tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26704570392750884342024-02-19T08:11:18.438-08:00My Brother Andrew<b>Fighting Progressive Bulbar Palsy
A type of Lou Gehrig's Disease.<br><br>MND - Motor Neurone Disease</b>Janethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14332488482591438589noreply@blogger.comBlogger163125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2670457039275088434.post-40742436725419536212014-08-25T08:33:00.001-07:002014-08-29T12:57:47.170-07:00Our family`s MND Ice bucket Challenge in Memory of Andrew We have completed The MND Ice Bucket Challenge !! Please donate by Text to ICED55<br />
[any amount to] 70070 - every little bit helps ! Or to<br />
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http<a href="http://www.justgiving.com/IceBucket4MND" rel="nofollow">:www.justgiving.com/</a>IceBucket4MND/ <br />
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We had great fun doing this ..... To take part all you have to do - is to accept the challenge -post your video onto facebook.....remembering to donate £3.00 [ or whatever you can afford ] -if you refuse the challenge, the idea is then you pay a larger forfeit. ..... Then remember to post your nominations and pass the challenge on..... and of course.have fun raising money and awareness for a great cause !<br />
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Wristbands are still available by the way... from Kerrie on the facebook site.... MND Awareness-Fighting for a cure ! And from <a href="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/161403917144">http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/161403917144</a> money raised for the bands goes to the Tony Wheaton MND Tribute Fund Thank you Jan <br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/videoseries?list=LLOPSHWibxK7I5TQcSWqelSQ" width="425"></iframe>Janethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14332488482591438589noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2670457039275088434.post-27677912039742601812012-06-21T15:09:00.002-07:002012-10-22T13:15:56.377-07:00Bands now back in stock and available from John Saunders<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2q2oWw-e0xaKemSiY1PFaeJRgvcoIY5nJDfux0sClECE-B_zRvMixwwstt5tfasi-4TKSoeog3qyvh0E-iqqecrIon1I_0_umTFfA449p-XCjYB5Fqqe_wmjZO9I4tXzkkAGc8T0XF0/s1600/579487_3995707180473_707066427_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2q2oWw-e0xaKemSiY1PFaeJRgvcoIY5nJDfux0sClECE-B_zRvMixwwstt5tfasi-4TKSoeog3qyvh0E-iqqecrIon1I_0_umTFfA449p-XCjYB5Fqqe_wmjZO9I4tXzkkAGc8T0XF0/s320/579487_3995707180473_707066427_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I`am pleased to announce that John Saunders from the blog [ www.jaded-john.net/ ] has now received his new stock of motor neurone disease awareness bands to sell.!!<br />
John was diagnosed with MND last October -since then he has been making a super human effort to raise awareness and funds for the MNDA setting himself the target of raising £500 thousand pounds for the cause.<br />
He has made many T.V and Radio interviews and was nominated to be a Olympic torch bearer- [ see the picture above ] carrying the Olympic flame through his hometown of Wembdon near Bridgewater in what must have been a very proud moment for him and his family.<br />
To find out more about John`s battle with this disease and his fundraising efforts and to support him and the MNDA by purchasing an awareness band -please click on the blue link .<a href="http://jaded-john.net/">http://jaded-john.net/ </a><br />
and then on the tab labeled " team optimism "<br />
Bands now also available from Chris Boon`s blog <a href="http://cvmnd.blogspot.com/">http://cvmnd.blogspot.com</a> Chris would like you to send in photographs wearing your bands in funny poses -but asks- please keep it clean !! LOL XJanethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14332488482591438589noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2670457039275088434.post-83635984506812710462012-04-23T14:25:00.000-07:002012-06-20T14:11:28.627-07:00Taking a break....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqXSw-6HhSKoOHL_d1KN8fGnIofZebppQRgpFbLxCrbdnbfS0PEyBybmIcStKvtp4265sIbx6TWIHiMPhdwMGlZwA_d5fQeAgwQMJfoSBlqhUoW-qOrcqW06ygisIwLAgFPr_RjA-Rc0M/s1600/andrew1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqXSw-6HhSKoOHL_d1KN8fGnIofZebppQRgpFbLxCrbdnbfS0PEyBybmIcStKvtp4265sIbx6TWIHiMPhdwMGlZwA_d5fQeAgwQMJfoSBlqhUoW-qOrcqW06ygisIwLAgFPr_RjA-Rc0M/s320/andrew1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Back in June 2010 at a family gathering [ the one pictured above actually ] I remember catching sight of a red wristband Andrew was wearing -turning it over I read " Fighting Lou Gehrig`s Disease " The ALS Association.<br />
Andrew had been diagnosed with M.N.D the previous September and by the June his speech had been badly affected -on reading the band I looked up at him- saying nothing ,we just exchanged smiles.<br />
That night I went on line and tried to buy a band like Andrew`s to show him my support-no one in the U.K. was stocking them...I did find a site in America but you had to bulk buy them. I mentioned this to Andrew a few days later ...he just smiled nodded in agreement and disappeared for a few moments returning with a bag full of the bands bought from that same site - Typical of Andrew he was raising awareness in his own quiet way -giving out the bands to his fellow band mates and anyone who noticed his own...........The rest is history as they say !<br />
I`am pleased to say that the MNDA will now be stocking their own bands for awareness month in June and are thinking of stocking them again for next year .......A great result ! Andrew would have been delighted to hear that - So, I`am taking this opportunity to have a little break from fundraising for a while. I`am so very proud of all my family and of all of Andrew`s friends- his band mates were brilliant- encouraging him to take buckets to all of their gigs ,supporting him -enabling him to keep playing in his band for as long as possible- " Resistance " now has a new drummer and they are still raising money- this time for our local hospice. [ nice one lads ]- Andrew would have approved of that.<br />
To anyone thinking of fundraising -please go for it ! Okay , there is always a few ups and downs [ and I admit- I have had my fair share of tears and tantrums along the way ] but for maybe every one person who lets you down so many more turn up offering help -we have at times been bowled over by the kindness and generosity of complete strangers !<br />
The blog was for Andrew -to show we cared. We shared our ups and downs with him-hamming it up and playing certain things down !! We made him laugh. Thank you to everyone who supported us along the way-for all the lovely comments and words of encouragement, donations , and wonderful photographs you sent in - I can`t tell you how much we appreciated it all. There is not a day goes by when I don`t think of him -he is in my heart - never to be forgotten.<br />
With your help we have raised over £13,000 for the MNDA. <br />
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I will leave you with the following details of where to purchase bands from...... The Broad cricketing family <a href="http://www.thebroadappeal.org/">www.thebroadappeal.org/</a><br />
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Or contact the MNDA on 0845 6044150<br />
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If you have any pictures you would like to send in- please keep doing so and I will continue to keep adding them to this site and to the facebook site . Thank you.... Wishing you all in Andrew`s favourite words..Love Hope Strength Jan and all the family xxx<br />
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<span style="background-color: red;"></span><br />
