“Forget Me Not open day was an inspiration” – Race Across West Yorkshire winner encourages community to attend in May

Forget Me Not children’s hospice is throwing open its doors to visitors from across West Yorkshire once again in two open days in May

And one person joining the team in urging visitors to come along is this year’s Race Across West Yorkshire winner Lucy Haigh.

Lucy and her colleague Chloe Brittan’s team “Lost and Loving it!”, from West Yorkshire based refrigeration and air conditioning company Crowther and Shaw, was the fastest team to navigate all six checkpoints in Forget Me Not’s business charity challenge in April 2026. Lucy says it was a visit to Russell House on an open day in 2025 that inspired her to enter the race.

Lucy said,

“I visited Russell House last year with my stepdad on an open day they had in October, and seeing what happens there—the hydrotherapy pool, the sensory room, and all the incredible facilities—was genuinely inspiring. My stepdad has raised thousands of pounds for Forget Me Not over the years after losing his son at the age of 13.

While I was there, I saw a brick on the celebration wall with his name on it, and that’s when I knew I wanted to step up my own support. When the Race Across West Yorkshire came along I had to be in it. We’re delighted to have won, but even more thrilled to have been part of a fabulous event that raised awareness and over £42,000 for Forget Me Not.

I’d strongly recommend attending the hospice open day—it’s a truly memorable experience that stays with you long after.”

In the last year Forget Me Not supported 1075 individuals across West Yorkshire, either at Russell House or in families’ own homes, including 303 from Bradford.

Stacey John, Forget Me Not’s Family Support Team Leader said,

“It’s always a pleasure to welcome people to Russell House for the first time and see their surprise when they realise what a joyful place it is. We work with many children with life limiting illnesses and their families over years and years, supporting them but also playing with them, creating music, gardening, playing sport and watching movies. All the things young people love to do. We just have the extra equipment and facilities that they need to deal with whatever additional needs they have.”

“It’s also lovely to see people coming back again and again and seizing this chance to feel closer to our work. Our community of supporters is so important to us. We really couldn’t do what we do without their continued support, whether that be donating, fundraising, volunteering, visiting our shops or leaving gifts in wills – it all makes a lasting difference to local families. Maybe at this open day we’ll inspire another champion like Lucy!”

Dates and details:

Businesses, groups and schools are invited to book a tour of the facility on Thursday 14th May between 10am and 4pm. Please email fundraising@forgetmenotchild.co.uk to let them know you are coming.

The Saturday 16th May open day is open to all from 10am till 2pm, with no need to book.

Russell House is on Fell Greave Road, Bradley, Huddersfield HD2 1NH

More details about both days can be found at https://www.forgetmenotchild.co.uk/supporting-us/events/