A big-hearted photographer can today look forward to his home comforts – after spending a month camping out on the freezing banks of the River Doon for the Ayrshire Hospice.
Stephen Cosh, 50, from Ayr, braved sub-zero temperatures and sleep deprivation throughout the month of January as he stoically stuck to his fundraising challenge.
However, his efforts have all been worth it because the Ayrshire community has backed him to the hilt and helped him smash his initial target of £10,000.
Stephen completed his challenge in the early hours of this morning after camping out on the banks of the River Doon every night since New Year’s Day.
His total stood at an impressive £14,690 on Monday – with another £2,500 in Gift Aid to be added.
In his latest online update, Stephen said: “I started planning this in October and totally underestimated just how hard it was going to be.
“It wasn’t until night three that I realised how hard it was going to be. I’ve been existing on three-and-a-half to four hours sleep a night.
”But it’s been humbling just how much money people have donated. Thanks to everyone who donated.”
A JustGiving page was set up titled ‘Stevo’s Big Hospice Camp’ and donations flooded in since he started.
And in the spirt of Burns’ Day last Monday, Stephen vowed to recite some of the Bard’s work to help boost the coffers.
He takes up the story: “When I woke up I said I’d do some recitals for an extra £100.
“Lang Independent Financial Advisors, in Ayr, donated £250 which took us over the £12,500, to recite ‘Ye Banks and Braes.’ Or, by its modern name, ‘The Banks of Doon.’
“The managing director, Stuart Lang, is a huge fan of the River Doon. He loves it, he’s fished here all his life. In fact, I taught Stuart how to fish many years back on the banks of the River Doon.”
On many occasions throughout the last 31 days, Stephen’s had to endure temperatures as low as -11c and contend with the River Doon’s raging torrent at night, depriving him of much-needed sleep.
But thankfully he can now rest easy in a comfy, warm bed.
Carla MacEwan, Ayrshire Hospice chief executive said: “On behalf of all our patients and families receiving care from the Ayrshire Hospice, we would like to thank Stephen for his extraordinary efforts in fundraising for us during January.
“Spending 31 nights in a tent on the banks of the river, through freezing rain, snow and wind, demonstrates the commitment so many have across Ayrshire in ensuring we can continue to provide exceptional end of life care for those who need it.
“Stephen, you deserve a well-earned hot bath and comfy bed!
“We rely on the generosity of those who choose to fundraise for us, to help continue to provide support to families across Ayrshire.”
If you want to help boost the coffers, you can donate via Stephen’s Just Giving page at: https://justgiving.com/fundraising/stevos-hospice-camp
Stephen added: “The hospice’s fundraising has been hit hard by coronavirus. It relies on donations from the public to keep helping people in need.
“Please help the Hospice help others by donating.”