GREAT INSPIRATIONAL BLOGS TO FOLLOW<br />
<span style="background-color: #cc0000;"></span> <br />
<a href="http://www.jaded-john.net/">www.jaded-john.net/</a><br />
<a href="http://steveevans35.blogspot.com/">steveevans35.blogspot.com/</a> <br />
<a href="http://deirdre-amonkeyonhisback.blogspot.com/">deirdre-amonkeyonhisback.blogspot.com/</a><br />
Hug Me ...I`ve got MND <a href="http://www.nikkiwoodman.blogspot.com/">www.nikkiwoodman.blogspot.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://jennygreenchallenge.wordpress.com/">jennygreenchallenge.wordpress.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://mndestroyer.wordpress.com/">mndestroyer.wordpress.com/ </a><br />
<a href="http://seatnexttodad.blogspot.com/">seatnexttodad.blogspot.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://chris-versus-mnd.weebly.com/">chris-versus-mnd.weebly.com/ </a><br />
<a href="http://sarahezekiel.com/">sarahezekiel.com/ </a><br />
<a href="http://www.shushkat.blogspot.com/">shushkat.blogspot.com/ </a><br />
<a href="http://www.motor-neuron.com/">www.motor-neuron.com/</a><br />
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The DIY SOS programme starring Eric [see previous posts ] who is living with MND is being screened on the 16th May 8pm on BBC 1.Janethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14332488482591438589noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2670457039275088434.post-44443418778354926622012-04-12T05:18:00.004-07:002012-04-12T05:35:57.361-07:00A head for Heights - but where ?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGPb1aLoU8RL53L0HHBCirOcaxL2lbvZHHfXAqd0Kp693ElD-YAmDFK1CQFyrULDMJ3fLtaPiOQuvcBVA-25g3Xwh4eq-tutdyQIGcxjm_XcM35pAhJKca-9PGZsDMOqXR61zuE8FFcSY/s1600/mnda.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGPb1aLoU8RL53L0HHBCirOcaxL2lbvZHHfXAqd0Kp693ElD-YAmDFK1CQFyrULDMJ3fLtaPiOQuvcBVA-25g3Xwh4eq-tutdyQIGcxjm_XcM35pAhJKca-9PGZsDMOqXR61zuE8FFcSY/s400/mnda.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730487854119435314" border="0" /></a>Thank you so much Natasha for sending in this fabulous photograph - You certainly have a head for heights , what a fantastic view ! So let`s have a bit of fun now and play guess the location game ! The correct guess wins a free MND awareness band-I also want to see if any of you are clever enough to name this world famous building in which she is standing in !<br />Some of you might already have purchased bands from me before - please have a guess -I will pass the band along to the next person if you don`t want it -so leave a comment and have a go !Janethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14332488482591438589noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2670457039275088434.post-53003514600565212912012-04-08T04:14:00.013-07:002012-05-22T11:50:35.933-07:00The Vergers Coffee Morning<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicaemsut2-Pr6ncSOmG1rqejyM01GV0DkQGiFDTqfNn0QyRDb2f-jrpEBkXILnN3WiOFbErN-W6magRYp9fleWrJBFbNIbdLUcilRU5HCWRXFRFhVIZwGLqfCwJANWXoj6h0Ic8mH1BL8/s1600/Jess+and+Ned+Bluebell+woods+-Denbigh+Church++Feb+2012+047.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5728988577293939794" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicaemsut2-Pr6ncSOmG1rqejyM01GV0DkQGiFDTqfNn0QyRDb2f-jrpEBkXILnN3WiOFbErN-W6magRYp9fleWrJBFbNIbdLUcilRU5HCWRXFRFhVIZwGLqfCwJANWXoj6h0Ic8mH1BL8/s400/Jess+and+Ned+Bluebell+woods+-Denbigh+Church++Feb+2012+047.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>Even though I was working yesterday -I managed to dash into church and take a few photographs of The Vergers [ Alan`s ] Coffee morning for MND [ and buy some raffle tickets on the way out I might add !! ]- thought it would be nice to share them all with you. I was very touched that he had gone to so much trouble , isn`t this cake beautifully iced ? Alan`s sister had made it [put mine to shame -I didn`t even try and ice mine !!] They had decided to use it as part of one of the raffle prizes . My sister contributed to the raffle by making one of her hampers- as was well as decorating some window ledges at the back of the church...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcAe36MMGF1Kg95dGzq53xU4FXT01R95_BObgfG_OSyF8OKvCgw2sJP3tLkY1DylnpbVmrIFOfjIggFRGHw1ITfA0UI3NJ6g50BCtw9TSCyTrCiIzl11Su4iP7gVyGW_fMHDHBysqbbc0/s1600/Jess+and+Ned+Bluebell+woods+-Denbigh+Church++Feb+2012+041.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5728988290813067970" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcAe36MMGF1Kg95dGzq53xU4FXT01R95_BObgfG_OSyF8OKvCgw2sJP3tLkY1DylnpbVmrIFOfjIggFRGHw1ITfA0UI3NJ6g50BCtw9TSCyTrCiIzl11Su4iP7gVyGW_fMHDHBysqbbc0/s400/Jess+and+Ned+Bluebell+woods+-Denbigh+Church++Feb+2012+041.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>I thought this one is lovely<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic-xj_AVJRTeNUQQrohsfB9tzi77ar9lr6YA3Fy1pPfTYuLrPjrkbVoqratoumDv9Atbpf7r2nLYUXahvxm4-06Rg_Nbd69VCASP1Vu-zWV99La7xwsAyJMVksvz8jidj61Tcfry7CP2M/s1600/Jess+and+Ned+Bluebell+woods+-Denbigh+Church++Feb+2012+046.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5728988005006029922" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic-xj_AVJRTeNUQQrohsfB9tzi77ar9lr6YA3Fy1pPfTYuLrPjrkbVoqratoumDv9Atbpf7r2nLYUXahvxm4-06Rg_Nbd69VCASP1Vu-zWV99La7xwsAyJMVksvz8jidj61Tcfry7CP2M/s400/Jess+and+Ned+Bluebell+woods+-Denbigh+Church++Feb+2012+046.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a>The ladies are very professional and good at what they do!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCsTe-AhSTDv0qOZK0mIUDnYqJ2OR27Y4Z5JwHpk3jMORy4YyUps2MyiZwu_97hqiWAA6KJbqIKMjt5wG4okGoB4SzyLsXS_LQmagOVpc1NpXTst-8-yRoDP6NkI_BsB2tg-jxEPN6Yvs/s1600/Jess+and+Ned+Bluebell+woods+-Denbigh+Church++Feb+2012+037.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5728987680991004834" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCsTe-AhSTDv0qOZK0mIUDnYqJ2OR27Y4Z5JwHpk3jMORy4YyUps2MyiZwu_97hqiWAA6KJbqIKMjt5wG4okGoB4SzyLsXS_LQmagOVpc1NpXTst-8-yRoDP6NkI_BsB2tg-jxEPN6Yvs/s400/Jess+and+Ned+Bluebell+woods+-Denbigh+Church++Feb+2012+037.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>The colours used this time of year are lovely and fresh -we are lucky The Parish Church has such pretty window ledges and the stained glass makes for a lovely back drop on a sunny day,<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg8XnJ33sYpueY8tcRogVtESfQsErGg3dBgzA1uQ9UH6PGODYtbD56iJo3P5o1ocHPEa5AqsCtq1fIhAmMEnlLKr7lrGVsYkGNPlZ36iDsES_nNPPjSvex27IOMurWprsKhbu6WqhcMso/s1600/Jess+and+Ned+Bluebell+woods+-Denbigh+Church++Feb+2012+044.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5728987315243731986" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg8XnJ33sYpueY8tcRogVtESfQsErGg3dBgzA1uQ9UH6PGODYtbD56iJo3P5o1ocHPEa5AqsCtq1fIhAmMEnlLKr7lrGVsYkGNPlZ36iDsES_nNPPjSvex27IOMurWprsKhbu6WqhcMso/s400/Jess+and+Ned+Bluebell+woods+-Denbigh+Church++Feb+2012+044.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYx8g-OcYyhLP0kMnFe_9IiHjSQjUv04R6GTBGpN_Vl0qFQBxd-nZFyzDbVqHzs5r4aBGv2fSEKANHAij1lnloV955t8N_LF6nUKTpoGN3fBNOPycfA8moRtpTfL_R1hwJu5Q0M8ALKQ8/s1600/Jess+and+Ned+Bluebell+woods+-Denbigh+Church++Feb+2012+045.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5728987014398418258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYx8g-OcYyhLP0kMnFe_9IiHjSQjUv04R6GTBGpN_Vl0qFQBxd-nZFyzDbVqHzs5r4aBGv2fSEKANHAij1lnloV955t8N_LF6nUKTpoGN3fBNOPycfA8moRtpTfL_R1hwJu5Q0M8ALKQ8/s400/Jess+and+Ned+Bluebell+woods+-Denbigh+Church++Feb+2012+045.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a>The coffee morning raised £260.37 for The Motor Neurone Disease Association -a fantastic result ! Thank you to everyone involved-we really appreciate it- and a special thank you to Alan<br />
