Dad of three Michael Duncan is no stranger to sleepless nights, but they were nothing compared to his ambitious fundraiser for St Wilfrid’s.

Known behind the decks as DJ Dunk, Michael played an epic two and a half day set at The Loft Lounge, raising an incredible £1,770 in appreciation of the care we gave his Mum, Shirley.

Michael’s marathon set began at 2.30pm on a Thursday afternoon and finished at 2.30am the following Sunday morning – timed to end on his Mum’s birthday.

He live streamed the entire event so he could keep friends, family and supporters involved. Michael, who has been a DJ for more than 25 years, said: “Everyone’s support is what got me through. If they weren’t there in person, they were chatting to me online and keeping my spirits up. And my children were fantastic, sending me encouraging notes.

“I was on my feet the whole time but wore slippers and stood on a comfortable mat, which really helped. And I tried not to clock-watch. It’s an experience I’ll never forget,” he added.

“Mum would have thought it was absolutely bonkers, but she’d have been pleased really.”

When she was poorly with COPD, Shirley received support from several of the hospice’s specialist services, including physiotherapy, the breathing clinic, and the social work and community teams.

“It was amazing to see what everyone at St Wilfrid’s does and I don’t feel you guys get enough praise, so I wanted to show my appreciation more than anything,” Michael said.

“Mum felt so comfortable and welcome at the hospice, and aside from her appointments, she would visit the café with her friends. That’s the reason we held her Celebration of Life afternoon tea at St Wilfrid’s. Everything they did was really accommodating. It was a beautiful service and Mum would have loved it,” Michael said.

“That’s why I’m delighted to have raised so much money in her memory.”

Pictured: Michael presents the cheque to Community Fundraiser Michele; DJ Dunk in action (photo courtesy of The Loft Lounge)

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