Joe Exceeds 18 month target in 25 weeks...

Two Donations this week where the Young Farmers who held a Disco and raised £1400 in one night a spokesman said everyone had a great time and it was all for a good cause in memory of little local boy".

Matt Joes Dad went to an YMF meeting to show the DVD about Joe's life and fundraising as well as explaining why Cornwall needs a Children's Hospice. Matt said "After the DVD you could have heard a pin drop everyone was moved and interested in the conditions that Joe had". The amount was a great achievement and has taken Joes fund flower over £25K

Nicola Chegwidden said "it was great that we helped you to jump over the £25,000 target that you set and we wish the best for future fundraising. It was a very interesting talk and I think that everyonebr /> was very moved by Joe's life and everything that he faced".

Jill, Nick de Sausmarez with 100 guests raised £1,129.00 at their annual Charity coffee morning this included stalls, plants sales, Christmas gifts and homemade produce. Jill was delighted with the turn out and the generosity of everyone, Jill and Nick dropped the donation over to Matt and Claire in Newquay.

Since his funeral Joe's website has received over £25,000.00 in Donations. Joe was always too ill to travel to stay at Little Bridge House in Devon, which is why we are supporting the need for this facility in Cornwall. Nearly £18,000 has been donated directly on line which is just amazing and the rest has come in as cheques.

Matt, Joe's dad said "Our hopes for Joe have been to tell his story and promote the symptoms of Angelmans Syndrome, Steven Johnson Syndrome and offer hope to other people who have or know of someone who has these conditions".

Claire Way, Joes mum said "We also wanted to give hope with Joes amazing story so others may be inspired. With a target of £25k in 18 months we never in our wildest dreams thought the response to our son's story and the need to raise funds to build the hospice would be so huge and the target would be achieved within 24 weeks at a staggering £1,000 per week".br />
The website, maintained and designed by Cornish company IT-OK has regular meetings with Matt and the site has grown just as quickly as the funds. Ian chambers owner of IT-OK and a family friend said "what an amazing journey this has been not just as a friend but also as a designer and watching this story and the effort that the family put into the website on behalf of their remarkable son Joe"

Scott Dickinson a family friend has also designed all the printing and artwork as well as editing "Joe's story DVD" which has kept a high standard of media materials throughout the campaign.

P&J print has also donated all the printing as well as SWESCO donating stickers and banners some of which sponsored by other local companies.

The media coverage has been huge with local TV, radio and newspapers, as well as national coverage with everything from surfboard stickers, car stickers, huge banners, DVD's, bags for life, crazy stunts, fashion shows, auctions, beach raffles, teaming up with organisations, businesses, green ideas, TV personalities, family, friends and complete strangers have played a part on this incredible journey.

One of the highlights being the now annual "Joe Way memorial paddle" which the RNLI lifeguards have organised, this year they raised over £800 with big plans for next years paddle.

Matt has been endlessly putting together press releases sometimes sending four a week out trying to keep up with the people inspired by his son's short but action packed life.

Donations have come from all over the country and abroad including Australia, Germany, France, America and beyond. Emails of support have also come from Japan and South Africa.

With interactive blogs and forums, businesses chat on line about their projects and the Ways are also in contact with a South African SJS sufferer and are setting up a support group as there is not one in that country. Matt said "we are trying to set up a global support network for SJS via the blog forum to give people who struggle with the after affects of this reaction on a daily basis"

Now that we have reached the target we will continue to raise money for children's hospice south west. We have been to see the site where the hospice will be built and know what a benefit this facility will be to Cornwall.

Our son made the worst of times the best of times and to talk about him to others is a privilege, as it is to be his parents. Megan, Joe's sister aged 7 and Joe's brother Finn who is 8 months has enjoyed lots of events in memory of their brother. Megan said, "My favourite was the fashion show as I got to dress up and stay out late that night"

The Ways said "everyday you have moments when the pain of missing Joe hits hard and then you pass a banner, see a car sticker, receive an email, phone call or donation and you realise he is still here and inspiring us and others to do our best for those less fortunate than ourselves"

Childrens Hospice Name Announced...

Children’s Hospice South West is delighted to reveal the long awaited plans for its third hospice!

Since September 2007 the charity has been raising funds through the Precious Lives Appeal to bring its special service closer to home for families in Plymouth and Cornwall by the building of a new children’s hospice near to St Austell. With the plans for this much needed 8 bedded hospice now deposited with Restormel Borough Council, and the appeal total now in excess of a staggering £1.6million, Children’s Hospice South West is thrilled to share the plans with the public.

Click here to read about the Children's Hospice in Cornwall

Calling all Ladies...

On 16th December 2008 at 6pm there will be a SWISH night held at the Glendorgal Hotel. 'Swishing' involves getting together to swap gorgeous clothes and party at the same time. Every lady must bring at least three good quality, clean items of clothing, or an accessory, that she'd feel proud to hand on. Once all items and entry fees are received the items will be displayed for one hour, so people can browse and try items. Then... as the Claxton sounds its go grab what you can!!!

Tickets £6pp, either make a £6+ donation online at www.justgiving.com/aztec.

The confirmation email acts as a ticket that you must bring with you to the event or pop into Aztec Recruitment on Bank Street or pay on the night. There will also be a raffle on the night, where exciting prizes are up for grabs

Business Becomes Friends of Joe way...

Two popular local business network group’s which independently operate in Newquay are brought business people together this month to one big combined event.

Newquay Business Network (NBN), and the Newquay Business League joined for a Brunch at the Lewinnick Lodge, and over 75 businesses turned up.
The purpose for both groups is basically the same, to get businesses together for mutual benefit, making new contacts, sharing knowledge and experience.

The business sectors who attended included, tourism and leisure, retail and wholesale, professional service providers (solicitors, accountant, IT, training, business etc), suppliers, alternative therapies, charities, colleges, media, design, print, advertising, marketing and photography.

Matt and Dean who went to the event with Hailey from AZTEC recruitment spoke to various businesses who signed up for DVD’s of Joe’s story, offered fund raising ideas, advertising and several editorials.

Hailey from AZTEC also had several businesses sign up for their donate for hours scheme which has just been announced.

The media coverage for Joe’s story has been huge with local TV, radio and newspapers, as well as national coverage with everything from surfboard stickers, car stickers, huge banners, DVD’s, bags for life, crazy stunts, fashion shows, auctions, beach raffles, teaming up with organisations, businesses, green ideas, TV personalities, family, friends and complete strangers have played a part on this incredible journey.