for still thinking of Andrew and raising much needed awareness for this charity.Janethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14332488482591438589noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2670457039275088434.post-3412868340688920142012-03-27T01:43:00.010-07:002012-04-14T15:43:05.250-07:00Coffee Morning and flower arranging for MND<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju2xC7QNcnWMz7rnq0GRp0QLFsxlKlkxJNPSwN0xhLzqW36ui7R-oyF_YhWBuoAGkoNAFIGdINdJNCFYhKm4RZQYzApuvNhNmnVsRRb55ydakyPwY89p4LipRB333m2m8GT8tQ8OL0Qfo/s1600/design196.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 386px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju2xC7QNcnWMz7rnq0GRp0QLFsxlKlkxJNPSwN0xhLzqW36ui7R-oyF_YhWBuoAGkoNAFIGdINdJNCFYhKm4RZQYzApuvNhNmnVsRRb55ydakyPwY89p4LipRB333m2m8GT8tQ8OL0Qfo/s400/design196.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724496817111132898" border="0" /></a>The Verger of Prestatyn Parish Church Alan Jones, [ he knew Andrew well by the way ] has very kindly arranged to hold coffee morning on Saturday the 7th of April- where there will be a team of lovely ladies in church decorating the window ledges in readiness for Easter-the public are invited in to church to watch the ladies in action , chat and enjoy a coffee and see the work in progress. There will be a raffle and all the proceeds raised this year will be going to the MNDA.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5UdwsukU2aePzZDE2aY7X5AxpTeW0rOHZySEKfNxroPWnd2yQoow0huzuBobg5mUxUgrwaB_vlve_HfD3QDD5jxyCCrMND7K6h8n_B1w0KEcUo2hAgrNoQR72CskcfDOghczrikNAXYE/s1600/DSC00062.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5UdwsukU2aePzZDE2aY7X5AxpTeW0rOHZySEKfNxroPWnd2yQoow0huzuBobg5mUxUgrwaB_vlve_HfD3QDD5jxyCCrMND7K6h8n_B1w0KEcUo2hAgrNoQR72CskcfDOghczrikNAXYE/s400/DSC00062.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724495751275696802" border="0" /></a><br />The church will be open from 10 am to 11.30 am- and admission will be £1 per person.<br />Ann and I contribute and decorate a window ledge [ each] here every Harvest festival ,Christmas and Easter, though because of work commitments we get to sneak in the night before and arrange ours then ! Many years ago when my sister first started organizing the Prestatyn Flower show the floral art section was not that well supported [ I`am delighted to say it is now and the standard is very high ] as a result -I got dragged along to night classes with Ann -and have enjoyed many years decorating our church and joining in with flower festivals and entering the local shows-it has been a lot of fun . Please, if you get a moment pop in and support the ladies<br />-they work very hard to make the church look beautiful and are a very friendly bunch- always enjoying a good chat and much laughter over a cup of tea or coffee !<br /><br />A little bit of a news update now.<br /><br />I have just received an email from Christina who wrote to tell me how she got on with her last fundraiser [ see last post ] The auction and comedy night she organized for Eric made a staggering 11,000 pounds plus- with 10% of the proceeds going to the MNDA !!! -the rest is to be put into a trust fund for Eric`s 3 lovely children-she wrote there was a lot of laughter , joy and a few tears too !! Our next fundraiser is to be a Folk Music festival in Enfield [ not far from us then Christina ] will give out details of that when I know more . Well done to everyone involved.Janethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14332488482591438589noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2670457039275088434.post-66053571484217963922012-03-08T03:30:00.005-08:002012-03-08T05:35:41.760-08:00Calling All Londoners !<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKRi2C4RDtgFWsxrA8w_g14z20mswbvnvqxU0VG0N26D4YlwqZTlai8sYZemFp7uuCuQi86jgQGThXjGJeeJiDkZfpM8zZ2O-yEj23mvtx8ASL6_w7EjYBNb-RbwmCCZkIauppnsAkWdQ/s1600/IMAG0223.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 192px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKRi2C4RDtgFWsxrA8w_g14z20mswbvnvqxU0VG0N26D4YlwqZTlai8sYZemFp7uuCuQi86jgQGThXjGJeeJiDkZfpM8zZ2O-yEj23mvtx8ASL6_w7EjYBNb-RbwmCCZkIauppnsAkWdQ/s320/IMAG0223.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717488026311660386" border="0" /></a>You might remember a post a did a while back about Eric [pictured here above- last Boxing Day with family and friends- Colin and Cristina ] Cristina had written to me telling me about Eric`s home which had received a make over by the DIY SOS Team [ the programme is due to be screened soon- so please keep an eye out for it !] Well, Cristina has truly got the bit between her teeth and along with her friend Gemma has organized a comedy night to raise funds for Eric and his wife and the MNDA. It will be held this coming Saturday 10th of March at the Fox Pub in Palmers Green.North London.N13. Home to the Electric Mouse Comedy Club.<br />Cristina writes .......The DIY SOS team will be coming along and the programme`s presenter Nick Knowles has confirmed he will be there-There will be an auction and we are hoping he will agree to do it [ bet he will be brilliant at that ] So if you live anywhere near there please pop along and support this event !!<br />Just a reminder too -Cristina`s hubby Colin is in training to run The Virgin London Marathon on the 22nd of April [ not long to go now Colin ] to raise much needed funds for the MNDA.<br /><a href="http://www.justgiving.com/user/26134474"><br />http://www.justgiving.com/user/26134474</a><br /><br />Cristina also writes....<br /><br />Our local Waitrose have been very supportive and they have a green token scheme set up for " Supporting Eric " - They will donate a percentage of funds they have set aside for charities to the MNDA. Below is a photograph of Eric who popped along to say thank you in person.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtlvgdPEWop2XsXwFWVZ1Y6LQAmDvyZtaT4Klq4fVdGN6qKNjhQIVHDTYN1LIoHO9LXf1SPbv3RDAsxOun9dNbXQS1blAxBZCogSq5-95gAq6BjIYvIIbvX1Aju6OmXFMV0ADRDs7kFbA/s1600/IMAG0295.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtlvgdPEWop2XsXwFWVZ1Y6LQAmDvyZtaT4Klq4fVdGN6qKNjhQIVHDTYN1LIoHO9LXf1SPbv3RDAsxOun9dNbXQS1blAxBZCogSq5-95gAq6BjIYvIIbvX1Aju6OmXFMV0ADRDs7kFbA/s400/IMAG0295.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717487779709957954" border="0" /></a>Janethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14332488482591438589noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2670457039275088434.post-38989042467477858972012-03-05T11:14:00.012-08:002012-03-05T14:20:26.135-08:00In The Wake by Alistair The Optimist<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/bqbnU5lPP_Y?fs=1" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" width="480"></iframe><br /><br /><br />This is a beautiful video directed by Tim Delop and Jim Johnson- Please take a moment to listen to this track and watch it -I found it to be both very moving and inspiring . "In The Wake " happens to be my favourite track from Alistair The Optimist`s album- The c/d is now on sale from<span style="text-decoration: underline;"> <a href="http://www.mndassociation.org/">http://www.mndassociation.org </a> </span>-with 22% of the profit going to raise funds for the MNDA !<br />Alistair was diagnosed with MND 18 months ago-he and a group of friends decided to write and record songs under the banner of "Alistair the Optimist " and in the summer of 2011 recorded an album in 3 days.The album captures a moment in time when his weakening muscles still allowed him to play the drums, something he is no longer able to do, and as such the band will never play live. He writes ......<br /><br />Be an incurable optimist and do something optimistic today.<br /><br />The video has had 6,500 hits on u-tube already ! Please repost this to your facebook pages and to twitter by pressing the "F" or "T" at the bottom of this post -Me ? I`m off to buy the album and I hope you will do the same !<br /><br />Oh ! Just a reminder -Where ever you going or what ever you are doing- Please remember to support the MNDA by wearing your awareness band-they do work ! Wear one to support a loved one or like me to remember and honour someone you have lost . Thank You ! Jan x<br />More info <a href="http://alistairtheoptimist.org/">http://alistairtheoptimist.org/</a>Janethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14332488482591438589noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2670457039275088434.post-91035674574528417522012-02-24T14:47:00.009-08:002012-02-24T15:53:57.277-08:00No One by Alistair The Optimist<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/JzVtUdLfvx8?fs=1" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" width="480"></iframe><br /><br />This video was created by Alistair`s good friends Rich Lee and Louise Baker Lee in California, it was filmed on the LA river-this is the first music video from "Alistair The Optimist " album.<br />"No One " is available as a free download at<br /> <a href="http://alistairtheoptimist.bandcamp.com/album/alistair-the-optimist"><br />http://alistairtheoptimist.bandcamp.com/album/alistair-the-optimist</a><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span><br />The C/D is due to be released on the 5th March on " Mike Floats records " and will be available to buy from <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.mndassociation.org/">www.mndassociation.org</a><br /><br /></span>I think this is a really lovely song- Please support Alistair, 22 % of the album sales will be going to the MNDA . Enjoy x<br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.mndassociation.org/shop/index.html"></a>Janethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14332488482591438589noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2670457039275088434.post-4297506782753062222012-02-02T04:19:00.000-08:002012-02-02T10:04:03.355-08:00Guess the location and win a free M.N.D. Awareness band<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPFLBYLck10-o7Ap3vVcYb1Q2mDSkm5dB2uhJqFcW6sfbB8l4PvO_kVeFze3vxIpq0BKNeL61WqeQGrzte6crmHUdMzhocHUsO4hCYLhAvjX4FkjAsTWt_A1a2MqdlSVUROnGzB6m7Vbg/s1600/100_0882.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPFLBYLck10-o7Ap3vVcYb1Q2mDSkm5dB2uhJqFcW6sfbB8l4PvO_kVeFze3vxIpq0BKNeL61WqeQGrzte6crmHUdMzhocHUsO4hCYLhAvjX4FkjAsTWt_A1a2MqdlSVUROnGzB6m7Vbg/s400/100_0882.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704512030556668850" border="0" /></a>Thank you Steve for sending in this lovely photograph of your wife Kim [ seated ] and sister in law Sylvia . Steve had purchased some of our awareness bands from me- back in October last year and wrote promising to send in a photograph for the blog- to be taken on a forth coming cruise they were all looking forward to in January of this year -I hope you all had a lovely time by the way ! So , lets get the fun started -any ideas as to where this picture was taken ? first correct entry wins a free MND band !!<br /><br />Before you all ask -here are a few clues.............<br /><br />This place has been sculptured over time by several eruptions-the last being in 1909-it boasts of rugged terrain and dramatic landscapes and subtropical climates and sits on in the Atlantic ocean<br />Hmm I think that`s enough clues for now -any ideas ?Janethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14332488482591438589noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2670457039275088434.post-14030058799164798662012-01-19T06:56:00.000-08:002012-01-19T07:48:22.680-08:00Rhuddlan Rocks 4HD - 'The Weapons of Happiness'<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/MezKZbKuHkM?fs=1" allowfullscreen="" width="480" frameborder="0" height="270"></iframe><br /><br />I found this video on facebook the other day- it is of Mike and The Alarm on stage with members of the fictional band "Weapons of Happiness " after completing scenes from the forthcoming film "Vinyl -The Movie " starring Phil Daniels , Keith Allen ,Perry Benson and Chris Taylor.<br />You can clearly see Andrew working at the back of the stage wearing his blue MND T-shirt and trying to get a few sneaky photographs ! It is lovely to see him walking round -MND robbed him of so much. The event was was used to provide a live concert background performance of the fictional band ." One Guitar " and features The Alarm as well as the cast from the film hamming it up for the crowd, the event was in support of Mike`s cancer charity The Love Hope Strength Foundation http://<a href="http://www.lovehopestrength.co.uk/">www.lovehopestrength.co.uk</a><br /><br />About 2 minutes 39 seconds in -you can clearly see actor Keith Allen wearing one of our very first red ALS/MND Awareness bands which Andrew had purchased from America and had given out to all the actors [ we couldn`t find anyone here in the U.K. at that time who was stocking them -it `s what gave us the idea of selling our own in the first place ! ] I received a lovely email the other day from Cristina [ see last post ] who had gone out for a drink with her hubby Colin last weekend - he was wearing his awareness band -somebody stopped and asked them what the band represented , after explaining, the gentleman donated £15 towards Colin`s fund raising for MND- The Virgin London Marathon Run in April -Cristina wrote thought I`d let you know Janet and put a smile on your face, the bands do work -it made our night ! Cristina it made my day-thank you x<br />The Next video is a clip from the film Vinyl. [ see below ]Janethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14332488482591438589noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2670457039275088434.post-67397336452328678602012-01-19T06:49:00.000-08:002012-01-21T14:07:03.843-08:00Vinyl Music Video<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/4RI1fwflNy4?fs=1" allowfullscreen="" width="480" frameborder="0" height="270"></iframe><br /><br />This is the trailer for The Movie-Vinyl ,The film is about ageism in the music industry. These scenes were filmed in Rhyl. Again you can quite clearly see the actor Phil Daniels wearing his MND awareness band.<br />For those of you going to the Alarms Gathering concert at Prestatyn next weekend - Have a super time and please wear your band for Andrew .I`am sure he will be there in spirit -keeping his eye on all of those guitars !!Janethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14332488482591438589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2670457039275088434.post-52746003951510479592012-01-12T03:56:00.000-08:002012-01-15T11:04:33.347-08:00The Virgin London Marathon<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiknACEnNr0isZrx0fAJQq58NGJrcgpyZVobkPqeG4QGNqGhXdE1dUIKJlh9xnStSqNKlgaPahnyTDNcQllw8zw2eA0hE_h1IXB3yMQmhqibrb_P0_qpBLLuVsaSiXbi1NZgNq_sczmC3I/s1600/imaging.ashx.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiknACEnNr0isZrx0fAJQq58NGJrcgpyZVobkPqeG4QGNqGhXdE1dUIKJlh9xnStSqNKlgaPahnyTDNcQllw8zw2eA0hE_h1IXB3yMQmhqibrb_P0_qpBLLuVsaSiXbi1NZgNq_sczmC3I/s400/imaging.ashx.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696715053176714546" border="0" /></a>Meet Colin and Eric , Eric is living with MND and his best friend Colin has set himself a target of raising £2 500.00 for Eric`s Motor Neurone Disease tribute fund, by running in this years Virgin London Marathon on the 22nd April .<br />Colin writes Eric won`t benefit from it himself but it is a mark of the man that he has set up the fund so others will benefit from the efforts of his family and friends. Please donate if you can -we know times are hard but as Eric once said - You never know which £ donated is gonna lead to that all important research breakthrough ! For those of you who are maybe thinking of giving up smoking as part of a New Year `s resolution- Why not let us help you-donate the cost of a packet of cigarettes [ around £7 ] to our just giving site- which then sends your donation straight to the M.N.D.A. automatically claiming Gift Aid if you are a U.K. taxpayer , so your donation is worth more.