Page re-opened for donations through to the end of 2022. Thanks so much for donations so far and if anything I have written since and included a link to this page has made you think, then feel free to donate again. X

Page edited as one final push and to record the efforts of Jackki’s cousin Christopher in recently completing a marathon in the full knowledge of the positivity and support that he would have received from Jackki. His words below:

“Tough couple of years hopefully topped off with a tough race. I went into this marathon distance with an approach I think Jacqueline would have approved of, minimal planning, a little bit of grit and endeavour, accept no negative opinions and refuse to quit before the end. After 30kms things got a little bit hazy and painful but before that the course was really enjoyable. Great atmosphere on the docks, plenty of music, while runners spectators waiting for the starting gun. The course itself looped through parks and football stadiums winding through tourist attractions, far too many of which seemed to be up hills, for a finish on the riverfront in unseasonably sunny conditions. I would like to think I’d have finished with or without the possibility of Jacqueline cheering me on but I know for certain just the thought of it helped me get through those last difficult couple of miles. Hopefully it will help a little bit to raise some more money for a good cause. Chris”

Jackki was first diagnosed with systemic scleroderma around 12 years ago and had a bloody miserable time until things were stabilised with treatment. We then carried on our adventures with renewed purpose, pausing only occasionally to get some thicker gloves to stop her fingers going blue.

This nasty auto immune disease was always there in the background and meant we were in the extremely vulnerable and shielding category during the recent pandemic. Looking back, those days alone together were some of our happiest times as a couple which I don’t think people be lucky enough to say about 2020.

In 2021 the scleroderma (we think) returned with a vengeance making Jackki very sick during the spring, gave her a brief respite over parts of the summer and then returned to take her from us. Even now the medical profession are trying to work out how things got so bad so quick but the immune issues underlying her health are a major part of what took her away. If we can raise a little awareness through helping this charity then perhaps we can save someone else from a similar fate. Please give if you can or just share the message far and wide.

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. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.