Tom came up with this challenge a few months after we lost Christopher, he wanted to do something to show just exactly what Chris meant to him and how he always found him to be such an inspiration. We have depicted Tom’s story as best we could through some of his photographs taken along the way, from inception trying to generate interest and sponsorship…through training and then the run itself! There is no way we could put Tom’s efforts into words, so please take the time to look through our slide show…we have left the original page promoting ‘The Road to Home’ below so as you can read Tom’s own words on just what drove him on to complete this massive challenge. Tom’s achievements meant he raised £2,132.50 A kind hearted member of the public donated £700.00 after reading all about Tom’s story in the local press …which meant we received a grand total of £2,832.50!
It’s not a secret that because of work I don’t get home often and I don’t see friends or family nearly as much as I want to but that doesn’t stop me thinking about them all the time. Cookie Coutts was no different. Trying to describe Cookie is impossible-words just simply don’t do him justice. He was always smiling and man was that smile infectious! Sometimes, in fact a lot of the time, he would make you laugh and he would be none the wiser as to why. That was Cookie, a man who genuinely never had an agenda with anyone. He just wanted to make you smile. Unfortunately we were only graced with his smile, charisma and unique personality for 19 years until Hodgkin’s Lymphoma sadly took him away. So now it’s time to make a change and continue what Cookie stood for-making a difference to other people’s lives.
*SHARE THE LINKS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE AND MAKE THIS HUGE SO WE CAN BEAT CANCER*
Beginning the 31st May 2014 I will begin my run from Aberdeen to Aberdour over a course of 4 days. The route I will be taking will be approximately 110-115 miles which works out as a little over a marathon a day. The idea is to show that no matter how far away the boys that grew up together will always come back, that includes Cookie too because he will be there every step of the way and so will you!
As every company, public body or person who donates to this will have their name/symbol put on a t-shirt that I will wear as I run the Road To Home. The run will end at Aberdour Cemetery where Cookie rests on the 3rd of June 2014, the one year anniversary of him losing his battle.
What Can You Do?
I am fundraising 50% for Cancer Research as cancer affects so many people which is why it’s applicable to even the people who didn’t know Cookie that well or who didn’t know him at all! This still affects you, it is still your chance to make a difference. The other 50% will be going to a charity set up in memory of Cookie called The Cookie Jar Foundation which can be found on Facebook. Whilst making a donation is wonderful and truly appreciated your part in this doesn’t stop there.
I want you to donate but I am also asking that you share this link, that you tell your friends and family as someone they know will be or will have been affected by cancer. Speak to your bosses at work as there is always advertising budgets and this gets their name out there and is for a brilliant cause.
There will be newspaper articles written about this but if you know of any people in the magazine or website advertising business then put us in contact. I want as much exposure for this as possible. The reason? Is because cancer AND Cookie deserve it. The more people we get involved the bigger and better we can be. Everything is stronger in numbers.
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @TheRoadToHome2014and like The Cookie Jar Facebook page.
Route Update Right guys, the precise route is sorted. As follows: Aberdeen-Inverbervie (30.3 miles)Inverbervie-Arbroath (29.5 miles) Arbroath-Cupar (33.3 miles) and finally Cupar-Aberdour (27.5 miles).I would love for anyone to join me for 100m or for a couple miles, all the support would be appreciated and I hope a few of you will turn out at the end to carry me to the nearest pub! However looking at accommodation its going to be pricey so if anyone knows anyone who runs B & B’s/hostels in that area or if you hail from that area and would put me up for a night it would be hugely appreciated. All hostels/B&B’s and people who help out will be going in local papers with also potential national coverage so something in it for them too! Alternatively it looks like back to my Scout days and camping at night but this involves running with all my gear and a tent.
Once again to donate please visit https://www.youcaring.com/TheRoadToHome2014
and remember you are not only helping Cookie continue what he loved doing you are playing a part in beating cancer!
