Claire Harness Donates To Friends Of Hospice
Claire Harness donated $3,000 to Friends of Hospice in memory of her late partner, Kevin Thornton, raised during the Chubb Bermuda Half Marathon Triangle Challenge.
A spokesperson said, “Friends of Hospice has received a donation of $3,000 – raised by Claire Harness in memory of her former partner, Kevin Thornton, a long-time Bermuda resident who died in 2021.
Keith Musson [friend of Kevin Thornton], Jennifer Mahoney [Executive Director], Claire Harness and David Braddock [friend of Kevin Thornton].
“Ms Harness, a former islander now living in Skegness, ran in the three events of the Chubb Bermuda Half Marathon Triangle Challenge this past weekend in Mr Thornton’s memory. She raised funds through the Go Fund Me platform – which is still receiving donations on behalf of the charity – and has exceeded her goal of £2,000.”
Mr Thornton, a printer at Island Press, had strong roots in the local community. A keen football player, friends fondly remember him as an avid Leeds United fan who watched games at Robin Hood and Bermuda Bistro at the Beach, who frequently took in a round of golf at Belmont Hills Golf Course with his friends.
“Kevin was a kind, funny and generous man who loved his family and friends unconditionally,” Ms Harness said, “I’ve been fortunate to catch up with a lot of them during this trip and we’ve enjoyed reminiscing about him.”
Jennifer Mahoney [Executive Director] & Claire Harness.
The spokesperson said, “When Mr Thornton was diagnosed with an aggressive brain cancer in 2019, his care was overseen by Agape House for almost a year, until he was flown to the UK, where he died in 2021. Ms Harness has chosen to donate to Friends of Hospice in recognition of the invaluable care Mr Thornton received in Bermuda and has asked that the funds go towards the building of the new Woodland Grove Care Centre – Bermuda’s first purpose-built care centre.”
“Friends of Hospice were invaluable to us when Kevin was poorly,” Ms Harness said. “We knew he was receiving the best medical care possible from the Agape House team and there was always someone for us to talk to about any concerns we were having or to just have a chat with – nothing was too much trouble. That allowed us to focus our energies on “being there” for Kevin and spend quality time with him. We will always be grateful for that gift.”
Photo of Kevin Thornton, courtesy of Claire Harness.
Jennifer Mahoney, Executive Director of the Friends of Hospice, said, “We are very moved by this donation in honour of one of our former patients, Kevin Thornton, and by Claire’s tribute. Friends of Hospice sets out not only to provide the best care for our patients but also to empower their friends and family to create lasting, positive memories with their loved ones while they still can – this is a wonderful testament to that mission.”
