The following are testimonials sent from the families involved in this year's Pirates Charity Premiere.
THE WILLIAMS FAMILY
Dear All,
It's been a week since we've been home and we're still on a high. Drew and I are still remembering all that happened during our week with you all, then something else springs to mind or we're reminded by the families that were with us.
Firstly a big thanks to Tina, Catherine, Rochelle, and Nick Goulden, from oncology and hematology, for pulling out all the stops to get Drew's lines out, before the trip. I can tell you guys it has been so worth it. To see Drew in the pool and the elation he displayed was truly a priceless moment. I had tears of joy watching him.
Also at GOSH, we would like to thank Lindsey Burke, Simon Kaston and Gavin Watson, firstly for inviting Drew and I to the Pirates Adventure, you are the best, we loved being around you and I think it is safe to say we all certainly laughed our socks off. As for Simon, I must applaud your sharp maneuvering to escape Lady Gogo
PIRATES
In a word 'totally spectacular'. You are all awesome people, performers and artists. We have never experienced anything so amazing; we were in awe of you all. You radiated such energy and fun throughout the show, which touched and captured everybody in the room, you blew us away. Many of you touched us personally, you're all so caring and really seemed to enjoy your time with the kids, as much as they all loved you. Aron, Mark (Sparky), Cole, Andy, Ali, Carl, Bradley (drunken sailor), Gaz, we adore you, thanks guys for making out time there the best ever.
Drew would have loved to play more modern warfare with you, as you noticed I'm sure I hope we all stay in touch and get to see you again, sooner rather than later.
RICHIE PRIOR
A huge thank you for all the VIP treatment, and for all you do for these kids and GOSH. To see them smile, laugh and play is truly immeasurable. You helped make all this possible and for that I am so very grateful, and you should be proud that you brought so much happiness to 4 very brave kids and their siblings.
FIRST CHOICE
Big thanks to Jeff, for all your help with organising our trips and transport, etc. It was hard to believe it was your first week, because you were on the ball. You're a fab rep and a credit to First choice. Also, thanks to Leanne and Jenny for entertaining the kids, you both did a superb job.
Huge thanks to Charlie. You are a shinning example to the kids, we could see what a kind, caring and successful man you are. To share your experience of your time in GOSH, was a great example of where you were and where you are now. You showed them, that no matter what is thrown at you, you fight through it and succeed. Thank you also for making it possible for us to go to Mallorca, and experience the time of our lives. The hotel, food, accommodation and staff were superb.
Golf Fantasia - was amazing. We had an awesome time. I laughed so much I thought I was going to burst. When I think of this day, I can only refer to Simon's comments of a bush, a whole and a Brazilian... I can't write this without laughing Thanks Nicki and all the staff for arranging this fantastic day for us, along with Katmandu. The Trummel is what sticks in my mind, I thought my dad was going to fall off, well that's how it looked.
FAMILIES
We were 4 families brought together, who have all had to endure the near loss of one of our children, and all the hurt, anxiety and despair that goes with it, hand In hand. Yet through all this, I got to meet 3 wonderful families, whom are a shinning example of what fight, laughter, love and balls, makes a person become. "You've all got the wow factor" I am so glad we were the ones, to be invited to Pirates, because you were the pinnacle of our holiday. We've grown so very fond of you all, infact I can say "Love Ya".
Drew has had the journey of a lifetime, he's been to hell and back in his short life. He has stared cancer in the face twice and yet has shown great courage and strength throughout, and come through the other side. Even through his many very unwell days, he still raised a smile or two, as he still does now...every day. I am a very proud mum. I will never forget this truly superb time, thank you all so much.
With much love to you all,
Debbie, Drew, Carol (Nan) and George (granddad)
xxxxx
THE GASCOYNE FAMILY
Dear All,
It has been three days now since we left the sunny island of Majorca and its time to write the BIG thank you that you all need.
Firstly we would like to thank the Cardiac Transplant team for nominating us for this special holiday. My understanding is that it was Amanda Hawkyard and Helen Spencer who did this, for this we are very grateful - if anybody else was involved then 'Thank You'. A word about the transplant team is they become your friends, part of your family always at the end of the phone and for this we are very very grateful.
Also at GOSH, we would like to thank Lindsey Burke and also Gavin and Simon. For looking after us so well, advising, helping and always pointing us in the right direction a huge thank you to them. (Gavin you are not that bad at golf!)
PIRATES
One word - that is WOW!!
You guys looked after us so well. Annabelle and Miles felt so special all the time, towards the end of the week they were so excited if we even mentioned one member of the pirates was coming to the hotel. Many many pirates stood out for us, all so caring and really enjoying being with the kids you should be so pleased with yourselves the kids adored you. Annabelle and Miles grew very fond of some of the guys and we had many tears when we had to leave. Now when we see pictures of you guys or watch the DVD we feel so happy that we have met and known you and hope you keep in touch.
FIRST CHOICE
As you know this was our first trip abroad we were all scared but First choice treated us so well, we loved every part of the experience, the hotel was lovely as was the food. We would like to thank Jeff(ffar) for all his help, considering he had only been there a few days he did a brill job sorting tickets finding out info also thank you to the First Choice kids team they were just what we needed. A great big hug and thank you to Richie from Globo Balear for all the VIP treatment at the shows, looking after the ring and making Miles smile at golf.
Golf fantasia was amazing what a hot day and I am sure COOL CATS was the best team. Annabelle disagrees but then she wasn't on our team. Thanks to Nicki and her staff at golf and Katmandu they were great. Annabelle has been through so much in her young life that even as an adult is hard to imagine. Miles has been separated from us many times and he never quite knows what will happen and when we will be coming home so for a family event this really was family time.
