In June 2011 a very close friend of ours, Tony Walshe, was diagnosed with synovial Sarcoma of the bronchus.  At the time Tony was only 39 and life was very good for him.  He adored his wife, Jackie, and was immensely proud of his two young children, Abigail and Oliver.  He was also very fit, running half marathons, as well as the odd full marathon, playing cricket and maintaining a healthy curry habit.

 

On the 12 July 2012, Tony passed away having lost a brave and valiant fight against a particularly aggressive and rare variant of cancer.  It may be one of the oldest clichés but his illness and death had a profound impact on a small circle of friends.  In losing a good friend in Tony we had our eyes opened to what is really important in our lives.

 

So over a few beers, we decided that we needed to do something in his memory and also to support the organisations that had helped Tony and his family through their difficult times.  Being your average group of middle aged men, for that is what being in the 36-45 age category makes us, we let alcohol and bravado guide us.  That is when we decided to do the national 3Peaks challenge in 24 hours, 23.5 miles of walking and 465 miles of driving. 

 

Along with his family, we have decided to take on this challenge on 12 of July 2013. It seems appropriate, knowing the person Tony was, that we should make the anniversary of his death a positive day, as well as one of remembrance.

 

We have decided that the www.willowfoundation.org.uk should benefit from this endeavor of ours.   They provide special days for seriously ill 16 to 40 year olds that provide beneficiaries and their loved ones with a break from the realities of their diagnosis and treatment.  For Tony, in a time of difficulty, they provided positive memories that his family will carry with them for the rest of their lives.

 

So what is your part in this?  It’s simple, please donate what you can and help us raise as much money as possible.  We can then make sure other families have positive experiences and memories during the difficult period of a loved one’s illness. 

 

Here’s how the funds we raise will help benefit the special day recipients:

• £10 could fund a Willow medical professional's referral pack to provide information on how to refer a patient for a special day.
• £25 could fund the cost of a car transfer for a family of four from their hotel to a theatre in London.
• £50 could fund a soothing massage for a seriously ill young adult, helping them to take time out from the stresses of hospital visits.
• £75 could enable us to buy tickets to a wildlife park enabling a seriously ill young adult and their family to spend quality time together.
• £150 could provide a seriously ill young adult with wheelchair accessible transport to their special day.
• £200 could provide a very special meal for a seriously ill young adult and their parents. 

Thank you for your support, it can and will help change lives.

 

 

 

 

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