Update 28.02.11 (older updates at bottom of page)
***NEWSFLASH***
TARGET REACHED - thanks to a couple of amazing last minute donations - (especially the guys & gals at REHAU) - we've done it.
We really can't thank everyone enough - & as well as the money we know that we've raised a lot of awareness for a dreadful issue so affects so many peoples lives.
THANK YOU ALL!
This is our story, it's not very nice and it might upset you - but please read on as this is your chance to help someone who God forbid might be in the same situation.
In January 2010 our Mum, Carole, was brutally stabbed to death 99 times in her own home, she was only 57. On July 27th 2010 her husband was found guilty of her murder and sentenced to 23 years in prison.
In passing a life sentence the judge said "You murdered your wife in some of the most horrific circumstances imaginable. No one who has heard the evidence in this case cannot be shocked at the level of violence and injuries you inflicted. Those last few moments of her life must have been absolutely terrifying for her. It is quite impossible to imagine how anyone could have behaved as you did. One of her children has described this as an evil and despicable crime, and I agree. "
Until then we were a normal happy family just like everyone else. We'd resolved to see more of each other at New Year, laughed at the latest pictures of our beautiful niece & grand daughter, talked about all the snow that fell over christmas - all the things every family does.
This tragedy has been absolutely devastating for every member of our family. We loved our Mum and spoke to her every week. How could we not have known something was wrong? We'll always wonder what could we have done if we'd known. Would she be alive today if we'd known, could we have done something to help & support her?
Sadly we've also come to discover that the tragedy that has befallen us happens to over 100 women each year. 100's of families are torn apart; in fact 1 in 4 women will be the victim of domestic abuse during their lifetime.
Whilst we all think it couldn't happen to those we know the statistics tell a different story. Like our Mum most of these women are too scared to speak out or they don't know that there is help out there for them.
As the trial progressed a picture developed of an increasing pattern of abuse. First verbal abuse then bullying, escalating to physical, which then led to 2 charges of assault and finally to our Mum's horrifically violent murder.
Like many victims of domestic violence our Mum kept all of this hidden from us. Many, many women suffer emotional & physical abuse that can last years & do untold damage, a situation that is totally unacceptable.
Like any sons we thought we'd always protect our Mum and look after her in her old age but now that won't happen. She won’t see Danny get married or have kids, her grand-daughter won’t have her nana and my sister won’t have her constant source of guidance and re-assurance. Our 86 year old Grandad has had to bury his eldest daughter, a horror any parent can't express and my Mum’s sister and brother-in-law are left to pick up the pieces.
We're determined to do something to try & help someone else's Mum, someone's Sister, their daughter or friend, so that we can make sure they never have to go through the nightmare we've been through.
On September 25th 2010 Kelvyn & Danny ran the Great Langdale Marathon in memory of our Mum. Reckoned by many runners to be the hardest marathon in the country. Those of you who know us will know that 15 years ago Kelvyn broke both legs climbing and just walking was touch & go for a while.
The challenge pt2
As for Danny, he is also running 876 miles (The distance between Land's End - John O'Groats) or 33.5 Marathons between March 2010 - March 2011.
One thing we both know we got from our Mum was her determination - so we're confident we won't let her down. We've put a graph of the route in the pictures section They go round twice!!!) - and we'll update this page as we get nearer & nearer.
We intend to raise money for Women's Aid who offer a vast range of support to women in abusive situations - we've seen first hand that the work they do can & does save lives. We know this is a difficult subject to talk about - but until people do then the violence will continue. If our Mum had known there was a place to go & people to talk to then perhaps she would be with us today.
Please give what you can - not just for Kelvyn & Danny and our family - not just in memory of our Mum Carole taken from us far too early - but for all the other Mum's out there who might need their help.
Updates:
A BIG BIG Thank You to Jane Harrison who raised over £600 to help us along - Jane you're a total Star x
***The Charity Fun Night in Lytham was a great success & raised nearly £2000 - we've not included it in the total above as all the money raised has been given directly to Fylde Coast Women's Aid - big big thanks to all who attended***
Update 16.02.11
£300 left to reach our target and only 80 Miles left to run before March 6th 2011! Money is still pouring in and as ever it's still inspiring me to keep going. I can tell you that the last 200 miles have been harder than the first 200 miles! Once i reach 876 miles (Land's End to John O'Groats) it's only another 124 miles until I reach 1000 miles. By then I'll be have a "Croque Monsieur" somewhere in France! Update 28-02-2011 Danny has now finished his 2nd Challenge. He's finished 874.2 Miles by doing 100 runs in under 50 weeks. That's 17.52 Miles a week equivalent to 33.3 Marathons!!! Please view Danny's video for an update and a massive thank you to everyone who supported us in this challenge. R.I.P Mum x Anyway, thank you, thank you, thank you, to all those who are still donating and re-donating, it means the world to Kelvyn and I and of course women and children who are being helped by your kindness!
Thanks
Kelvyn & Danny
