Simon Lole has taken on a Dry Lent Challenge in memory of his dear friend Anthony. Anthony Lewis, sadly passed away under hospice care on Christmas Day 2022, following a long illness.
Simon met best buddy Anthony 27 years ago when he started his job as Director of Music and Organist at Salisbury Cathedral, Anthony was a verger.
Each year, Anthony use to take part in a dry lent challenge on behalf of various charities, which was, according to Simon, quite a thing for him as he enjoyed his wine most nights. Simon had tried to keep him company on a few occasions but to no avail, admitting he failed before the end. Simon’s Dry Lent Challenge seemed a fitting tribute to take up in support of his friend’s generous efforts. Simon has pledge to take on this challenge each year in support of Salisbury Hospice, in gratitude of the care that Anthony received.
“I lost my best friend at Christmas and he spent his last week being cared for by the wonderful staff at Salisbury Hospice. He was treated with great dignity, kindness, respect and compassion and I was deeply moved by experiencing the wonderful work of these true angels”.
With just a few days of lent left, Simon is still on track to complete his challenge and to date has raised an incredible £2,507!
Simon had the following to say about the challenge;
“It is a great pleasure to be doing this – Anthony was my best buddy since 1997 when we both started working at Salisbury Cathedral and his death leaves a huge hole in mine and my family’s life. The care that he received from the Hospice was second to none and I will never forget that. From lovely Faye in reception who was always so kind and the smiling face every day, through to all the carers, nurses and doctors who treated Anthony with such respect and dignity right up until the end.
They were also just as kind to family and friends. I have to confess that, as a person who has been through cancer treatment myself, the word “hospice” has always had a chilling ring to it. Not anymore. My experience of being there in the final week before Christmas has completely changed my attitude towards hospice care – so thank you!”
We are so incredibly grateful to Simon, and have no doubts he will succeed in his challenge. If you would like to show your support you can sponsor him here:
