Elvis imitator All Shook Up by Josie

Jan 5 2007 By Hayley Beattie, The Journal

Singing window cleaner Derek Patterson will be transforming himself into his idol Elvis to help raise money for The Journal's Josie Grove appeal.

The 54-year-old was so touched by Josie's story, he decided he wanted to raise money to the appeal in her name.

Josie, 16, of Princes Street, Corbridge, Northumberland, has decided not to have any more treatment for her leukaemia so she can spend the time she has left with her family.

A former pupil at Hexham's Queen Elizabeth High School, she has already had two unsuccessful bone marrow transplants and aggressive chemotherapy.

For the last five years Derek, of Coquetdale Place, Bedlington, has been donning the legendary sparkly suit to become his singing hero to help raise money for a number of charities.

Now the self-employed window cleaner has organised a charity night in Josie's name on February 10 at Netherton Social Club in Bedlington. Derek said: "When I read about what Josie was going through, it was heart-rending and I felt I needed to do something to help. It makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up when you hear about children having to deal with illnesses like Josie."

In the past, Derek has raised more than £500 for Rainbow Trust, £1,300 for Multiple Sclerosis and £700 for the British Heart Foundation. He said: "I hope we can raise as much as that from this special night."

Derek's love of Elvis started a decade ago when he began singing his greatest hits at karaoke nights.

Tickets for the charity night are £2.50 and are available by calling Derek on (01670) 828403 or by contacting Netherton Social Club on (01670) 822233.

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Daniel planning a marathon effort

A gym boss is hoping to raise more than £1,000 for Josie's appeal by running this year's London Marathon in her name.

Daniel Flint, 29, owns the Sub Two Leisure centres in Rowlands Gill and Whickham, and had already signed up for his first London Marathon taking place on April 22.

But after reading about Josie's brave decision to stop treatment for her leukaemia to spend time with her family, he decided to join the appeal to raise money for her fund.

Daniel was the North-East Cross-Country champion for three years in a row, between the ages of 16 and 19, and when he was 16 he was second in the country for 3,000m running. He completed the New York marathon in 2003 in three hours 10 minutes and is hoping to better that time in London. Daniel, who lives in Rowlands Gill, said: "Josie's is a very touching story. She is being incredibly brave and has made a grown-up decision to get on with her life for as long as she has, and I admire that."

Anyone who wants to sponsor Daniel can call in to either leisure centre and pick up a sponsor form.

If you want to sponsor Journal columnist David Banks to shed the pounds in aid of Josie's fund, then fill in the form here and return it to The Journal, saying how much you want to pledge.

Or: You can let us know what fitness-related fundraising ideas you have come up with by contacting The Journal newsdesk on (0191) 201-6344. Sponsorship forms are available by e-mail at jnl.newsdesk@ncjmedia.co.uk  or by post from The Journal. You may send cheques to The Dove Trust (registered charity 287401) - Josie Grove Leukaemia Fund written on the back - to The Journal, PO Box 1146, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE99 1ET and indicate if you wish to give Gift Aid by giving your name and address.

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Fund passes £3,000 mark

The Journal's Josie Grove appeal yesterday passed the £3,000 mark after a flood of donations.

Thanks to readers who sent in more money, the total raised for the Josie Grove Leukaemia Fund now stands at £3,197. Readers who yesterday donated or sent in sponsorship for our columnist David Banks, who is doing a sponsored slim for the fund, are:

Mrs A G Maughan, £10
A Barron, Holystone, £10
Mr J McGrane, £25
Mrs J Hewison, Bedlington, £10
Ian Robinson, Gosforth, £50
Arran Lawrence, Morpeth, £25
Tori & Jessie Carr, Morpeth, £50
Mr M P Duddy & family, Wallsend, £50
Philip Ross, Ryton, £10
Steve Brown, Carlton, Cleveland, £30
J & D A Hutchinson, Acomb, £5
Mr & Mrs A Lawson, Hallington, £25
Edward Cowell, Boldon Colliery, £10
Hetty & Evelyn Mavin, Berwick, £35
Miss E A Hunter, Hexham, £20
Mr & Mrs D B Bramfitt, Newcastle, £10
Carol Wood, Belford, £10
Miss A E Wilson, £10
Mrs C R Hill, £10
J H Dobson, Morpeth, £10
Mr A J & Mrs S Knox, Hexham, £20
Ivan & Jane Swaile, Hexham, £10
Mr & Mrs G Reed, Gateshead, £25