<br /><br />Colin is already off to a flying start and has raised £550.00 with gift aid adding another 20% to that total !! Training has started in earnest with Colin trying to raise as much awareness as he possibly can by wearing his M.N.D training vest [ and one of our awareness bands too- of course]<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYu4rXLdCe702KCWk4Trm-4hm-em7ZltmyFCKosR9z94AzAy3tozzvRB7vzJacZUcED0Z0Z5cXeNbBk028by33dUoUhQJquK0t1xf3StcXXf08QE9rlEG6EU6y475OCXZHggIkZ6SQguI/s1600/IMAG0223-1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 120px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYu4rXLdCe702KCWk4Trm-4hm-em7ZltmyFCKosR9z94AzAy3tozzvRB7vzJacZUcED0Z0Z5cXeNbBk028by33dUoUhQJquK0t1xf3StcXXf08QE9rlEG6EU6y475OCXZHggIkZ6SQguI/s200/IMAG0223-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696713775988271618" border="0" /></a>You can follow Colin`s blog and catch up on his training sessions and donate by clicking on the link below<br /><br />http://<a href="http://www.justgiving.com/user/26134474">www.justgiving.com/user/26134474</a><br /><br />Some of you might remember this picture taken last Boxing day , Colin`s wife Cristina sent it in -She had bought some bands from us and thought it a nice gesture to show Eric and the family their support by wearing them , Cristina wrote.....<br />They are a lovely family -we will never give up trying to beat this illness or trying to raise awareness - Well said ! And good Luck to you Colin xx<br /><br />You will be seeing more of Eric and his family and friends soon on the T.V. As Eric`s house has been given a make over by the DIY SOS team ! The programme will be going out around March time- Cristina`s laughs we made sure were all wandering around in the background wearing our MND T- shirts to raise as much awareness as we can for the MNDA .<br /> I will keep you updated when I know more .Janethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14332488482591438589noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2670457039275088434.post-13572003285258359542012-01-06T10:57:00.000-08:002012-01-09T05:50:46.137-08:00Well Done Shona !<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidBKqft42sQEUImgisSOwQaXHwwM3OlxTD4dD2cWROAjYv6pHMn9g1ae_qfQ32OqXYCaD8aBkJheNCO3gL2PrTt_zNiSJ7RP_durni8S1KqHg6yDRMceoQOhyHXrrppkMeCYztsFKNJNU/s1600/290205_273714469327331_100000663413024_936651_885607217_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 256px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidBKqft42sQEUImgisSOwQaXHwwM3OlxTD4dD2cWROAjYv6pHMn9g1ae_qfQ32OqXYCaD8aBkJheNCO3gL2PrTt_zNiSJ7RP_durni8S1KqHg6yDRMceoQOhyHXrrppkMeCYztsFKNJNU/s400/290205_273714469327331_100000663413024_936651_885607217_o.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694595207696690674" border="0" /></a>I thought it might be nice to give you all an update on Shona [ pictured above ]- the lady who set herself the amazing challenge last year of running 2011 kilometres during 2011 ! [ Which is the equivalent of running from York to Gibralter- or just over 1,250 miles ] She completed her challenge just before Christmas beating her original target- by collecting more than £3,000, and the money is still coming in ! I think you will agree she has done amazingly well -I bet your family are very proud of you Shona -I have enjoyed following you adventures on your blog and thank you for wearing one of our awareness bands along the way !!<br />Shona`s godmother , Sue is living with MND and Shona wanted to do something to support her and the Motor Neurone Disease Association-you can read more by following this link<br /><br />http://<a href="http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/features/charity/9447508.Shona%20reaches%20her%20targets/">www.yorkpress.co.uk/features/charity/9447508.Shona reaches her targets/</a><br /><br />There is still time to donate before Shona starts this years challenge, whatever that might be- I will keep you posted !<br /><br />http://<a href="http://www.justgiving.com/shona2011">www.justgiving.com/shona2011</a><br />Shona has a new blog if you like to keep up to date with what she is up to-please click on the following link <a href="http://www.shushkat.blogspot.com">www.shushkat.blogspot.com</a>Janethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14332488482591438589noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2670457039275088434.post-16790699382459961542012-01-02T03:20:00.000-08:002012-01-08T14:21:17.615-08:00Taking a dip for Andrew<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVxxaTqncPg9kmFU3qtyyBgc4oniet33j7t_5vwRkgPJN-RYAY3DVZWeyEgNnZP-dS5dS575fi01wIgI4BHe-0Dqfk6k_rzJfLiK_3GIrIXiCFTxSDDyKM8tp1OyNo1hjvbv7XXPiqVe8/s1600/IMG_5253-e1325453299415.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVxxaTqncPg9kmFU3qtyyBgc4oniet33j7t_5vwRkgPJN-RYAY3DVZWeyEgNnZP-dS5dS575fi01wIgI4BHe-0Dqfk6k_rzJfLiK_3GIrIXiCFTxSDDyKM8tp1OyNo1hjvbv7XXPiqVe8/s400/IMG_5253-e1325453299415.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692993259000394290" border="0" /></a><br />Well Done Elizabeth !! I hope you have warmed up by now - you were fantastic !<br /><br />You can find out how Elizabeth got on - by clicking on this link and reading all about her New Years Day Swim [ see the last post - A drop in the ocean ] to raise awareness and funds for the Motor Neurone Disease Association which she completed in memory of Andrew.<br /><br />Her blog is called.... <a href="http://stanforth-sharpe.co.uk/">Well,This Isn`t gettin` T`Ens Fed</a> Please pop by and read her post -she writes beautifully.Janethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14332488482591438589noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2670457039275088434.post-18534605227460915542011-12-28T00:52:00.000-08:002011-12-30T12:01:46.335-08:00A Drop In The Ocean - A New Years Day Swim<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkgtgvWEcNhFgVF8k_N-ENzeZU-QZ8cBX6b7KnL4URZSVp_i-jMuEJORK_75IRz-8Q3QN2fymj-AleX74uZP2MFOJElzXbcpJ5H0uH2fV9rLevyArhyphenhyphen6E9U0AKu41QvWL1MyiwMNN_0SY/s1600/IMG_8260-e1324638056867.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.giftext-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkgtgvWEcNhFgVF8k_N-ENzeZU-QZ8cBX6b7KnL4URZSVp_i-jMuEJORK_75IRz-8Q3QN2fymj-AleX74uZP2MFOJElzXbcpJ5H0uH2fV9rLevyArhyphenhyphen6E9U0AKu41QvWL1MyiwMNN_0SY/s400/IMG_8260-e1324638056867.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691100265649375042" border="0" /></a><br />The other day I stumbled across a just giving site that stopped me in my tracks and made me sit and cry-I was so very moved.<br />The lady had written ............I`m not a fan of the cold and I`ve never been keen on dressing up.<br />So what makes me think of dressing up and swimming in a icy cold North Sea on New Years Day 2012 ?<br />It all started because I read the touching blogs of two siblings whose brother suffered from and recently died from MND..........<br />To support his family, and in Andrews memory and to raise funds for the MNDA- I`ll be taking that New Years dip at approximately 12.30 at Sandside Beach Area , Scarborough.