FAMILIES
Whilst away we met three other families, all the same as ours but with different problems. We adored them all. The kids Drew, Sydney, Jake and Dylan are all so brave and wonderful and you would never know what they have had to deal with as they all love having a great time, enjoy life and are kind and loving kids that have a lot of time for each other . We have made friends for life and all plan to keep in touch. All of us will look back with a smile and laugh at the things that happened, (don't ask Debbie about the man on the beach, it still brings a tear to my eye now but tears of laughter not sadness)
Love to all:
Connie, Dylan, Jake and Grandma
Sidney, Tracy and Simon
Debbie, Drew, Gran And Grandad.
I have to mention some people by name Cole, Andy, Ali, Aron, Sparky, Gareth, Richie, Isaac (Barbarosa)
Thank you very very much & guess what....I've got a diamond ring!
Lots of love Sarah, Lee, Annabelle and Miles Gascoyne
THE MACLEAN/BRANLEY FAMILY
Ahoy me hearties...
First of all 'Thank You' Karen Ryan for selecting Jake to go to Pirates, Karen is Jakes Urology specialist nurse at GOSH, and is one in a million, I could not believe it when I got the call from Lindsey Burke asking if Jake and his family would like to attend Pirates in Mallorca! To say we were blown away was an understatement, and to be chosen from such a big hospital was just an honour.
FIRST CHOICE
Well where do I start?! First choice and TUI just again thank you so much for giving us all this wonderful opportunity, I can't thank you enough! Our rep Jeff was brilliant, on hand to help us all, a fellow Scot too! Jenny and Leanne our kid reps were excellent at keeping the kids entertained! (and playing golf!) Charlie, I did not realise you were going to tell us you had been a patient yourself, you really are an inspiration to us all and you give our children hope that they can be successful and fulfil a wonderful life, and for that I'm sure I speak for us all...Thank you kind Sir! x
GOSH
Our trip would not have been possible if it wasn't for Lindsey, Simon and Gavin all whom work for the Gosh Charity. Lindsey I know I rang you every week worrying about something, but you never once complained! I'm so glad I finally got to meet you in Mallorca after spending so many weeks on the phone! You will be a friend for life! Simon also so glad I got to meet you, we had a blast! I remember laughing at breakfast with you telling Drew WHATEVER!! Gavin...you are a gem of a man, so glad to share your first trip to Pirates with you! We could all see that you were as in awe as the rest of us! (and I wasn't joking when I asked if I could have a job! mail my agent!)
FAMILIES
Lee, Sarah Annabelle and Miles - So pleased to have met you, Annabelle is such a little star and so brave I take my hat off to her, Miles also for taking it all in his stride! You two were so good with all the children and especially looking after Jake! Well done you guys on winning the diamond ring!!
Simon Tracy and Cydney - Met you guys straight away at the airport, and felt the connection even before we met as both our children were given a special mention on the plane as VIPS and getting to the cockpit! From that moment in the air I knew the trip would be special, Simon thank you so much for making my boys proud of me when you taught me how to swim, I felt really confident with you and that's because I felt at ease, Tracy thank you so much for my haircut! You took the time to do it and that was very much appreciated! Little Cydney, you are again a little star, and I will always remember how you wanted to push Jakes wheelchair and mother him, he loved getting pushed around like Lord Muck! Oh and Simon I laughed so much and still do when you nicknamed the kids "Magalluf''s massive" as they were walking down the street pushing wheelchairs with their hoodies up!
Last but not least my new soul buddy Debs! You are an absolute gem of a person with the most infectious laugh I have ever heard!! Little Drew you are a fighter boy and so glad that you were with us at Pirates you really did enjoy it didn't ya MATE! (London accent!) and Nan & Granddad were awesome! Families we all share the same bond and that's why we all got on so well and did everything together all week, and I'm glad we were all put together to share a magical time love you all xxx
RICHIE PRIOR
Thank you. Somehow thank you just does not seem enough for everything you have done for us and the hospital. As I said before 'Theatres for Theatres' is what we are all linked to and benefits us all greatly, Jake is top of the list now for major surgery and without your help we would be waiting longer for a theatre to become available. It was an emotional night for us all as I know it was for you all too, although we did not know Jacques Sasson it was a very fitting tribute you all did and he would have been very proud of you all. Well done!
PIRATES
Shiver me timbers! You guys ROCK!! From the word go when we first met, you were all so warm and welcoming to us. All the kids loved you all and you could see their little faces light up every time one of you appeared. The show was outstanding, we were in awe the whole time, I was open mouthed that much I looked like I was catching flies! Every one of you are amazing, Lord Mellion (Aron) how you get away with so much is hilarious! You really are an amazing character! Sparky you are Jakes favourite pirate, he loved all your funny bits in the show, Bradley you really are a drunken sailor! We had a blast at golf! Cole, Gaz, Jake, Andy, Barbarossa, Captain Scarlet, Carl ,Ali and all the rest of the crew from the soles of our feet you made our trip very very special and we will forever more be so grateful to you all for that.
Golf Fantasia was another special day and the awards you gave to all the children was excellent thank you all at Golf Fantasia! I will say one thing about The Pirates though....Stick to being Pirates as your golf is not up to much!! haha!
We are very proud to have been part of Pirates Premiere 2011 and we are very proud of you all for supporting GOSH.
Once again thank you to everyone involved and thank you for linking us with families who will now be lifelong friends and a massive support to us.
Love to you all and hope to see you all again someday soon!
Connie, Dylan and the littlest pirate in training Jake! & Nan
xXx