My story

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

I have chosen to raise money for Butterwick Hospice this year as they are, and will continue to support myself and my family in the most traumatic time of our lives... losing my precious son James.

James died very peacefully in my arms at home on the 29 May 2012, just days before his 11th birthday.

James went to Butterwick for respite day care 1 day a week and it was planned for it to be there where he would finally lose his battle, but he deteriated very quickly so we didn't have enough time to get him there. He did however lay in rest there for 10 days prior to his funeral service which was the day after his birthday. Butterwick offer myself and my family support both physically and emotionally and also work with Katie, James' little sister, through play and 'messy time' in the craft room. They have also helped us make some very precious keepsakes of James.

For those who don't know James' story... he battled with a massive brain tumour since before he was born. He was diagnosed with an inoperable tumour that had invaded a third of his brain when he was just a baby of 6 months old. Since that day, 20 December 2001, he had to endure 4 long years of chemotherapy and a 6 week course of daily radiotherapy as the tumour kept regrowing after each course of treatment, and had to spend much of his life in hospital or in isolation due to his lack of immune system. The tumour and treatment had left James registered blind and disabled along with a range of what the medical teams called 'complex needs'. Back in September 2010 we were told there were no more options for treatment and with the tumour growing again his condition was terminal.

James was a precious and very popular boy who melted the hearts of everyone he met. There was close to 300 people at his funeral service! He never once complained, even through all of his years of treatment, and was always polite. After each of his traumatic procedures he would say "Thankyou" to all the nurses. He was never naughty. He always had a smile and a giggle. He could recite the alphabet backwards faster than I can say it forwards! He could read and type braille. He was a pleasure. He was clever, he was amazing, and he was funny. He was my son. And now I have a gaping hole where he once was.

We were living with the threat of a time bomb for 10 years, and now that threat is a reality. No-one could see the ticking clock inside his head, and over his last few months day by day I lost a little piece of my son.

My challenges this year include a sponsored slim, the Keswick Half Marathon on 6 May, the Hamsterley Forest 10k on 15 July, the Middlesbrough 10k on 2 September, the Great North Run on 16 September and the Border Reivers Half Marathon at RAF Spadeadam on 24 October 2012.

NB...Unfortunately I have had to pull out of the Keswick Half Marathon due to injury but I intend to take part in an event equivalent to it...watch this space...

For my slim I am challenging myself to lose 2 stones (28 lbs).

Last year you were amazing and helped me raise over a £1000 for 2 other charities that have been close you my heart.

My initial target for this year was £1000, which was smashed, so I doubled it to £2000 which was smashed too! So what can we reach this year? £3000? £4000? more?? I am sure we can!! please, please, PLEASE support me again this year, and in turn support this amazing and most valued charity.

You can also donate by text by texting RACH74 £(1-10) to 70070. How easy is that???

So please dig deep and donate NOW!

ps... if any of you would like to join me in raising money for Butterwick then you are very welcome to join me!! in any of my challenges!!!

Thankyou.

RIP James. good night, sleep tight and shine bright. x

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. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

 

My updates 10

well that's it folks!!! Border Reivers Half Marathon at RAF Spadeadam DONE! 2 hours 53 mins. 5 mins slower than the GNR but did involve a climb of 600ft so i am happy! and a bonus i didn't come last!! x x x

24/10/12 16:37

well I did it!! THE GREAT NORTH RUN in my best time yet. 2hours 48 mins, knocking 10 minutes off my PB. :) THANKYOU EVERY SINGLE 1 OF YOU FOR SUPPORTING ME. X X

17/09/12 09:59

well what a totally smashing, amazing, and awesome lot you are!!! with your support we have raised over £3000 for Butterwick Children's Hospice. i am truly overwhelmed. i am over the moon!!! THANKYOU TO EVERY SINGLE 1 OF YOU!!!! I could not have done it without you!! x x

15/09/12 16:22

this is the tribute to James that was int he Gazette. http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/teesside-news/2012/09/04/devoted-coulby-newham-mum-raises-cash-for-butterwick-hospice-84229-31762852/

07/09/12 10:08

Middlesbrough 10k done! I felt really emotional especially with strangers coming up to me giving me encouragement and also money for my fundraising. 2 weeks to go til Great North Run.. i am so excited!