<br /><br />Please pop across and leave Elizabeth a message of support and donate if you can-She is one very brave lady ! This means so much to our family and we have been very moved by her sincere and very generous offer of help.The just giving page will be up and running until 31 January 2012<br />You can read more at <a href="http://www.justgiving.com/Elizabeth-Standforth-Sharpe1"></a><a href="http://www.justgiving.com/Elizabeth-Standforth-Sharpe1"><br /></a><a href="http://www.justgiving.com/Elizabeth-Stanforth-Sharpe1">http://www.justgiving.com/Elizabeth-Stanforth-Sharpe1</a><br />Good luck Elizabeth -I hope the weather will be mild on the day !! We will be thinking of you and I have sent you some bands -I hope they arrive in time xxxJanethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14332488482591438589noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2670457039275088434.post-5551394560002446202011-12-27T04:53:00.000-08:002011-12-27T11:07:51.387-08:00Christmas Day at Eric`s<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgib5t0MeyLxleVhts5dq9uG877lbrZii6QEHtgh9yBJnSvCSpGdqN_gHzqGF6PgRoAfYTU-X9OnDiZcrrrvAfEAyhdZNg6dQV_Q07HSIQ8Mn2McWrNtfATXqlUfD9UPGjHR_9iWSbZDEc/s1600/IMAG0223-1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgib5t0MeyLxleVhts5dq9uG877lbrZii6QEHtgh9yBJnSvCSpGdqN_gHzqGF6PgRoAfYTU-X9OnDiZcrrrvAfEAyhdZNg6dQV_Q07HSIQ8Mn2McWrNtfATXqlUfD9UPGjHR_9iWSbZDEc/s400/IMAG0223-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690792047077233634" border="0" /></a>Many thanks to Cristina who sent in this lovely photograph of her Christmas Day celebrations- spent at her friend Eric`s house. Eric is living with M.N.D and Cristina thought it a nice gesture to buy some of our awareness bands and show him her support by getting the whole family wearing them -she writes he is wearing his band with pride and added we will never give up our fight to beat MND............Neither will our family Cristina and thank you for helping to spread the word by supporting our awareness campaign xx<br />Please remember- if you have purchased a band from us - post a photograph onto your facebook<br />page or click on to the "F" at the bottom of this post to help spread the word !! [ you can also email this or post it on twitter ]<br />The more bands we sell the more money goes to the MNDA to help fund a research project-helping to keep the hope of finding a cure alive.<br /><br /><br />Thank you CristinaJanethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14332488482591438589noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2670457039275088434.post-11240275754640462172011-12-17T14:41:00.000-08:002011-12-19T05:36:27.069-08:00Motor Neurone Disease Awareness Bands<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilexawIGHAk8z0ycS2HVA7H1DxU7Uv8CpuoFVWcLQIgiN6IbE1YMuB0J6JV-HUEyXve5LHaBQw1uEwkRYsuFIDDb2tb9xmO7BAFSxlwDwFxv085VcK3Jpvofar-_mDBqdI9OrRh20792s/s1600/277505_2226215691721_1137632476_2747680_4819862_o.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilexawIGHAk8z0ycS2HVA7H1DxU7Uv8CpuoFVWcLQIgiN6IbE1YMuB0J6JV-HUEyXve5LHaBQw1uEwkRYsuFIDDb2tb9xmO7BAFSxlwDwFxv085VcK3Jpvofar-_mDBqdI9OrRh20792s/s200/277505_2226215691721_1137632476_2747680_4819862_o.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687462146596077298" border="0" /></a>On behalf of Jayne and all of our family -I would just like to thank everyone who very generously donated at Andrew`s memorial service- the money is being split between St. Kentigerns Hospice and The Motor Neurone Disease Association-so far the amount is £750.00 and rising ! Thank you so very much .<br /><br />I will continue to sell our bands on behalf of the M.N.D.A on this blog , If you know of anyone who has Motor Neurone Disease- please, please purchase one -they cost just £2.50 each .This is such a good way of supporting someone and showing you care by raising awareness and extra funding.The money we raise goes in full to the MNDA to help fund a research project into finding a cure and better treatments for this awful illness.<br />I will continue to wear my band with pride not only for Andrew but for everyone who suffers from this illness. Please help by spreading the word-you can share this post on to your facebook page by pressing the letter "F" at the bottom of this post.<br />A special thank you to everyone who has supported us during these last few years- Wishing you Love , Hope and strength and lots of special times this coming Christmas with your loved ones....we will be raising a glass or two to Andrew !<br />Jan and all of Andrew`s family xxx<br /><br />I will leave you with this lovely little video -It`s "The bloody Jenny club !" Some of you might recall a post I did a while back about Jenny Green and her amazing family- Jenny is living with M.N.D . She and her family have worked tirelessly to raise awareness and funding for the MNDA - "The bloody Jenny club " is so called because according to Jenny it`s her fault everyone gets cold ,wet, tired and spends hours fundraising !! [ Hmm sounds familiar ..] she also adds , "There is also a lot of fun and sense of achievement to be had-even by me ! " Jenny can be seen in the video on her tramper which is decorated with antlers and red nose -200 competitors turned out recently for The Farleigh Santa Sprint in Maldon , Essex all dressed as Father Christmas, [ very confusing for the little ones laughs Jenny ] Jenny`s team had 22 not including 3 babies in pushchairs .The money she helped raise [ over £1,000 ] was donated to the Farleigh Hospice. Well done to you all and Merry Christmas !<br /><br /><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/T-86WAecyEw?fs=1" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" width="480"></iframe><br /><br />You can catch up with Jenny via her blog just google -The Jenny Green Tribute Fund .Janethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14332488482591438589noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2670457039275088434.post-45843684194583287802011-12-13T12:09:00.000-08:002011-12-15T10:02:19.573-08:00John`s Eulogy<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe9OW868MO03SsGXUIlp4fhWTkDaU_qDRiEstOgnXNTFWJlnCeH28ivkdIF2vqazmf-omSHsX2sJ_PiUN7SNELHvVB3oZDyEPt4dNkoN30AlxOHP9ll1M0qdQqW5g2UFMGi5FOWlrt4p4/s1600/Yr+Aran+Bwlch+Cwm+Snowdonia+Oct+25th+2011+020.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe9OW868MO03SsGXUIlp4fhWTkDaU_qDRiEstOgnXNTFWJlnCeH28ivkdIF2vqazmf-omSHsX2sJ_PiUN7SNELHvVB3oZDyEPt4dNkoN30AlxOHP9ll1M0qdQqW5g2UFMGi5FOWlrt4p4/s200/Yr+Aran+Bwlch+Cwm+Snowdonia+Oct+25th+2011+020.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685708121250759890" border="0" /></a><br />Thought I would share with you The Eulogy my brother John wrote for Andrew.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />When I was originally asked to write the Eulogy for Andrew , I started the whole process of evaluation during a long walk in the country.<br /><br />Nearly 50 years of memories , I felt , had to be combed through , thought about and examined so that some sort of order and clarification could be reached.<br />But , it was the wrong way to go about things , I realize that now - for in actual fact , all I needed as a starting point , was to acknowledge that Andrew was a person who was always very different.<br />He was a man that walked his own path in life.<br />As children , my sister Janet and I , always thought of him as a bit exotic, a bit of a rebel , a bit of a maverick.<br />And on my walk , I made a mental list of just why we did.<br /><br />He was always a bit of a rocker -okay- He did have a brief dabble as a mod-complete with parka and a hand painted Lambretta moped ! but his heart was always in the Marc Bolam , T-Rex and Black Sabbath camp - music that was important to him throughout his life.<br /><br />Some people won`t believe this !<br /><br />He had long , luxurious red hair , which tumbled rather seductively to his shoulders and looked remarkably like a pre- raphaelite heroine [ but only from behind ! ]<br />He was often moody, never spoke , but had the extraordinary ability to argue a lot.<br /><br />His pride and joy was his immaculate jet black ford Anglia which sported a day glow orange go faster stripe and had as I recall incredibly furry seats.