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The 2010 GIFA Marathon was a tremendous success. The opening ceremony was led by Emma McLintock singing a lovely ballad, and the Gosfield AllStars playing Clone Football Academy in an exhibition match. Our VIP’s Bob Wilson, Chloe Rogers and the Mayor of Halstead, enjoyed the occasion There was much press activity with BBC Essex providing an outside broadcast throughout the afternoon. In a letter received from Bob Wilson he says, “Thank you all so much on behalf of all at the Willow Foundation for completing your latest marathon. I loved being with you on Friday at the start. There was a terrific buzz about the place with everyone so excited and enthusiastic and seemingly well aware of what the charity does. I look forward to hearing some of the stories of what happened through the night. A special word of thanks to Faye and Emily, two wonderful organisers and very special girls.” Our VIPs had fun, all who took part had fun, visiting parents had fun, and the Willow Foundation will make lots of money, so everyone was a winner at the GIFA Marathon 2010.
Bob Wilson, David Hume, Chloe Rogers, Faye Trigg and Emily Nott, with the Football Teams The Marathon was originally started back in 2004 when ex pupil, Toby Pavyer, came up with the idea to play football for 24 hours to raise money for charity. Six years later the Marathon is back! Having raised nearly £20,000 in past marathons for The Willow Foundation, expectations are high this year. Gosfield School pupils have been hard at work raising money for this incredible charity, by gaining sponsorship from various people. Faye Trigg (event organiser) said, "The aim is to raise half of what we raised in the last few years, at least that is the challenge!
Pupils getting excited during the match The Willow Foundation is the only charity of its kind, providing special days for 16 to 40 year olds. Special days aim to provide young adults with life-threatening conditions a chance to escape the pressures of their daily routine and share quality time with their family and/or friends. Every special day is of the young person's choosing - it could involve fulfilling a lifelong dream or it could simply offer an opportunity to bring some much needed normality back into their lives. Bob and Megs Wilson founded The Willow Foundation in 1999 in memory of their daughter, Anna who died of cancer aged 31. The charity's name, Willow, stems from Anna's nickname and its aim is to replicate the positive impact that special days had on both Anna and family during her treatment.
Bob Wilson talking to the Pupils Donations can be made to the school's preferred charity The Willow Foundation by accessing their online page on Just Giving. Photographs courtesy of Chris Slater |
