A ‘Celebration of Life’ event in memory of De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) graduate and colleague Adam Redfern will take place later this month, to continue his legacy and raise money for a dedicated fund set up in his name.
Adam, who died suddenly of a cardiac arrest while out jogging in March 2021, aged 28, was an integral part of DMU for almost a decade – first as a Journalism student, then as a key member of the De Montfort Students’ Union and, finally, as part of DMU communications team.
Taking place on Saturday 24 July, the two-part event has been organised to give Adam’s friends, family and colleagues an opportunity to get together, share memories and celebrate his life, while raising awareness of SADS (Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome) in young adults.
It is also the first fundraiser since the Adam Redfern Memorial Fund was launched last month, which gives aspiring students with a flair for media, journalism and sport the opportunity to boost their career opportunities.
Speaking on behalf of him and his wife, Adam’s dad Ian Redfern said: “Christine and I are gratified that we have this opportunity to bring together Adam’s many friends and colleagues, to celebrate his life and achievements properly.
“As if losing Adam so suddenly and unexpectedly wasn’t difficult enough, we then had to contend with Covid restrictions at his funeral, which meant that many of those who wanted to be there were denied the chance. This is the perfect way of addressing that, all the more so because we are able to use the facilities at DMU; an institution that played such a major part in Adam’s life.
“We are humbled and grateful to everyone at the university who has worked so hard to put this event together. What started as a gem of an idea from two of Adam’s closest friends, Dan Winney and Steve Burrell, has become something which we believe will truly do Adam justice.”
From noon to 5pm, Leicester’s Beaumont Park will host a six-a-side football tournament and family fun day, complete with a barbeque, ice-cream van and drinks bar, as well as children’s entertainment. Entry into the football tournament costs £50 per team, with the fee being donated directly to the Adam Redfern Memorial Fund.
Dan Winney said: “Football was always a great passion of Adam’s and, even though he was a Derby County fan, he always enjoyed watching and playing for the DMU football club and eventually, the staff team.
“I, like many others, shared so many fond memories with Adam on and off the pitch. From winning Varsity in 2016, to having the fortune of playing together at Leicester City’s King Power stadium. It was how our friendship started, as I’m sure it was for many others.
“During the early stages of the first Covid lockdown, Adam and I spoke about how it would be great for people to get together and organise a reunion event which would involve a football aspect of some sort. I think by holding this event in Adam’s name, together with the launch of the Adam Redfern Memorial Fund, we can create a lasting legacy that will do him justice.
“It’s going to be a great day and everyone can be involved no matter what age or quality. It doesn’t matter if you are a Ronaldo or have two left feet, it’s going to be a fun, relaxed environment for all to enjoy.”
In the evening, guests are invited to join a special event at the De Montfort Students’ Union (DSU) on the DMU campus from 7pm to 10.30pm (guest arrivals welcome from 6pm), where there will be speeches from Adam’s close friends, family and colleagues, and performances by the DMU Gospel Choir.
There will also be a speech from a representative for the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust, who will be sharing the signs and symptoms of SADS and the work the Trust is doing to raise awareness around the importance of CPR and defibrillator training.
Ian said: "After the recent high-profile incident with Christian Eriksen at the Euros, nobody can be in any doubt about the importance of prompt CPR and the availability of a defibrillators. Having a representative from the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust with us at the evening event couldn’t be more appropriate, or timely.”
Guests will have the opportunity to sign a dedicated memorial book remembering Adam at both Beaumont Park and the DSU, and there will be a raffle in the evening, featuring prizes including signed LCFC and Leicester Tigers memorabilia, one month’s Gold membership at the QEII Leisure Centre with a personal training session, and many more – with all money going to the Adam Redfern Memorial Fund.
Ian and Christine are also embarking on a sponsored 150-mile walk over 15 days from Sunday 25 July, retracing the footsteps of Adam’s favourite walks. All donations will also go to the fund.
“We would love to raise enough in memory of Adam to make a real difference to the individuals and groups we aim to support and by doing so, ensure that his legacy has lasting impact across DMU and beyond,” added Ian.
“Our hopes are that the day is one of positivity & laughter; a time for Adam’s friends to fondly recall memories and recount the many anecdotes of times spent with him. Indications are that there will be a big turnout, which gives us a source of great comfort and pride in the person Adam was.
“We look forward to making new acquaintances and renewing old ones on 24 July”.
Anyone who knew Adam or would like to show their support for the Adam Redfern Memorial Fund is welcome to join the event on Saturday 24 July and is asked to confirm their attendance in advance by sending an RSVP to VIPevents@dmu.ac.uk.
For more information about the football tournament, or to enter a team, please email dan.winney8@gmail.com with a team name, contact number, and whether the team will be men’s, women’s or mixed.
Due to limited parking at Beaumont Park on the day, free car parking will be available on DMU’s campus in the main car park off The Gateway (postcode for Satnav: LE2 7DF) and a free shuttle bus will be available to transport guests to and from Beaumont Park:
- Outward (from main car park): between 11am and 12.30pm
- Return: between 4.30pm -6pm
For those who cannot attend the evening event at the DSU, the speeches will be livestreamed on the event’s Facebook page here from 7pm.
Please note: This event has been organised in line with the government’s current roadmap for easing all Covid-19 restrictions on 19 July. DMU is closely monitoring the situation and will continue to adhere to government advice for social distancing, should any such measures still be required on 24 July. For the latest information please follow the event page on Facebook, which will be updated regularly.
Posted on Friday 9 July 2021