Thanks for taking the time to visit our JustGiving page.

On February 3rd 2020, Judie Wilson (mum) lost her battle with cancer. She fought bravely for just over 2.5 years, from the day she was diagnosed she battled for 921 days. So this year in her memory we are going to honour that battle and try to raise a little money for the charity so close to her heart in the process.

Mum was always the person that would lend an ear, a cuppa and invariably a bit of cake or a biscuit! She was never too busy to stop and listen or to offer support. In all the years she worked in her voluntary capacity for Southend Toy Library she supported hundreds of families (and staff) with a cuppa and a chat, or full-on coffee mornings! When she couldn't do it anymore others stepped in to make it available still.

Now in this pandemic world we are all living in, the opportunity for a cuppa and a chat has been prevented, the simple importance and huge impact of having somebody to talk to, who will lend an ear or offer advice when needed has been lost. Consequently, when we once again are able to meet in person to offer support to each other with tea (or coffee) and cake and biscuits it will be needed more than ever.

So, my husband Glyn, Monty the dog, and I will be spending the next 12 months running and cycling to raise money for this very purpose, so that Southend Toy Library can provide a cuppa and a chat, and full-on coffee mornings, and all things with a purpose of providing a space for parents, carers, and staff to come together and share once again the ups and downs of loving and caring for a child with extra needs.

Monty and I will be running 921 miles in 12 months and Glyn will be cycling 92.1 miles per week for 52 weeks, just over 6500 miles between the three of us, a reminder of the number of days mum battled. It's going to be a tough challenge with all there is to juggle but if she could do it....so can we! We both got back into fitness again about 3 months ago, having neglected it since before mum was diagnosed, so it'll be a real achievement when we get there and hopefully it will also be a journey through to a time when we can perhaps resume some of these important social activities once more.

Any words of encouragement or donations very gratefully received to keep us burning those miles! We will keep you posted.

Lisa and Glyn x

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.