Why Hartlepool man will have 25 buckets of North Sea water thrown over him this weekend

The community interest company, the sport arm of the PFC Trust charity, has got behind the UChangeLives25 push to raise the £50,000 needed to provide a respite caravan for the town’s young carers.

While Hartlepool Sport’s chair, Kelly Daley, will record 25 fun TikTok videos with her niece Olivia, the chief executive, Carl Jorgeson, will be getting soaked by Steetley Pier.

Carl has committed himself to an ice bucket challenge with a difference after stating he would have 25 buckets of North Sea water poured over him one after another.

He said: “That is because of the 25 hours young carers typically spend looking after loved ones unpaid every week.

“I mentioned about the ice bucket challenge when we were talking about what we could do and my wife, Amy, said ‘why don’t you do 25 ice buckets in one go’.

"As our lockdown walk is along Steetley Pier we have decided to do it there.

“I will know after the first dozen how I feel – it’s a bit different to doing one like I did in 2014 for the original Ice Bucket Challenge that everyone will remember.”

Carl, who is also an instructor and development officer at Hartlepool Wadokai, is urging others to join him on the fundraiser from his martial arts group.

It’s safe to assume Kelly and Olivia – who are in a childcare bubble during the pandemic – will be a little bit warmer unless they find themselves down at Steetley Pier recording a TikTok the same day.

Kelly said: “We chose TikTok because it’s a huge trend at the moment amongst young people and something that can be watched and enjoyed from anywhere.

“Not only that, Olivia loves to try new TikTok challenges so it seemed a good opportunity to engage her in the fundraising. It’s fun and gives a bit of a focus.

“The TikTok challenge will be completed from home and it’s something that can get the whole family involved.”

Kelly and Olivia, aged seven, hope to raise more than £500 towards the £50,000 target before the deadline on Good Friday, April 2.

The PFC Trust was set up by Frances Connolly and her husband Patrick after they won nearly £115m in a EuroMillions lottery draw in 2019.

Its UChangeLives25 appeal has so far seen more than 60 individuals and groups get involved.

Kelly said: “It’s really important for us to do this challenge because of the impact it will have.

"Young Carers commit so much of their time to caring for loved ones and although the statistics suggest 25 hours, in reality it is a great deal more."

Donations towards the £50,000 appeal can be made at justgiving.com/pfctrust or by texting 70085 with UC25PFC 3 to donate £3, UC25PFC 5 to donate £5, UC25PFC 10 to donate £10, UC25PFC 25 to donate £25.

Texts cost one standard rate message plus cost of donation.

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