Hello everyone!! 

So, over the past few years you've been amazing. Ive stumbled my way through a few miles of road and we've raised nearly £1000 for the British Heart Foundation. 

This year is different; we're going back to the beginning. 

My Dad, Jim McCourt, died ten years ago this July. Its incredible to believe its been a decade. 

For the 30 second recap, 20 Dec 2000 my Dad received the devastating news that a lump in his neck was a malignant tumour. He fought and won his battle with cancer; he had several major surgeries, together with chemo and radiotherapy. He lost his ability to swallow, half the muscles in his neck and a fair amount of his dignity. He planned his treatment around his job and returned to work in remarkable time. Plus, NOTHING was going to get in between him and the ongoing mission to get and keep the golf handicap down. I dont think the Golf courses of the UK and Spain have ever seen anything quite like the man charging about the course with a nasogastric tube down his nose, playing off 8 (which for the unenlightened, is pretty good!). 

On the 1st July 2002, aged 45, his heart stopped, and despite best efforts wouldnt get going again. We've never found out the reason why. Sudden Adult Death is a silent, unpredictable killer (google the BHF and CRY if you want to find out more, both excellent charities too!)

My Dad was a Police Constable in Northumbria Police (Mostly in Wallsend) and in Special Branch. (Which I like to think made him a little bit like Spooks) What this did mean, was that he had the choice to pay into the  Police Treatment Centres (PTC) and the St Georges Police Trust. Which he did for 20 years, never thinking he wound actually need to use it. They are finaced purely by donations and recieve no support from government. 

PTC support injured and ill police officers in Northern England and Scotland. They provide rehabilitation and respite support to people like my Dad, to enable them to get back back on there feet, back to fitness and back to work. 

 The St George's Police Trust is a pot of money to support the children of Police Officers who die or are incapacitated whilst in active service. They provide financial assistance while in full time education. 

My brother and I never knew my Dad paid into this. But their support has helped us both to go to University and complete our education (Medicine, and, French with Linguistics if your interested!).

 

SO this year I am raising money for the Police Treatment Centres and St Georges Police Trust. And this year there will be none of those walking photos which have plagued previous years (well, maybe a couple!).

I need your support; both your vocal encouragment ("Put the pizza down and go for a run" that sort of thing) and more specifically your financial support. 

I hope to raise £1000. Thats a lot. But even a small donation will chip away at that total. 

Thank you for your support in the past, and thank you in anticipation of your support in the future. 

xxx

 

 

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