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 £40,000! 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
Wolseley UK – Charity of the Year
The Ripon branch of Wolseley UK chose Shaun’s Fund as charity of the year in 2010. £1,350 was raised by staff throughout the year. Many thanks to all concerned, and to Matt Newsome for nominating us.
Shaun Lee Johnstone Memorial Multi-Terrain 10
2008
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.
2009
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.
2010
The 3rd Shaun Lee Johnstone Memorial Multiterrain 10 was held on 10/10/10. 95 runners completed the 10-mile course in very hot and sunny conditions. Shaun has certainly looked down on us over the last 3 years as the weather has been good. The winner was Andrew Dobby of Harrogate Harriers, and the ladies’ winner Julie Greenwood of Wakefield Harriers. The total amount raised after expenses (i.e. prizes etc) is £2,194.09. Ray & Paula would like to thank everyone for their support.
Below are some photographs of the 2010 run - click here to see all the photgraphs from the day on our Flickr page.
2011
Shaun’s Race 2011
Shaun’s 4th race was held on 9th October 2011 and raised a fantastic £1245.00. Numbers of runners were down from last year because of a glut of races on this date but everyone seemed to enjoy it and hopefully will be back next year. Both winners came back from last year; Andrew Dobby “Harrogate Harriers” and Julie Greenwood “Wakefield Harriers” and again were 1st male and female finishers. Thank you to all competitors and helpers.
UK strong men battle it out on Boroughbridge
Seven strong men battled it out in Boroughbridge to win a place in the World’s Strongest Man competition. Organised by Absolute Fitness owner and World Man competitor, Darren Sadler. As no admission fee for spectators was charged, a collection raised over £300 for Shaun’s Fund.
Pictured from left: Lawrence Shalihi, Jay Hughs, Gary Gardner, Ray “Shauns Dad”, winner Rob Frampton, Dave Walner, Jack Mcintosh, Ken Nowicki, host Daren Sadler and Eddie Elwood.
Thanks to all for your support.
Boroughbridge High School
27 children from Shaun’s old school raised an inspiring £4,281,46 from a range of fundraising activities. Their determined efforts were recognised by the Harrogate Advertiser who awarded them the Champion Children’s Award.
The Ripon Runners beginners group raised £362.25 in the Melmerby 10K race.
The group has recently been raising more funds in marathons and a 10 mile, raising a total of £2,770.38. Each person was competing in their first marathon and 10 mile.
From left to right: Matt Holt, Moe Neesam, Jill Holt, Matt Newsome and Fred Clapham
Husband and wife Jill & Matt Holt took part in the Fleetwood marathon – Jill having only started running a year ago! Moe Neesam completed Shaun’s 10 mile race; her inspiration came from her sister who underwent surgery last year for a brain tumour. Matt Newsome took part in the Edinburgh marathon and Fred Clapham in the London marathon. Ray & Paula would like to thank all for their achivements in completing the races and fundraising.
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. Competititors 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!
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.
Wetherby Runners
The Shaun Lee Johnstone Fund are very pleased that during 2012, the Wetherby Runners will be fundraising on their behalf. Find out more at www.wetherbyrunnersac.co.uk