Josie fund boosted by Rotarians
Feb 10 2007 By Daniel Thomson, The Journal
The Journal's Josie Grove Leukaemia Fund reached another milestone yesterday [Fri] after a generous donation from the Rotary Club of Tynedale took the total to more than £10,000.
Josie, 16, of Princes Street, Corbridge, Northumberland, has decided to forgo further leukaemia treatment after two unsuccessful bone marrow transplants, in order to spend the time she has left with her family.
Her story moved Journal columnist David Banks to tears, especially as he was in remission from leukaemia himself, and inspired him to start a sponsored slim in her name.
This sparked The Journal's fundraising campaign for Josie, which has seen hundreds of generous donations from readers over the last few weeks.
Yesterday, Josie and her family were at the County Hotel in Hexham, Northumberland, to accept the latest donation of £1,320 from the Rotary Club of Tynedale.
The Club raised the money with a Northumbrian Evening Concert at Corbridge Parish Hall on January 20.
Josie's father Cliff said: "Jacqui and I went to the concert and it was a really great evening. It was a lovely gesture by the Rotary Club and the amount they raised was fantastic.
"It is great to hear The Journal's appeal has now raised more than £10,000. The amazing generosity of people continues to touch us."
Rotary Club of Tynedale committee chairman Bill Weightman said: "We were all completely humbled by Josie's decision after reading about her in The Journal and decided we had to do something to help.
"We had already organised the concert and were looking for a charity to benefit from it when we read about Josie. Her story was so moving and she lives in Corbridge, where the concert was being held, so we thought it was appropriate that the money raised should go to her fund."
Entertainment for the concert was organised by comedian Ernie Coe, while auction items were donated by businesses including The Angel, Watling Coffee House, and The Divals in Corbridge, and The County Hotel, and Jobies Hairdressing Salon in Hexham.
Other items came from Prudhoe Golf Club, Corbridge Tandoori, the Errington Arms at Stagshaw and Stocksfield Golf Club. Josie's parents also donated a gold and silver bracelet.
Get fit to support Josie
The Journal is urging readers to get behind our bid to raise money for Josie's fund.
There are two ways to help: Anyone wishing to sponsor David Banks in his effort to shed the pounds in aid of the Josie Grove Leukaemia Fund should fill in the form here and return it to The Journal, saying how much money you are pledging.
OR: Let us know what fitness-related fundraising method you have come up with yourself to raise cash for the fund. Please contact The Journal newsdesk with information of any events, solo or team, you have arranged.
Sponsorship forms are available by email or post from The Journal. Anyone wishing to get involved should contact the newsdesk on (0191) 201-6344 or email jnl.newdesk@ncjmedia.co.uk
You may send cheques payable to The Dove Trust (registered charity 287401) - Josie Grove Leukaemia Fund written on the back - to The Journal, PO Box 1146, Newcastle, NE99 1ET.
Magnificent achievement
Many thanks to all of our readers who have helped push the Josie Grove Leukaemia Fund to its latest landmark target.
Readers who donated or sponsored our columnist David Banks, who is losing weight for the appeal, yesterday have upped our total to a magnificent £10,333.19.
They are:
Mrs E Sutton - money collected from sponsored walk including a £100 donation from John N Dunn Ltd, £230
Mrs A Lowery, £10
Mrs M Wilson & Family, £20
Mrs M Dunn, £5
Mr & Mrs B Hancox, £10
H Bowes, £25
C & C Robson, £25
Tynedale Rotary Club, £1320
Total: £10,333.19
