Dear All ... many, many thanks from me, from John (Donn'a husband) and from the Medical Foundation. I've been quite overwhelmed by the number and generosity of your contributions - from family, friends old and new, and good colleagues. I'd hoped to raise £500, but by the time I add together the on-line donations, the cheques and cash, and the gift aid, it should come to nearly £1500. Which is amazing - as I only gave you one week's warning!
The race itself went pretty well - although given all your support and encouragement I'd naively hoped that I might manage to get round in under 2 hours. But, in reality, and helped by a bit of cramp in the last couple of miles (not enough fluids?), I only managed 2 hours 10 minutes (see photo for evidence!).
The course is beautiful - with lovely views across the Peaks, the calls of sky larks and curlews, lambs playing in the fields, and a great bunch of runners, stewards and supporters. And there were parts of the run when I could make time to think about Donna and other close friends and family who have died recently, and about their contributions to the world and to so many lives. I've been privileged to know them.
So, once again. 'thank you'!
Steve
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Our friend Donna Butterworth died earlier this year of cancer in the prime of her life. She was a much loved doctor and a committed supporter of the work of the Medical Foundation for the Care of Victims of Torture.
On Sunday 16th May I'm running in the Eyam Half Marathon which is described as 'definitely one of the toughest half marathons in the country' and takes the participants up and down a lot of steep Peak District hills. Some people might regard this as torture! But that would be an abuse of the real horrors implied by the word.
I would like to dedicate my run to Donna's memory and to her family and use the opportunity to raise funds for the charity she supported.
The Medical Foundation for the Care of Victims of Torture is the only human rights organisation dedicated solely to survivors of torture and since 1985 they have helped more than 50,000 adults and children from over 70 countries come to terms with the physical and psychological effects of torture - including rape, beatings, whippings, solitary confinement and mock executions. They have a remarkable range of Patrons including Nick Hornby, Phil Collins, Desmond Tutu, Hanif Kureishi, Helena Kennedy and Simon Rattle. For more information try this link: www.torturecare.org.uk
I know times are hard, and about to get a lot worse, but even if you can only spare a few quid, that would be wonderful. And if you don't want to use this 'justgiving' site, you could send me a cheque payable to 'The Medical Foundation'.
Thank you for your generosity (or at least for reading this) !!!!
Steve
Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer.
