Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

As you all may know Rachael died on 10th March 2010 after some rare complications with her Pancreatic transplant. She was just 38 years old. Our son Danny was just 8 year's old when she died and this will greatly affect him.  He is receiving some excellent professional help from Winston's Wish. They are one of the UK's top child bereavement charities and we are lucky to have them on our doorstep in Cheltenham. They have been a great help in supporting Danny at this difficult time.  I am sure they will continue to support us both for years to come.  

Rachael's uncle Bevis Gillett cycled from London to Paris on 14th to 18th July to raise money on behalf of Winston's Wish in Rachael's memory. He covered all the costs for the trip so every penny raised has gone to Winston's Wish. 

All in all Bevis covered 320 miles with a couple of diversions and getting to the start.  A big thank you and well done to Bevis. I understand it's a very gruelling ride and is an amazing achievement. Bev is 68 years old and puts us all to shame.

My very understanding and supportive boss, Robin Etherington of HDA held a benefit night in aid of Winston's Wish on Friday 28th May at the Royal Oak in Prestbury and raised around £1,250 on the night which he generously topped up to £2,000.   

Me (Mark), Rachael's wonderful friend Amanda and Rachael's mum (Kate) have all signed up to walk the 10 Mile Sunrise walk on 25th September to raise money in aid of Winston's Wish and we'd be grateful for anyone to sponsor us too.  

I originally set a target of £2,000 as a minimum target and a nice round figure. We exceeded that and I thought I would change the target to £3,000 but am so happy and grateful to everyone who has donated so far. Anything more  we can raise more that would be a bonus. Winston's Wish rely on such donations and I would be grateful for any support we can give them. Thank you for your support. Danny is booked into a 2 day residential course with Winston's Wish in September. He will meet 25 other children in similar circumstances. I think that will be hugely beneficial for him.   

It is a cruel irony that the operation to extend Rachael's life shortened it. The odds were in her favour but she was just very unlucky to have such a rare complication. Rachael thought that organ donors (and blood donors) were heroes. If anyone has not signed up to the organ donor reigister through general apathy the link is:  

http://www.organdonation.nhs.uk/ukt/Consent.do

 

Should anyone give blood as well that would mean the world to Danny and me.  It would be wonderful to think that something positive could come out of such a tragedy.  

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