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Scavenger hunt fundraiser to benefit Dill family

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Educator Lucinda Worrell-Stowe is hosting a scavenger hunt this weekend to raise money for Garry Dill, a local father of four suffering from congestive heart failure in desperate need of a heart transplant. Mrs Worrell-Stowe is encouraging people to take part in the fun activity on Saturday morning, starting around 11am at Bull's Head Car Park in Hamilton. (Photo by Akil Simmons)

It was an emotional moment when cancer survivor Lucinda Worrell-Stowe read a news story about the plight of Garry Dill, a father of four suffering from congestive heart failure.

But rather than just feel sorry for the family, the long-time educator decided to do something to help.

Mrs Worrell-Stowe, along with some friends, will be hosting an Island-wide scavenger hunt on Saturday, from 11am to 3pm, starting at Bull’s Head Car Park in Hamilton. All proceeds from the event will go towards the Dill family, who are currently in the UK desperately awaiting a heart transplant that could save Mr Dill’s life.

“The event is called That’s What Friends Are For because I like to think in Bermuda we’re all friends,” explained Mrs Worrell-Stowe.

“We all have the same cross to bear. One of your children might be in his children’s class at school or whatever connection you have with them, that’s reason enough to come out.

“In my opinion it could happen to anyone. That’s why I feel you should reach your hand out to anyone.

“We need to come together,” she continued. “He is a Bermudian and we are a small Island and we should all come together when any of our Islanders need help.”

Mrs Worrell-Stowe, who has battled with several different kinds of cancer for the past 22 years, said she identified with Mr Dill’s story when she first read it in a recent edition of The Royal Gazette.

“I basically know what it’s like having to struggle because I’ve had my own struggles with my health,” she said.

“That’s why reading that story was very emotional for me. I think especially because he has children and when I was first diagnosed I had young children and my fear was that I wouldn’t see them grow.

“Everything runs through your head when you first get sick.”

After seeing the picture of his family in this newspaper and talking with some of his children’s teachers, Mrs Worrell-Stowe felt an even greater connection with the family.

“They told me they were just a lovely family. He’s a good father so that struck me hard too. I knew I needed to try to do something with that in mind.”

Mrs Worrell-Stowe talked with some friends about ways they could do to help. They determined a scavenger hunt would be both fun and affordable.

Participants will be asked to donate $10 each to take part in the event. They are encouraged to arrive at Bull’s Head Car Park (near to the Pasta Basta entrance) by 10.30am.

After receiving their scavenger hunt guidelines, they will be handed a list of challenges they have to complete, including jumping into the ocean or giving a tourist a hug. Teams of four or more must then return to the car park promptly at 3pm — or risk being disqualified.

The team with the most creative name will win a special prize. Other prizes will be on offer for the team with the most points.

Prizes include four VIP and four general admission tickets to Trinidadian Soca singer Machel Montano’s concert and four tickets to reggae singer Tarrus Riley’s concert.

“Let’s have fun and spread the word, as the more participants we secure the more successful this event will be,” Mrs Worrell-Stowe said.

In addition to helping Mr Dill, the organiser believes this will spread hope to his family and children.

She said: “I think for children seeing that people in the community care about them, their father and what they are going through means a lot.

“When I was sick I had friends who came out and looked after my children and looked out for them when I was off Island for a few months and my children grew a lot from that.

“It does something to them to know that people are looking out for them.”

This is the fourth benefit Mrs Worrell-Stowe has hosted for people in the community. Her philosophy is “do the right thing for other people and great things will come back to you”.

To get an application form for Saturday’s scavenger hunt, e-mail lucindaenergy@hotmail.com or call 295-9779. You can also fill out an application form by arriving to the event prior to the 11am kick off.

Those who can’t make it to the scavenger hunt, can still make donations directly to ‘The Garry Dill Fund’ at HSBC account number: 002 131753 012.

Educator Lucinda Worrell-Stowe is hosting a scavenger hunt this weekend to raise money for Garry Dill, a local father of four suffering from congestive heart failure in desperate need of a heart transplant. Mrs Worrell-Stowe is encouraging people to take part in the fun activity on Saturday morning, starting around 11am at Bull's Head Car Park in Hamilton. (Photo by Akil Simmons)
File photo of Lucinda Worrell-Stowe, who is organising a scavenger hunt to raise funds for Garry Dill, a father-of-four in desperate need of a heart transplant.