We are very sad to announce that Sandy Tyrrell – a wonderful former playworker, Trustee, and Patron of Challengers – has passed away. Sandy was one of Challengers’ first ever playworkers back when the charity first started and has been a truly amazing supporter over the years.
Throughout her time at Challengers, Sandy kindly volunteered to help others. Her warm and caring nature meant that she was fantastic with the children, and she was a brilliant support to the charity’s founders Colin Hassell and Dr Helen Foley.
Over the years Sandy took part in many fundraising events, including the famous 200-mile sponsored ride from London to Paris on a 21-seater bicycle in 1985, and sitting in a bath of cold porridge (pictured).
Sarah Knight, Sandy’s friend and former playworker, says:
“In the summer of 1986 another crazy fundraising idea was hatched! For a whole week, 24 hours a day, we took it in turns to sit in a bath of porridge for 4 hours at a time, outside an empty shop on Guildford High Street. At night the bath would be dragged into the shop where the sitting in porridge continued! Challengers really were ahead of the game with wacky fundraising ideas, creating memories and friendships to last forever.”
Sandy later became a Trustee and Patron of Challengers, providing expertise and support to the charity as it grew, and continued to make a real difference to the lives of disabled children and young people through her roles.
Without people like Sandy, who were influential in establishing the charity, Challengers simply wouldn’t be what it is today. We will forever be thankful for Sandy’s hard work, commitment and contributions, and her legacy will continue to live on through the important work we do.