<br /><br />He had a set of scruffy friends that drank a lot .<br />And he wore a scruffy Afgan coat that smelled a lot .<br />He smoked and drank too much - and smoked strange large homemade cigarettes - always when mum and dad were not home.<br /><br />Yes, He was a bit of a rebel.<br />He sported a flash pair of homemade painted silver platform boots - which were accessorized rather nattily with a somewhat battered Scooby Doo T-shirt.<br />What bloody strange things you remember eh ?<br /><br />He was also a bit of an athelete and played tennis for Flintshire , was a talented artist , a risk taker.<br />He was not an academic in any way , but was always good practically ,being able to work with his hands instinctively and with talent.<br />He played drums in a band called "Resistance" and nearly hospitalized my father - when during a publicity stunt for "The News of the World " - he was photographed in the nude-behind his drum kit.<br />I remember my father wailing that it was the end of his budding career in local politics .<br />The collective family -knashing of teeth was , as I recall ,highly amusing to us kids.<br />The band toured Germany<br />And my parents calmed down....... eventually !<br /><br />Andrew calmed down too - well just a little, as he met and fell in love with Jayne and it was Jayne that always generously let him walk his own path when it came to what made him happy.<br /><br />In the 1970`s Andrew and his lifelong best friend Tim , donned matching black and yellow anoraks to take part in the local motor club rallies and hill climbs with Tim as his driver and Andrew as his trusty navigator.<br />Even then Andrew had to be the best at what he undertook- even designing rudimentary yet effective microphone communication hidden away in their crash helmets.<br />The joy of this exhilarating and dangerous sport took Andrew to several national and international events - He loved the thrill and competitiveness of it all.<br />He played snooker for the Con Club and loved his weekly " Ninety Nines " at the golf course with Tim, nephew Peter and friend Geoff Kay .<br />I remember at the height of the C.B radio`s popularity Andrew had to have the biggest and most flash rig going - I managed to reach Gronant on my C.B. - on his - he spoke to to a bloke in Canada !<br />And he loved the excitement of building his own model airplanes [ his only slightly geeky past time ] Although I remember the romance paled slightly when he lost part of a finger in what can only be described as an<br />" Out of control - Cessna - friendly fire incident !"<br />Andrew loved playing the raconteur at family get togethers - when he could deliver a story with all the pace and humour of Joan Rivers.<br />Even in his latter years -his ability to communicate , albeit by gesture and expression was never diminished.<br />On reflection, I think Andrew`s life in many ways, went full circle.In his teens his love and enjoyment of music creativity was a passion- and in his 50`s when most of us embark on the more comfortable and mundane and more relaxed -he grasped the nettle and re entered the world of music and musicians again. This mid life change brought him a contentment and , I think a wonderful sense of self worth. In his mid 50`s- he had found and had embraced his niche -a niche that was only eclipsed by Andrew`s role as a husband and father to son Jon -who was his pride and joy.<br />Mind you ! Believe me when I say Andrew was a true " Gray " he was stubborn, opinionated and enjoyed being in charge. So when Motor Neurone Disease started to bare its awful teeth ,so to speak ,Andrew typically refused to allow the symptoms to dictate to him.<br />It was a difficult battle .<br />But it was a battle that he and Jayne fought together. Jayne was his rock. With a natural skill, resilience ,strength and tenacity , she never wavered in her role as advocate for Andrews wishes.<br /><br />He wanted to remain at home until the end---she ensured that was the case.<br />He wanted to be without pain or anxiety at the end - working with the wonderful team of health care professionals -she ensured that was the case.<br />And he wanted to die with dignity with Jayne and Jon at his side.<br />And as we all know-this final wish was granted.<br /><br />As a previous ward manager, I have probably interviewed neigh on 100 nurses for jobs, I can tell you one thing honestly...<br />I would have employed Jayne any day as a trained nurse-she did my brother proud in the way she cared for him .<br />And I would like to take this opportunity, on behalf of my family, to publicly thank her for all of the work she did.<br />THANK YOU JAYNE FOR EVERYTHING.<br /><br />I was going to finish this eulogy with a piece of poetry, a traditional saying or an appropriate verse from a song or from a piece of literature...<br />But on reflection I decided that it was not really Andrew.<br />He was not an emotionally indulgent like me , or flowery or overly sentimental.<br />It was not his way- at the end of a visit there would be no realms of written notes , no emotional Jacuzzi`s -no wringing of hands.....<br />There was always however - a bit of a gentle smile , a nod of thanks and a somewhat jaunty "thumbs up " when goodbyes were said.<br />So that`s what we all should give him now..........<br />Our best smile<br />No tears , a nod and a jaunty thumbs up .<br /><br /><br />Beautifully written don`t you think .<br /><br />Ann and I made the arrangement -using some of Andrew`s old drumsticks ,the rings represent his drums and the roses are called rather appropriately " Grand prix "<br /><br />Mike Peters sang an acoustic version of his song " Breathe " before being joined by Phil Strat Evans and together they sang another of Andrew`s favourites " Knocking on Heavens Door"<br />He would have loved it .Janethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14332488482591438589noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2670457039275088434.post-45918341358556491972011-12-03T10:42:00.000-08:002011-12-03T12:59:32.078-08:00The Fight will go on<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/peF_zCmUM9o?fs=1" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" width="459"></iframe><br /><br />I thought I would share this video with you-it was filmed in January 2010 at The Gathering, in Prestatyn. Andrew had seen his consultant the previous October who had confirmed what Andrew already knew - that he had MND- he gave Andrew 12 months to live. Andrew was guitar teching for Mike Peter`s from The Alarm at the time.<br />Mike, who having survived leukemia twice sang this song at the end of his concert inviting his local G.P. and consultant on stage [ that`s two guys on the left-the consultant is playing a red guitar ] he also asked Andrew to join them.<br />Andrew is on the extreme right with a white t-shirt on-plugging in the guitars at the beginning ,<br />Ann, Tim, Ned, Jonathan,Lucy and myself were there on the night clutching a home made banner-written on it was- we- love -Andy !! Our hearts were breaking- Ann and I- we cried and sang along and waved that banner and supported him all the way.<br />There have been so many wonderful tributes left on Andrew`s facebook wall -a lot from the people who worked along side him-some made me laugh and some made me cry-some with pictures I had never seen before-he looked happy -I know he use to say how much he loved his job and I know that some of his happiest times had been on tour with the Alarm.<br />Thank you for all the wonderful comments and messages of condolences -everyone has been so very kind -we have appreciated and read them all. One comment that has stuck in my mind ..... .. he was truly courageous man who lived a life completed early rather than a life cut short.