Thank you for visiting our TEAM JAZZY pedals across the UK fundraising page. Dave Heap, Tom Appleby & Richard Bartley are childhood friends - they are getting together on 4th May 2012 to cycle from Lands End to John O'Groats – a whooping 980 miles, in order to raise much needed funds for Acorns Childrens Hospice and Alderhey Childrens Hospital, Liverpool. They will be pedalling with Jasmin May Heaps angel spirit alongside them. Acorns Hospice supported Jasmin and her family throughout her life with respite, emergency and tragically her end of life care. Alder Hey hospital cared for Toms daughter Erin during her early years when she was unwell - Erin has recovered thanks to their wonderful care. Dave, Jasmins Dad says .... “March 1st 2011 was the worst day of my life - I lost my only child, my brave little Princess Jasmin May at the tender age of 12 to the terminal illness Sanfilippo Disease. The best day of my life was October 2nd 1998, the day Jasmin was born. My wife Ria and I became first-time, very proud parents of a beautiful, seemingly healthy, baby girl; we had everything we had ever dreamed of. Jasmin met all of her milestone until the age of three, she was walking, running, eating well and general a regular toddler but she was not communicating very well, and we thought maybe she was deaf. After visiting a paediatrician and many tests, we were completely floored when Jasmin was diagnosed with a degenerative life-limiting syndrome. We were informed our precious baby girl wouldn’t live to her teenage years and we would gradually see her condition deteriorate in front of us. I am very proud to say that Jasmin was the most smiley, happiest, loving little girl anyone could wish for, and I am privileged that her 12 years were spent with us. We have endured such heartbreak over the years watching our darling Jasmin lose her ability to speak, eat and walk, spending long periods of time in hospital, suffering with epilepsy, pneumonias and requiring at constant medical attention as became more and more fragile. With the great support of our families, friends and charities like Acorn’s Children’s we have managed to cope and provide Jasmin with the fulfilled life that she deserved. Our daughter never showed pain, she was the bravest person that I have ever met, and when she lost the ability to speak she communicated with her eyes and the brightest smile that lit up the room. I can’t put into words how much we miss her. I wanted to do something in her memory that would make a difference to other families’ lives and Acorns provides such dedicated specialist care that is vital for parents of children with life limiting illness. I have my two oldest school friends accompanying me on this adventure. When I told Tom and Rich about my ambitions they immediately committed to join me without batting an eyelid, and I am delighted to have them beside me. P lease support generously and help us achieve our goal of raising £10,000 for these two amazing charities. Nothing can replace what we have lost, but I know that Jazzy will be with us every part of the journey supporting the three of us and helping us get through our venture. From this Team Jazzy site you can donate to either Acorns or Alder Hey it is a personal choice – either way it will help children around our country and all in Jasmin name. Remember: Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never share them with anyone or send you unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. They'll make sure Gift Aid (an additional 28%) is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer, too. That means more money goes to the charity, faster, with JustGiving.
