In late February early March of 2007, Esmee Godwin became unwell from what was originally considered as a bad strain of 'Chicken Pox'.  This rapidly and without warning developed further causing Esmee to become seriously ill.  She had developed double pneumonia in both lungs in addition to a serious blood infection and a destroyed immune system.  After being described by doctors and consultants that she was seriously ill and being transported from the Dorset County Hospital (DCH) to Southampton Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), Esmee bravely fought for her life for almost three weeks.  With deep sadness and regret, and after a truly courageous fight for her life, Esmee Godwin died on the 16th March 2007, she was only two years and three months of age.

Since this time Christopher Godwin and his wife Gill Godwin (Esmee's father and mother) have established the 'Esmee Godwin Fund'.  This is a charitable fund set up by them which supports 'Friends of PICU'.  With the help and support of family, friends and the local community, the Esmee Godwin Fund has achieved many challenges such as the Three Peaks Challenge, Five Peaks Challenge, local fun runs, Jurassic Coast Trek, 15,000 feet Skydive, and numerous concerts and Auctions of Lots & Promises raising thousands of pounds.  The next challenge event will take place on the 5th November 2022 and will involve walking 100 Km of the Sahara Desert.  This will be a tough challenge, walking on loose sand in a notoriously hot environment over a great distance.  

Friends of PICU and all the staff of Southampton Hospital work incredibly hard 24 hours a day to help sick and terminally ill children.  I am so proud of this hospital and the local community which helps care for our children, and I am so grateful for their help.  My sponsorship target is £2,500, but I aim to raise as much money and awareness as I can for this great and deeply appreciated cause.  Therefore, I kindly and respectfully ask if you could sponsor me for this challenge, to raise as much as possible, and to help young children who need care.  I thank you all in advance for your kind consideration, I sincerely appreciate it.

Best wishes,

From Roy Godwin

Helping to support the NHS and provide the very best of care to Critically ill Children and their families at the regional Intensive Care Unit at Southampton University Hospital. The unit cares for children from across the South of England and Channel Islands.