Over a year since Gavin's epic run we, Greg's family have been busy raising extra funds to bring the total up and are delighted that we have broken the £20,000 barrier.   

We had requested that monies raised should go to Professor Roz Eel"s Research Fund - Cancer Genetics.

Greogory was treated by Professor Eels and her colleagues.

MANY THANKS to eveybody who has donated. Let us hope that we have made a difference for somebody.

Feel free to carry on helping!

Lydia Wright

BRAVO GAVIN

On Saturday 3rd March 2012, Gavin Felton ran an incredible 77.9 miles from his home town of Barnsley to Alton Castle, Staffordshire in memory of his late friend Greg.

77.9 miles in just 10.31 hours.   Truely inspirational.

For the final leg of the run from Cotton to Alton Gavin was joined by a large group of family and friends of varying ages in a show of support for his special achievement and in memory of Greg.

Alton Castle provided the perfect setting for all to enjoy some well earned refreshments and a good chat about old times. For those who once went to St.John's Preparatory School there it was also a trip down memory lane.

Tony Wright thanked all present for being part of this special day and Gavin for his superb effort to which Gavin recieved a prolonged and well deserved standing ovation.

Pictures of this wonderful day will follow.

THANK YOU TO EACH AND EVERY PERSON, GROUP OR ORGANISATION THAT HAS SO GENEROUSLY DONATED

 

 

 

Gavin and Greg met when they were young boys at St. John's Preparatory School at the Castle and later went on to Cotton College.

Gavin said " We went to school together for more than 10 years and although Greg was younger than me he was always giving me sound advice and acting as a big brother"." I was the Garrison Sergeant Major in Brunei when I heard the sad news about Greg's death ".

" In the army you get a lot of time to reflect upon your life, you see what human beings can sadly do to each other. The army taught me that in life you have a lot of aquaintances but only a handful of true friends whom you can rely on no matter what. Greg was one of mine. In one word he was a gentleman ".

Gavin served in the British Army for more than 22 years and served in countries all around the world from Rwanda, just after the genocide there, to the first Gulf War in 1991, Bosnia, Kosovo and Afghanistan.

Greg's family are truely grateful for this amazing venture of Gavin's. They are delighted with the response on this justgiving page and would heartily like to thank all those who have contributed so generously.

Gavin, if Greg were alive he would have been overwhelmed by what you are doing and completely impressed by your committment and loyalty. We his family thank you for all you are doing.

 

The family of Gregory Cripps, an avid Manchester City fan, paid tribute to his courage after he lost a long battle against cancer.

Gregory Cripps was diagnosed with bladder cancer in August 2005. The aggressive illness later spread to his prostrate and then his brain.Despite four major operations, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, he died aged 38 at the home he shared with his wife Joy in Uttoxeter, Staffordshire on 7 April, 2009.

His father Tony Wright described his son as "remarkable and brilliant man".

"He battled against cancer valiantly and if you ever asked him how he was doing, he would always say he was doing fine and we should not worry," he said.

"Despite undergoing chemotherapy, he worked right up until his last Christmas. He was more concerned about those around him and he tried to carry on with his life as normal with his wife by his side."

Gregory's mother Lydia Wright, said: "He was a wonderful son who made friends wherever he went. He was extremely charming and had time for everyone. He was a loyal and honourable man. We, his family miss him beyond measure.

Gregory, who had one daughter Nina, played rugby for Uttoxeter in the late 1980s.

His brother, Shaun, said: "He was a brilliant sportsman. It started with playing cricket in the back garden, then golf, basketball, football and he even helped win a cup for Uttoxeter Rugby Club.

"He was not only my brother but my best friend too."

In 2004, Gregory gathered friends to form the English Old Knackers to take on a German football team. The event was staged for four consecutive years.

And despite his deteriorating health he would travel up and down the country following Manchester City. In the Autumn before his death he and his friend Colonel were invited by Mark Hughes, the then manager, to be with the team for a mornings training session followed by lunch. A day Greg so enjoyed.

Shaun, a father of three, said: "When he was living in Germany, he drove 400 miles to watch his team play Hamburg.

"He was determined to make it to all the current Premiership stadiums and he nearly made it except for Wigan."

Gregory was born in Hanover, Germany. He later attended St John's Preparatory School, in Alton, Cotton College and Ratcliffe College, Leicester, before going on to study business and economics at Manchester University where he met his wife.

He later joined the family firm, Frank Wright Ltd, in Ashbourne, and a promotion to production director saw him travel the world.