LIVE LIKE RALPH

My name is Beth and I live in Lytham. I moved here a year ago to be near my Mum and my sister and family after my husband suddenly passed away. I was totally devastated.

I have since joined the bell ringers at St Peter's Church, St John’s, St Cuthbert’s & St Joseph’s who are amazingly lovely genuine people. Slowly I am getting stronger and in June I will be doing a sponsored bike ride from Scarborough back home to Lytham along with others including Ralph's parents who have organised this amazing event, which is in aid of Live Like Ralph", a Lytham, St Annes's charitable organisation set up in honour of Ralph Roberts. Ralph tragically passed away after suddenly collapsing in front of his parents who he was visiting on the 3rd of January 2021. It was only after his shock death that it was discovered he had sarcoidosis, a rare condition which resulted in breathing complications causing his throat to swell. Sarcoidosis only affects one in the million people and it causes sudden and catastrophic swelling in any part of the body. Ralph sadly had it in his throat.

Ralph was also an organ donor and his family donated all his undamaged organs including two kidneys before deciding to turn their heartbreak into a force for good by setting up a charity for skateboarders, called “Live Like Ralph”. Ralph, an 'incredibly kind' person with good values amongst many other things, was a keen skater and creative. It is our mission to help support and maintain both of those communities so that they can continue to grow.to help youngsters engage in the community , one of these being to get disadvantaged kids away from drugs and crime in deprived areas and into healthy activities.

Initially the skate ramps at Park View 4U in Lytham, where Ralph spent so much time as a youngster, were given a distinctive revamp in his memory, who first developed his abilities at the venue. This has since been followed by Ralphfest, now an annual event of art and skateboarding with an art auction/exhibition, skateboarding competition and skate lessons for children at Park View4U, Lytham, Plant skatepark, Blackpool and Moor Park in Preston. Live Like Ralph has now also built a brand new skatepark for kids called Ralph’s House in Blackpool for youngsters to learn to skate in a safe supervised environment.

The aims of the foundation are: Skate - To provide *skateboards and any necessary equipment to those who want to learn how to skateboard and may not have the means to. Build - To support the building and maintenance of skate parks, especially in areas where they are currently less accessible. Include - To provide encouraging and safe spaces where anyone can feel comfortable learning how to skate and encourage girls to start skating. Create - To promote and support new creatives and their work. After a generous outpouring of support, "Live Like Ralph" can begin implementing some of their aims.

Although not a skater myself, I think I may have left it too late at a grand 55yrs old - yikes, :-) watching youngsters learning to skate on with determined enthusiasm and persistence to learn and seeing the joy in the children’s faces when they accomplish something really touched me. In times of adversity, skateboarding provides unity, equality and a stable social environment. It enables kids to grow their self-confidence and self-worth and, most importantly, to enjoy good times. Aside from its fitness benefits, skateboarding also teaches perseverance, goal setting building up confidence.

I'd be super grateful if you could please sponsor me to raise my target of £1,000 for this inspiring charity and also me too funnily enough to regain my confidence after suddenly losing my wonderful husband 2 years ago. There will big beams all over my face if I reach my target by June when I ride into Lytham from Scarborough!

With lots of love always,

Beth.

e: [email redacted]

t: 07568702546

Please text if I don’t pick up as I am profoundly deaf (since childhood) and don't always hear the phone ring especially if I don't have my aids in.

Thank-you x