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Catriona MacLaren raised £7,090 from 121 supporters
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Closed 19/12/2018
Iʼve raised £7,090 to help the Heart of England Boxing Club build a new gym in memory of Christian Hobbs
- Dorset, UK
- Funded on Wednesday, 19th December 2018
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Story
Please help my brother Patrick and me raise money for the Heart of England Boxing Club, in memory of my godson, Christian Hobbs.
On 16th September 2018, Patrick and I will take part in the Dart 10k. Although we both swim pretty regularly, the 10k from Totnes to Dittisham is really an awful lot further than either of us have ever swum before. Our decision to give it a go was made at about 3am on New Year’s Day. Nevertheless, we still think it’s a pretty good idea because we can try to raise some funds for a terrific cause. More about the Heart of England Boxing Club in a moment. First, a bit about Christian.
Christian Hobbs was the son of our great friends, Louise and Caspar. He was funny and kind and one of those independent-minded kids you can’t wait to see grow up just to find out what they are going to do with their lives. It was not to be. Christian died on Boxing Day last year aged just 17. His death was both completely unexpected and utterly devastating to all who knew him.
The thing that Christian really loved to do was to box. For the last 4 years, he trained at the Heart of England Boxing Club in Hinckley, Leicestershire. The club is run by Nick Griffin and offers proper facilities and serious training to those who might not otherwise have access to them. Unfortunately, earlier this year the Club's landlords decided to redevelop the premises and it had to move out. A temporary home has been found for now but, unless funding for permanent premises can be raised, the Club will cease to exist.
To find out more about the Club, please have a look at the short video that was made when it pitched for funding from the Persimmon Homes Healthy Communities Fund.
It is a testament to the importance of the Club that it won the award. The Persimmon money will go a long way to ensuring the Club's survival but more is needed.
Christian’s parents are determined that some good will come from their terrible loss. They have devoted themselves to raising funds for the Club as has Christian’s sister, Isobel. Patrick and I want to help. Any money that you can spare to sponsor us on this fool’s errand of a swim will be most gratefully received.
If enough is raised to secure a new home for the Club, it is to be called ‘The Christian Hobbs Memorial Gym, home of the Heart of England’ and I can think of no more fitting tribute to him.
Updates
5
- 6 years ago
Catriona MacLaren
6 years agoAnd here is the after picture. Survival being celebrated in classy Scottish style. A million thank yous to everyone who who supported us both morally and financially. Your extraordinary generosity and kindness really did keep us going when the jelly babies and hot chocolate seemed a long way off. Special mention also to BAWS and the Streamliners for, you know, teaching us how to swim which was also quite helpful. Last and most importantly, thank you to my brother. I couldn't and wouldn't have wanted to do it without you.
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- 6 years ago
Catriona MacLaren
6 years agoThis is the before picture. As you can see, slight morale issues affecting Team MacLaren at the time. Still, at least we looked marvellous
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- 6 years ago
Catriona MacLaren
6 years agoShare this update to help us raise more
Catriona MacLaren started crowdfunding
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Supporters
121
Catherine Polli
Oct 9, 2018
Well done! Pinney Talfourd family team
£50.00
Johnnie carruthers
Sep 25, 2018
Did pat have that can of tenants been big trailed by the boat
£100.00
Anonymous
Sep 24, 2018
Cat and Pat, well done. An absolutely brilliant achievement - we are so impressed. And always remembering Christian. Ben, Jo, George, Clemmie and Rosabel.
£100.00
Moira Jane Simpson
Sep 21, 2018
V impressive
£30.00
Don
Sep 18, 2018
Good luck guys
Anonymous
Sep 18, 2018
Congratulations. What an achievement!
£50.00
Wilna Ellis
Sep 15, 2018
Good luck!! You’ll be great. X
£30.00
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