A Million Smiles: in memory of Dan Maddock, 1976-2008

[It was fantastic to reach the original target of £1,000 within the first 8 days of this appeal. I know it meant a great deal to Norma and the family, as did the words of support from GoS visitors all over the world. In his memory, the appeal will run for the whole of the 2008-09 season, so £2,000 is possible isn't it?]

From Steve at www.greensonscreen.co.uk

I'll never forget Dan; he was one of the truly good guys. He first wrote to me in 2001 and I was struck from the very beginning by his enthusiasm for all things Green. As Greens on Screen’s first photo volunteer, the pictures and video clips of his beloved Plymouth Argyle have flowed from football grounds up and down the country since early 2002, always sent with an unquestioning dedication that has been an inspiration to me.

Even though I have known him since those early days, it was typical of the man that I only found out about his cystic fibrosis last year. He fought his life-long illness every day, striving to lead a normal life. And of course he loved his Greens, following them all over the country through thick and thin.

I wish I knew how many photos Dan provided in these last six years, to be enjoyed by fans all over the world. It will certainly be in the thousands. When you think of the number of visitors that the site attracts after every game, then multiply the numbers together, you begin to understand the magnitude of the pleasure he brought and the inspiration for the title of this page.

My abiding memory of Dan is simply one of a top bloke. He was forever optimistic, cheerful and always eager to do his bit. Nothing was too much trouble. His contribution to my site was immense and I'll be forever grateful. It's but a token of my appreciation and affection that I am trying to raise some money in your name, Dan, to fight an illness that we all pray will be defeated one day.

As we have said to each other many hundreds of times in this electronic world, "cheers mate!"

Some words from Mike Maddock, Dan's Dad:

Dan knew from an early age the terrible deal he had been dealt at birth, but his family never once heard him complain or lay blame anywhere. Watching Argyle and working on the photos and videos for GoS were a constant source of great joy to him. 

I’ve been an Argyle fan since my father first took me to Home Park in the late 1940s. But careering around the country every weekend from the Midlands to home and away matches never seemed like a sensible idea until Dan, with his usual persistence and disregard of any practical, well argued objections, persuaded me. We all have our Argyle stories. Dan and I had our share, and they often involved getting his camera into away grounds and using it once in there.

But there's one story which typifies Dan’s attitude to Plymouth Argyle. Years ago we were standing with a few dozen other Argyle fans, on the broken concrete, between bits of twisted rusty metal, which passed for the away terraces at the old Doncaster Stadium. It was mid-winter and I think we were 1-0 down at halftime. A dreadful game. It was freezing and it started to rain, which quickly turned to sleet. I turned to Dan and asked why we did it. Living as we did in the East Midlands we were within easy reach of London and Birmingham and some of the country’s top teams. Dan’s look said it all, and so did his comment “Anyone can watch teams like that Dad, it takes real supporters to watch this lot”. I never raised the subject with him again.

Please give generously to help defeat the disease that took our friend. Remember that it's not the amount that counts - it's what you can afford. Thank you.