina Dalglish after their fundraising efforts
The money will go towards improving the lives of cancer patients and their families in Merseyside.
The Goikcen family said: “This weekend marks six months since our charity skydive, on 8th October 2022.
“We raised a staggering £75,000+ for Larks at the Marina Dalglish Appeal, making such a difference in helping the incredible charity continue to support women living with cancer.
“This couldn’t have been achieved without everyone’s immense support which we are so, so grateful for.
“Over 1,000 people have been involved in this fundraiser, in some way or another.”
“We miss you, each and every day.”
Speaking last year, they said: “We launched this fundraiser in May 2022, when Catherine was here with us. She’d be prouder than words could say, and the Larks was so, so important to her.
“Catherine very sadly passed away in June, and is an inspiration to many, who knew her personally or have heard her story.
“Over 1,000 people have been involved in this fundraiser, in some way or other. It’s just incredible.”
As well as kindly donating, people showed their generosity in so many ways such as through attending wine tasting and sportsman’s evenings, garden Larkfests, hiking and running half marathons, hosting charity golf days, enjoying pamper parties and raffles, selling virtual glasses of Catherine’s Wine, supporting a Ladies’ Night, organising cake sales, selling Strictly sweepstake tickets and knitted snoods, free workouts, providing skydive snacks, donating independent business vouchers, products, gym equipment, spa and golf trips and more to auctions and raffles.
Four years ago Catherine Gokcen was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, which came as a huge shock to all those close to her.
Initially contracting breast cancer, it then spread to other areas of her body. Catherine underwent an emergency operation at the Walton Centre in Liverpool where she narrowly avoided paralysis thanks to the skill and determination of the surgeons.
Her family have been determined to raise as much money as they can for the Larks at the Marina Dalglish Appeal, a charity organisation for women living with breast cancer,.
Services provided there include counselling, reiki, reflexology and treatments that are used to help and ease the side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Additionally, hair and nail treatments are offered, along with an opportunity to share experiences with women in similar situations.
The skydiving daredevils included Catherine’s husband, Neil, their children Eve and Tom; plus Lisa Forth; Sarah, Will and Matt Barwell; Sharon Clarke; Ryyan Winter; and Stephen Dunne, who is Neil’s business partner as they co-own Birkdale Kitchen Co. in Birkdale in Southport.
- To support the Marina Dalglish Appeal please visit: marinadalglishappeal.org
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