South Shields schoolgirl says fundraising helped her stay strong following the death of her dad on Christmas Day

A South Shields schoolgirl who lost her dad on Christmas Day has revealed how fundraising has helped her stay strong during a tough time of year.
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Since the devastating loss of her dad on December 25, 2017, Eli-Jo House, 13, has become an advocate for inflammatory bowel disease charity, Crohn’s and Colitis UK.

Matt Fryer, died aged 38 from sepsis, while in St Mark’s hospital in London receiving treatment for Crohn’s Disease.

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He had suffered with the debilitating condition for many years but Eli-Jo admits it is only since working with the charity that she is beginning to understand what he went through.

Eli-Jo House, 13, with her dad Matt Fryer, who passed away on Christmas Day 2017.Eli-Jo House, 13, with her dad Matt Fryer, who passed away on Christmas Day 2017.
Eli-Jo House, 13, with her dad Matt Fryer, who passed away on Christmas Day 2017.

“Now I understand how ill my dad really was, I didn’t know how much he was hurting,” said the Harton Academy pupil.

“In one way it makes me feel a bit upset that I didn’t realise how he felt at the time, but I’m proud that I’m raising awareness and educating other people now.

People have stopped me and said they didn’t know anything about Crohn’s before.”

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Eli-Jo hangs her star of hope Crohn's and Colitis UK decoration on the Harton Academy Christmas tree in December. Photo: Jason OshinEli-Jo hangs her star of hope Crohn's and Colitis UK decoration on the Harton Academy Christmas tree in December. Photo: Jason Oshin
Eli-Jo hangs her star of hope Crohn's and Colitis UK decoration on the Harton Academy Christmas tree in December. Photo: Jason Oshin

In February 2020 she is set to hold her first fundraising event at Club del Mar in South Shields.

Eli-Jo says the campaigning has given her something to focus on, especially at this time of year.

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“I do have bad days and this time of year is tough but I have just got to focus on making sure I do my dad proud,” she said. “I’m going to be strong and keep raising money and awareness.”

Eli-Jo House with her Young Fundraiser of the Year award in June 2019.Eli-Jo House with her Young Fundraiser of the Year award in June 2019.
Eli-Jo House with her Young Fundraiser of the Year award in June 2019.

Eli-Jo and her mum Jenny House were due traise a glass to Matt on Christmas Day in the pub with her family and godparents, Matt’s close friends.

Jenny added: “I’m so proud of her. I well up when I think about how well she’s doing and the other paths she could have gone down.

“The support network she has got is amazing and the fundraising has been a big part of the healing process for her.”

For more information on the condition go to https://www.crohnsandcolitis.org.uk/

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