On 7th July 2010 my son James was killed in a tragic accident in the village of Hurstpierpoint, West Sussex whilst he was playing with friends.  He was 11 3/4 years old.  It was no ones fault, he didn't suffer as he died at the scene - he was just at the wrong place at the wrong moment.

James was truly loved by his family, his numerous friends and everyone who knew him.  He was so full of energy with a smile that could light up a room and was full of fun and enthusiasm with everything he did.

April 2022 is a strange milestone in so much as he's been gone longer than he was with us.

James loved cars.  He'd even driven my old Land Rover off road a few times.  From 2nd - 5th June 2022, myself and and old schoolfriend - who was also James godfather - are going to do the Monte Carlo or Bust Black Forest Gateaux Rally, where we drive an old banger down to Monte Carlo over 3 days.  I know that James would have absolutely loved to have done this with us and would have enjoyed the whole experience - even if we broke down somewhere up in the mountains enroute.  This is a video of what it's all about.  To see this you'll need to copy and paste this link into your browser. 

 https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=683938348705880 

During our most difficult hours in the summer of 2010, we were helped by so many friends, family and professionals and I will always feel a huge debt for their love and support.  Therefore, I'd like to take this opportunity to ask people to donate to Child Bereavement UK, the UK's charity to help children and young people (up to the age of 25), parents, and families, to rebuild their lives when a child grieves or a child dies.

I've been overwhelmed by the level of donations in the first 24 hours of putting this page up, so have now upped the target to something a little more ambitious.  To put things into contect, this is how Child Bereavement UK can spend the money:

£50 could fund an hour’s Booked Telephone Support for a bereaved parent, providing them with a listening ear, guidance, and support.

£250 could fund a virtual support group for bereaved young people after the death of a parent or sibling.

£750 could enable us to train a volunteer to help in our family support groups.

£1,000 could provide a family with a year of bereavement support after the death of someone special to them.

This is a short video of James life that was shown at his service 9 days after his accident.  It was put together by a kind friend in the village using numerous photos and videos of James.  His sister Anna, who was 10 at the time, chose the music on the video that James loved.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8gX1qfiqew   

Once again you'll need to copy and paste this link into your browser to be able to see it.

I'll provide updates on how we get on, the fun, the disasters, the breakdowns and if we actually make it to the finish line in the old MG TF we've bought to take us there.

I'd like to thank you in advance for any donation you make, no matter how small as it all helps.