Rory's Rhizotomy Riff Challenge relaunched to raise money for Lancaster hospice

A young Morecambe lad has relaunched his successful viral fundraiser, this time in aid of Lancaster's St John’s Hospice.

Three years ago, Rory Holmes required a life changing operation called a Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy, which was at the time not available on the NHS.

So he, his dad - Lancaster City Council employee Jim Holmes - and friend Chris Pilkington launched “Rory’s Rhizotomy Riff Challenge.”

The Riff challenge comprised of musicians uploading a video of them playing their favourite part of a song, or riff, and uploading this to Facebook.

Then they would nominate at least three more people to take up the challenge and shared the link to an online donation page.

Over 250 people took part in the challenge back in 2017 with videos being submitted from as far away as Siberia, Tennessee and Sweden.

The riff challenge raised an incredible £16,000 in a few short weeks and thankfully, Rory’s operation was a roaring success.Now in 2020, the riff challenge is back - but this time Rory is raising money to help St John’s Hospice.

Friend Chris now works as a community fundraiser for the Hospice, and when Rory heard about the impact of the current coronavirus outbreak on St John's fundraising plans - he couldn’t wait to start up the riff challenge and get involved to help the key services of the hospice keep running throughout this vitally important time.

Rory launched the challenge on Monday March 23 with a “Call to arms” video - outlining the rules of the challenge and how to get involved.

Rory’s call was answered and dozens of videos have already been uploaded to the riff challenge page https://www.facebook.com/roryshospiceriffchallenge/ and over £1,200 has already been raised on the dedicated fundraising page tinyurl.com/roryriff

Chris Pilkington, Community Fundraiser, St John's Hospice said of Rory’s Challenge: “When I contacted Rory and Jim they couldn't wait to get involved and help our hospice, as our doctors and nurses continue to deliver crucial care to our community in these very difficult times.

"Rory’s enthusiasm is really heartening and he loves to see all the riffs come in and see the fundraising total climb and climb.

"We are aware that there are a lot of people who are doing the right thing by staying at home during this pandemic, and we want to spread some positive news on peoples Facebook news feeds. You don’t have to be a musician to get involved, please do anything that you love that fits with social distancing rules, it could be poetry, dancing, even hula hooping. Please do get involved and help Rory reach his goal of £9,000 for your local Hospice!”

St John's Hospice receives one third of its fundraising from the NHS and needs to raise the remaining two thirds: £9,000 a day to keep operating.

Rory’s challenge is a great way to get involved whilst staying at home, share some positive talents and help your hospice during this most trying of times.