Thank you for visiting my fundraising page in memory of my beloved Wife, Judy.

NEWSFLASH Monday 21st September 2009 - After months of preparation, the Great North Run took place yesterday in the scorching heat of the North East.  All team Judy finished the race with flying colours.  The results as follows :-

Martin Griffiths   1hr 42mins 04secs

Mike Charlton   1hr 49mins 07secs (Mike did have a bad chest!!!)

Chris Griffiths   2hrs 01min 10secs

Louise Roberts   2hrs 35mins 25secs

This really was an emotional culmination to months of build up.  The day was a great tribute to Judy, with support from family and friends on race day which was wonderful.  Special thanks to Ian and Tracy for taking me, Chris and Mike to Newcastle on the morning of the race.  Also, my Mam and Dad (Pat & Paul) for taking Samuel to the race - meeting up with him after finishing was a very tearful moment.  Thanks to Judy's Mam, Dad and Sister (Tony, Margaret and Catherine) for being at the race to support us all.  Also, thanks to Suzi, George, Caroline, Scott, Louise's Mam & Dad and Scott's Mam & Dad (and of course little Jake), for the great support yesterday.  Meeting up with everyone at the Butterwick tent afterwards was a real bonus and just made the day even better.  Thanks Diane and Mandy at The Butterwick for all your support and looking after us afterwards - the massage was just the job however I  am still struggling to walk this morning!

A big mention to Paul Paterson and all the lads who completed the coast to coast cycle ride on the same day as the Great North Run.  This was in memory of Judy and a great achievement.  

The collective effort over the past 5 months to raise money for the Butterwick Hospice has been breathtaking.  The generosity of those donating has been extraordinary.  The determination of those taking part in fundraising events has been inspiring.  I will never forget all of the support, generosity and love throughout this time. 

As stated at the outset, all monies will be specifically spent at the Butterwick in Judy's name.  The family room which will be named after Judy is now in the planning stage with a target of completion before Christmas.

This is not the end however, next week Judy's Dad is taking part in the Butterwick bike ride - good luck Tony with the 26 mile slog.

For me, its onwards to London Marathon in April 2010............

After a courageous battle with bowel cancer, Judy tragically passed away on 4th April 2009 aged 35 years.

During Judy's last weeks of pain and suffering, the Nurses and Doctors at the Butterwick Hospice valiantly gave Judy 24 hours a day care to make her as comfortable as possible.  The personal and sensitive treatment afforded to Judy during this time was exceptional - as was the care and attention given to me and our 5 month old son Samuel as we stayed by Judy's bedside.  

The compassionate care demonstrated by the Butterwick Hospice is completely free of charge.  In Judy's memory, friends and family have committed to raise funds through a variety of events that will allow the hospice to purchase equipment that will benefit other families cared for by the hospice. Feel free to read our story below in the Evening Gazette.

http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/teesside-news/2009/05/12/dad-s-love-for-baby-helps-him-face-loss-of-his-wife-84229-23600592/

We set a target of £4,000 initially in May and felt that an amount of that size would be a real stretch over a 12 month period, but the response has just been incredible and completely overwhelming. We have smashed through that original target in under 4 weeks and we cannot begin to tell you how emotional it has made us all feel. However, it has given us all a belief that we can achieve something special and we have taken the bold step of raising our target to £10,000. 

We are working with the hospice now to identify the equipment that we can purchase with your support that helps them deliver the care that we were fortunate enough to receive and we will post updates on this site letting you know exactly what we do with your money.

Our first event on 28th June 2009 is getting close and sees family friend, Mike Charlton taking part in IronMan France. This race consists of a 3.8km swim followed by a 180km bike ride and finally a 42.195km run. An incredible race of endurance in the sweltering heat of Nice!  - Mike Charlton completed IronMan France in a phenominal time of 12hrs 47mins 57secs.  For those that know Mike the completion of the race was never in doubt.  Well done Mike, we all bow to your massive achievement - Judy would be proud.

13th July 2009

Congratulations and thanks to all the girls who completed the Butterwick Midnight Walks in Judy's name over the past couple of weeks (end of June, beginning of July).  There have been some incredible amounts of money raised.  The walks ranged from 6 to 13 miles and were organised by the Butterwick Hospice.  Well done to Margaret (Judy's Mam), Catherine (Judy's Sister), Tracy, Claire, Ali, Denise and Louise.  Also a big thanks to Joanne Iceton for raising over £1200 at the Sedgefield Racecourse midnight walk.

In September, my Brother Chris and I (along with friends) will be taking part in the Great North Run.

We are all training hard and are running for The Butterwick Hospice in Judy’s memory.  I now have the running buggy which has enabled me to take Samuel on training runs.  Samuel seems to be thoroughly enjoying getting out on the road - Samuel sits back and enjoys the scenery whilst I work even harder pushing the buggy!

We realise that there is a credit crunch and that it is hard enough to pay the bills without giving money away to charity.  However, if it were not for the donations that allow the hospice to operate I have no idea how we would have coped. With this in mind, every pound will count and could make a huge difference, so no amount is too small and every donation is totally appreciated.

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Butterwick Hospice Care gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

Thank you for your support.

Martin and Samuel