02/09/12 14:11

My charity

Butterwick Hospice Care

Butterwick Hospice Care

Charity Registration No. 1044816

Butterwick Hospice Care offers specialist care to children and adults suffering life limiting illnesses and offers support to their loved ones. Services are all provided free of charge. Butterwick cares for over 1500 patients every year and needs to raise £3.7million. Thank you for your support.

Donations 218

heart.png

Just a small token in memory of James. X

Donation by Debbie Fixter on 31/05/12

£58.00

+ £14.50 Gift Aid

text donation

Donation by Anonymous on 31/05/12

£5.00

smiley.png

Hope you continue to raise lots of money.

Donation by John Gutierrez on 31/05/12

£10.00

Inmem.png

In memory of your boy James, whose life touched the hearts of many xx

Donation by Jane wright on 31/05/12

£5.00

+ £1.25 Gift Aid

heart.png

In memory of James, you are now a little star shining down on us. Love From Susan Brookes Morton & Phil & Family. xx

Donation by Susan Brookes on 31/05/12

£10.00

+ £2.50 Gift Aid

text donation

Donation by Anonymous on 31/05/12

£2.00

smiley.png

In memory of a lovely little boy!!

Donation by Margaret Leighton on 31/05/12

£10.00

+ £2.50 Gift Aid

present.png

In memory of James, whose story has touched us all and to honour the courage of his lovely mother. xx

Donation by Jennifer Laing on 31/05/12

£10.00

text donation

Donation by Anonymous on 31/05/12

£5.00

heart.png

In memory of James, with love to you all xxx

Donation by Sarah Webb on 31/05/12

£50.00

+ £12.50 Gift Aid

windmill2.png

Donation by Michael Clements on 31/05/12

£10.00

+ £2.50 Gift Aid

mobile-phone.png

Donation by jacqueline terry on 31/05/12

£5.00

+ £1.25 Gift Aid

Trophy.png

In memory of a truly inspirational little boy, may you now be flying and singing with the angels, R.I.P James, sweet dreams xxx

Donation by Anne Lynas on 31/05/12

£10.00

+ £2.50 Gift Aid

Jumping.png

In memory of James and to an inspirational lady. Love Claire, Jason and Jacob xx

Donation by Claire Old on 31/05/12

£20.00

+ £5.00 Gift Aid

mobile-phone.png

Donation by Rachael Lillie on 31/05/12

£5.00

+ £1.25 Gift Aid

present.png

You don't know us but your story touched us all...RIP James

Donation by Jo Gennari's workmates on 31/05/12

£15.00

+ £3.75 Gift Aid

Jumping.png

Sonny and Chad have gave me their pocket money in the memory of James. Thinking of you all xxxxx

Donation by carole nixon on 31/05/12

£2.00

heart.png

In memory of James who is now at peace in his special place and sent with my love xx

Donation by Jayne Day on 31/05/12

£5.00

present.png

Donation by lindsey wells on 30/05/12

£2.00

+ £0.50 Gift Aid

Thinking of you all at this incredibly difficult time - much love to you all xxxxx (Emma Davies - FBLC2012)

Donation by Anonymous on 30/05/12

£5.00

mobile-phone.png

Donated with love x

Donation by lisa worsfold on 30/05/12

£5.00

+ £1.25 Gift Aid

mobile-phone.png

Donation by Paul Callaghan on 30/05/12

£5.00

+ £1.25 Gift Aid

heart.png

You are an inspiration. I wish you peace and comfort x

Donation by Hilary Wright on 30/05/12

Donation by Elaine Cheney on 30/05/12

£10.00

+ £2.50 Gift Aid

Donation by Anonymous on 30/05/12

£10.00

+ £2.50 Gift Aid

Donation summary

  • * Online donations$3,748.19
  • Offline donations$352.34
  • Text donations$485.99
  • Total raised$4,586.52
  • Gift Aid$924.14

* Charities pay a small fee for our service. Find out how much it is and what we do for it.