Ray Johnstone tragically lost his son Shaun in 1998 when he was only 16 years old. Shaun died within five months after complaining to his GP about headaches and shaking in his left hand. Unfortunately nothing was done and neither Shaun nor his parents were told of the possible connection. The day before Shaun died ‘psychosomatic’ was written on his medical notes.
Ray and his wife Paula have been tireless fundraisers for SDBTT since that time. They have now raised over £30,000! A great many activities and events have been planned and undertaken and Ray has been successful in helping to raise the profile of the Trust in his local area of North Yorkshire.
Ray and Paula are always happy to hear from people wishing to help them with their fundraising efforts and you can contact Ray and Paula on tel: 01423 325394 or to email, click here.
Fundraising
Shaun Lee Johnstone Memorial Multi-Terrain 10
This 10 mile foot race event took place on Sunday, 5th October 2008 at 11 am in Boroughbridge. After heavy rain on the Saturday night, parts of the run were under water, but with the sun coming out, everyone seemed to enjoy the challenge. Over £1,250 was raised in Shaun’s memory.
The event grew in 2009 and the October run was opened by the local Mayor. About £2,700.00 was raised for Shaun’s fund. Congratulations and many thanks to all who took part in this great event.
Below are some photographs of the 2009 run:
The next run will take place on 10 October 2010 so there’s plenty of time to get training!
Marathons
2 of Ray’s running colleagues will be running marathons this year. To sponsor Matt Newsome, who is running in Edinburgh, please click here and to sponsor Fred Clapham in the Virgin London Marathon, please click here.
Marathon des Sables
In March 2008 Peter Chapman took part in the Marathon des Sables.This gruelling event covers 151 miles and is run over 6 days. Competitiors have to carry everything they will need for the duration of the race on their backs in a rucksack. Water is rationed and handed out at each checkpoint. Just a small insight as to why this is considered the toughest footrace on Earth! To sponsor Peter please click here. Peter finished 3rd brit and 60th overall and raised £267.50 – well done Peter!
London Marathon
On 13th April Jo Hope and Kevin Jackson took part in the Flora London Marathon. Jone raised £356. and Kevin raised £522.40. Well done to both runners.
La Trans Aqu
In June Iain Wallace took part in a 150 mile trail running event in the south of France over a 6 day period, and raised a fantastic £1,228.50. The event is called La Trans Aqu and is held down the Aquitaine coast from north of Bordeaux to near Biarritz during the first week of June. Participants must be self-sufficient for the duration of the race including carrying their own food and other supplies.
Well done Iain!
Ripon Runners
The Ripon Runners beginners group raised £362.25 in the Melmerby 10K race.
Boroughbridge Young Farmers
Boroughbridge Young Farmers held a fundraising ferret roullet at the Boroughbridge and Aldborough show in memory of Shaun, who was a member. It was great fun, and £50.80 was raised.