Brief summary…2019 I asked for advice on sourcing a replacement wheelchair and a safe bed as TJ had out grown his, turned down for grants Mum Melissa set about raising the funds herself. I just happened to see her post on FB and mentioned it here hoping someone would have contacts that could source them cheaper than the 20k she had been quoted, I should have known better really. Overnight a just giving page had to be set up as donations rolled in we quickly had raised enough to buy his chair and with more contacts at a radio station she was well on the way to get TJ everything he needed. She realises it was a long time ago, but stayed away from the ownership issues and then COVID but
Melissa wants to bring TJ along to The Valley to say thank you to you all, obviously taking TJ anywhere is like a military operation and it’s not like we can sit him anywhere so I’ve got to enquire as car parking and tickets and the cost of course.
My question is how many are happy to meet Melissa and TJ before a game and maybe have photo we them both?
She’s a fantastic lady who I’m chuffed to call a friend and know how much what you all did meant to her and of course TJ, but she doesn’t want to travel all the way if no one is about. Just shout if your happy to come and say hi
Thanks
Ray
Ps….
And yes, Mel has lost some serious weight through dieting 👏👏
Comments
I hope even more CL posters will join in and perhaps we could get a group photo with them both?
Melissa
If people remember 2 yrs ago we started fundraising for Tj new chair and safe bed. We first met Ray Bates when he helped me train Skye 5 yrs ago. He saw my post and asked his Charlton Athletic pals if they knew anywhere we could get then cheaper.......over night Ray had raised £2k for Tj through his football pals. Due to covid we haven't been able to go and meet everyone and say thank you. Ray has managed to get us tickets so we can meet everyone on the 11th September. We love you Ray 💙😘
Entitled..... What a Carry on Wally
our arrival meant TJ could be fed and changed before meeting Floyd and Harvey for some photos, along came our wonderful Tracey Leaburn who to no surprise to anyone was amazing with TJ who can be very reactive and shows excitement by digging his nails and scratching or lashing out. I’d already reassured Melissa who seemed to be overwhelmed in the nicest possible way by all the attention. As more people turned up @Redmidland gave TJ his personalised home shirt to which Mel put on him straight away for more photos. Going pitchside, she showed TJ everything we take for granted a beautiful sunshine lit Valley. @DaveStorry had given Mel a programme ( which I neglected to pay him for) 🤷♂️ Which despite late notice had a article in for her to read, greeted by staff members by name as we walked along the touch line to our seats even the 1st team medical staff fist pumping TJ was not something I’d expected. A half time announcement rounded off a wonderful day for her, she did ask me to thank everyone of you that helped two years ago and also she met today to thank them again.
Well done for this & all you do, Ray .
You're one very special Addick.
well done mate
Thanks for sharing Ray ❤️
So glad everything was such a success.
Thank you all for making it happen.