Louise Smalley Walk
©
£10,000 raised in 2011 for
LANDMARKS COLLEGE
Saturday October 22nd saw the 18th Louise Smalley Presentation Night at the Whitwell Community Centre.
The "do" was well populated having over 200 people in attendance. Macca (Dave Ellis) supplied the disco entertainment for gratis....thank you Dave.....and all in attendance let their hair down....even Spenner!!!
Presentation proceedings commenced at 8.40 led by Joe Mason and Trevor Smalley.
Thanks were given firstly to all who helped us to make this event happen with kind donations and use of premesise etc etc.
Joe then officially thanked the Support Crews, St John Ambulance team & Bassetlaw Raynet for their efforts which resulted in an "event free" and successful walk.
Joe then congratulated the walkers who retired along the course for various reasons (usually injury). Great effort by all.
Then it was the turn of the walkers who successfully completed the 41 mile trek. They were "called up" to receive their certificates in "finishing order". Starting with the amazing Andy Pickwell and Garry Greenhalgh (completing the walk in 9 1/2 hours) to the equally amazing trio of Mellissa Jackson, Sue Draper and David Ching who finally made it after 18 hours 50 minutes.....fantastic.
Trevor Smalley then took over proceedings inviting up the Committee and representatives of Landmarks to receive a cheque for £10, 000. Dawn green (pricipal of Landmarks) spoke to thank all involved for helping raise such a staggering amount of money.
A few words from Dawns' speech...."Just to say a million thanks for everyone's generosity. I cannot believe the huge amount of money that has been donated to Landmarks, and I will personally ensure that every penny is used to the max. I guarantee those blisters were worth it. When we have our new minibus, we will have a thank you event at Landmarks - hope to see as many of you there as possible. Watch this space for further news - but in the meantime THANK YOU to all involved".
Then came the "shock of the night".........Trevor invitied his son Adrian to say a few words. Adrian reciprocated a lot of his fathers feelings thanking everyone for helping keep his sistes' name alive. then proceeded to stun all in attendance by proposing to his girlfriend of 9 years (Jade West).....bloody brave pal!
By the way.....she said YES. (I promised to have a word with Adrian at a later date!).
So, a good night had by all......lets hope we get the same response for 2012
walking for the National Autistic Society.
Joe Mason.