<br /><br />The fight to raise awareness carries on -I still have bands to sell.Janethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14332488482591438589noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2670457039275088434.post-33936667504122384262011-12-01T16:11:00.000-08:002011-12-01T17:52:24.199-08:00Andrew - 7th Jan 1953 - 1 st December 2011<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkAOjpg3d2M2yY3_PJvPdmXzlFLXcqoXmuJ6bZUah9ceQM2-su5T-2EbeI1U9tOELnJ-IsZtpgMYrrLcUfnfcw_TWBID6LVpiJwrVBu5PWEqNrt1k7KDh5M3S4T9Jp7yNsR4ckNdtZJek/s1600/img126.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 395px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkAOjpg3d2M2yY3_PJvPdmXzlFLXcqoXmuJ6bZUah9ceQM2-su5T-2EbeI1U9tOELnJ-IsZtpgMYrrLcUfnfcw_TWBID6LVpiJwrVBu5PWEqNrt1k7KDh5M3S4T9Jp7yNsR4ckNdtZJek/s400/img126.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681317321337881330" border="0" /></a>Andrew lost his very brave and courageous battle with MND this evening<br />I`am so very proud and privileged to have been your sister- Thank you for putting up with me and for giving us the family so many happy wonderful memories ! Rest in peace dear bro, we love and will always love you very much xxJanethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14332488482591438589noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2670457039275088434.post-15681381394865387802011-11-25T11:38:00.000-08:002011-11-25T14:04:22.811-08:00Natalie Barclays Tandem Skydive<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4kHTNz2-bsvtL1zj7uQGgCxKnPAedBY70T5EqDPpjaFW7yy6lbonG5DexmZCKTOnx_Mk42KQ2IVqdIbm-1VlErU8O268uk08O9wVQo87Bp-ZwrSapXIt11h2XzKGUPMgeGjo5mtrGtsw/s1600/265507_10150296674515695_761675694_9331133_5904661_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4kHTNz2-bsvtL1zj7uQGgCxKnPAedBY70T5EqDPpjaFW7yy6lbonG5DexmZCKTOnx_Mk42KQ2IVqdIbm-1VlErU8O268uk08O9wVQo87Bp-ZwrSapXIt11h2XzKGUPMgeGjo5mtrGtsw/s400/265507_10150296674515695_761675694_9331133_5904661_o.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679020367336026034" border="0" /></a> Back in July you might remember -I wrote a post about one very brave young lady -Natalie Barclay [ pictured above on the left -with her mum and nan ] who had just completed a 12,000 foot tandem sky dive jump at The Headcorn Paracute Club in Kent. Natalie raised a staggering £620 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association and says she loved every moment of it -saying I can`t wait to do it all again !!<br />So , if anyone out there is thinking about doing some fundraising of their own and fancy giving skydiving a go -take a look at Natalie`s video below which I have just discovered on facebook.<br />Natalie smiled and waved all the way down [ I`d have just screamed and sobbed -I`m such a coward ] It certainly looked like she took it all in her stride and enjoyed every moment- thats for sure !! [ she was also strapped to a rather handsome instructor- hmm bet that helped too eh Nat ? ] It did look a fabulous experience though Natalie-one you will never forget ! Well done x<br /> Hmm ? Do they do those jumpsuits in pink ?<br /><br /><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/7Y48tAdGQmc?fs=1" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" width="480"></iframe>Janethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14332488482591438589noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2670457039275088434.post-16430788947782520882011-11-19T05:33:00.000-08:002011-11-20T01:42:22.241-08:00Welsh Love Song - Lisa Lân - a capella harmony<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ma5TWQi0R9g?fs=1" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" width="459"></iframe><br /><br /><br />This is a tragic Welsh love song from the beautiful Island of Angelsey , situated off the North West Coast of Wales [ it`s Welsh name being- Ynys<br />Mon. ] It`s just under an hours drive from where I live [ about 45 miles away ] Most of you might also recall it is where Prince William and his bride Kate [ or the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge as they are now known as ] are stationed in RAF Valley there.<br />Singing in this Video are - Geraint , Merfyn and Dafydd who are a trio calling themselves "Canig " They also sing in a choir called<a href="http://www.cantorioncolinjones.co.u/"> </a><a href="http://www.cantorioncolinjones.co.uk/">Cantorion Colin Jones</a> -the web site is well worth a visit !<br />During the Cantorion Colin Jones tour to France in July 2008, aware that John [ see second video below ] a member of the choir, and brother of another member, were slowly succumbing to MND , choristers were moved to discuss methods of raising money for the M.N.D.A.<br /><br />One idea was to record a c/d of the Cantorion Colin Jones Soloists.<br />John Puw was one of these soloists. Please scroll down.Janethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14332488482591438589noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2670457039275088434.post-46071608204511815482011-11-19T05:32:00.000-08:002011-11-20T01:41:14.804-08:00John Puw yn canu Arafa Don / John Puw, a Welsh Tenor<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/z7y9hBCgtCY?fs=1" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" width="459"></iframe><br /><br /><br />This is John Puw who was diagnosed with MND in 2007-he found music to be a wonderful healer,and gained enormous strength from singing in this great choir-it`s lovely to think his singing lives on. I hope you enjoy the video`s as much as I did !<br /><br />Please remember to support our awareness campaign by purchasing a band-the donate button is situated on the right hand side of the page by our fundraising thermometer.<br />If you have a story to tell or are fundraising or would like a dedication doing please let me know -send in a picture wearing your band and I will be delighted to give you a mention !Janethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14332488482591438589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2670457039275088434.post-69582893527476750882011-11-10T13:49:00.000-08:002011-11-11T11:18:21.221-08:00Motor Neurone Disease Awareness Bands<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmFnutCaKrP_pUUVlXo8JOkgUAz2dJ-XwiqzRp8IjIFMH9SySNf4AHcX125tsrU9K-nk8pgKZQudaeiFnOqN9enucIkj5OgxlpA42BkCF7qvNqr-FKltf440Kvgm4bf7yjsjhWZ7OdWD4/s1600/277505_2226215691721_1137632476_2747680_4819862_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmFnutCaKrP_pUUVlXo8JOkgUAz2dJ-XwiqzRp8IjIFMH9SySNf4AHcX125tsrU9K-nk8pgKZQudaeiFnOqN9enucIkj5OgxlpA42BkCF7qvNqr-FKltf440Kvgm4bf7yjsjhWZ7OdWD4/s400/277505_2226215691721_1137632476_2747680_4819862_o.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673487824084824114" border="0" /></a>Motor Neurone Disease Awareness Bands £2.50 each- help " Support The Fight Against MND "<br /><br />To donate and buy a band please scroll down to the " Donate" button on the right hand side of the page.Thank you.<br /><br /> THE MOTOR NEURONE DISEASE ASSOCIATION<br /><br />Is the only organization in England ,Wales and Northern Ireland working for people with MND and their families.<br />Gives emotional,practical and financial support to people with MND and their families.<br />Provides specialised equipment to make life easier for people with MND.<br />Funds and promotes vital research to bring about an end of MND.<br />Relies almost entirely on voluntary donations.<br /><br />£3,000 funds an MND expert researcher for one month and keeps the hope of a cure alive<br /><br /><br /> £50.00 funds laboratory equipment for a day`s vital research into finding a cure for MND.<br />Every little bit helps.Janethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14332488482591438589noreply@blogger.com3