The Rotary Club of Grand Cayman (RCGC) exploded in loud applause at the weekly meeting on the 6th November when Rotarian Mike Austin presented a cheque for CI$50,000, on behalf the AALL Foundation, to Derek Haines in support of his marathon challenge to build a new Hospice facility in Grand Cayman.

Also at the presentation was Brian Hurley, President of the RCGC, together with members and guests.

Derek has now completed 5 of the 6 marathons in the challenge with the final one being in Cayman on the 7th December. Derek said, “This is a very generous donation by the AALL foundation and brings the total of donations and pledges to CI$800,000. My thanks go to AALL and to Mike who has been the driving force behind obtaining this donation and has also donated personally. Our goal is to raise CI$1 million, so we still have a way to go, and I am hoping for a further surge of support to take us to the goal by the time I reach the tape in the final race. A few folks have said they were watching how things progressed before committing, and I have to admit the challenge did seem a tad ambitious at the start, but I urge them all to join in now. We are so close to success and I know that the new Hospice facility will become a reality. The support of the Cayman community has been inspirational and certainly helps me to dig deep when the going gets tough in the races.”

Besides the monetary donations and pledges, support for the challenge has been offered by local companies to supply materials and services.

Mike said, “The AALL foundation is committed to support worthwhile charities and the trustees have been impressed by the efforts to raise funds for this much needed Hospice facility in Cayman. Most people have had experience with CaymanHospiceCare and know that it provides tremendous support to the terminally ill and their relatives and friends. We are pleased to be able to help and I also urge everyone to assist as best they can.

For more information on the $1 million challenge, and to donate, go to www.six4hospice.com

Pictured are RCGC President Brian Hurley, Derek Haines and Mike Austin.