LANDS END TO JOHN O'GROATS, IN A 37 YEAR OLD VW CAMPERVAN - AUGUST 2010
COVERING SOME 2000 MILES IN TOTAL
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In August 2010, I am going to drive my 1974 VW Campervan from Land's End to John O'Groats in order to raise money for The St David's Foundation.
This charity helped me to look after my husband John Griffiths, who, at the age of 51 developed a brain tumour called a glioblastoma multiforme. This is a very aggressive form of brain cancer and for John, was so advanced when it was discovered, that an operation was not advisable as it would have given him a poorer quality of life. John was diagnosed in May 2008 and doctors said that he had only three weeks left to live. You can imagine, that this was devastating news.
Once the medication had been organised, and John felt more settled, he came home so that he could be in his familiar surroundings with his horses, dogs and family.
The St David's Foundation offered tremendous support for both John and for myself as I had just resigned from my job and was due to start a new job with the Welsh Ambulance Service when John was diagnosed with a brain tumour. The St David's Foundation helped me sort out benefits - as I, for the first time in my life, had no income.
They also provided regular visits to our home to answer any questions that John or I had about any aspect of his care, medication or illness.
John survived for seven months (not three weeks) and I believe that it was due to the fact that he was being looked after at home.
I want to be able to raise as much money as possible for this charity and this is why I have decided to drive my 1974 VW campervan from Land's End to John O'Groats in memory of John Griffiths with whom I spent 29 years; and in favour of The St David's Foundation.
John and I were blessed with two children, Jo who was only 23 when he died, and Tom who was only 21. This was a very hard time for both of them. Tom has decided to come along with me on this epic journey and Jo will look after the animals (which is just as important).
This disease can happen to anyone at any age - John was very fit and healthy until this illness struck.
Please donate as much as possible to this very good cause, even if you can only spare £1, every single amount will add up.
Thank you so much, and wish us luck we are going to need it as the journey will involve driving nearly 2000 miles in a vehicle that is 36 years old !!!
We have delayed this trip due to the van failing its MOT as Tom had to replace the sills on both sides of the van and change two ball joints, plus cutting out some rot and welding in new bits. We WILL do this trip though when the van passed its MOT in the next week or so!
Check out my website blog for updates and further info:
www.spanglefish.com/campervanjourney2010
