Ian was diagnosed in September 2003 with a Gliomatosis Cerebri, following a few weeks of suffering from severe headaches. Ian was 29, at the time, married to Angela, for 3 years, all their hopes and dreams ahead of them. In December 2003, Ian had a fit and ended up in ICU in a coma for 2 months. As he came out of his coma gradually, we realised that Ian could not see, as the pressure in Ian's brain during the coma had damaged the optic nerves, but despite this Ian learnt with great difficulty to talk, walk, and basically learn to live again although this was very limited, as Ian needed the use of a wheelchiar for great distances, and personal care.
Ian was able to be home for his 30th birthday party, with his family and friends, it was a miracle, a day we thought we would never see. Later that year, 2004, Ian began to deteriorate and needed 6 weeks of radiotherapy, and following routine scans, Ian's tumour was in remission and in 2005, we were able to enjoy a better quality of life, in going to watch Ian's favourite football team, AFC Wimbledon, going on the Lourdes Pilgrimage and doing as much as we could, bearing in mind Ian's disablity and need. (Ian was on Clomipramine from December 2004). We thought we had turned a corner, and with Ian's fight to battle on, we continued to live as best we could each day.
In March 2006, following another scan, we were told that the tumour was on the move again, and Ian required chemotherapy in the form of Temozolomide. It was now classified as a Glioblastoma Multiforme. At first things were looking better, but unfortunately we began to see a deterioration in Ian, and despite months of treatment, Ian deteriorated further. Ian was admitted into the Woking Hospice at the end of September 2006, and following another scan in October, which showed a very bleak picture, Ian died on 13th October with Angela, and his close family around him. He was 32.
Ian accepted his illness from the beginning, he learnt to cope as best he
could, with a great deal of help from Angela and his family. His courage
and fortitude was just amazing, and he will be remembered for his bravery,
beautiful smile, the joy he brought to so many people, whose lives have
been touched by Ian. He is an inspiration to us all.
We miss you Ian, so much, life is so cruel, remember those hopes and dreams we had, well they are locked away in my heart, but your memory Ian will live on forever. We have always been positive, and lived in hope, and our faith helped us through, and by setting up Ian's fund through SDBTT I hope to continue that positive attitude, I know I have Ian's blessing in raising awareness and funds with the aim to eventually find that cure that we all so desperately want.
Angela Widdup
2008 Fundraising
Concert by the Weybridge Male Voice Choir
The concert held on Saturday, 5th April 2008 at St John's Church, West Byfleet was a great success. Over £2,600 was raised.
To find out more please contact Angela Widdup or phone the office.
Angela will be holding a Tea Party on 17 August to raise money for Ian's Fund.
Angela will have a stall at the Pyford and Wisley Flower Show & Fete on Saturday 12th July. The event is from 12:30pm to 5:00pm.
Angela will be running in this race. You can provide sponsorship by contacting her at the email above or contacting the office.
Ian's brother, Matthew Widdup ran in the London 10K event in July followed by the Bristol Half Marathon on 9th September. He will also take part in the Toronto Marathon on 30th September! Matthew has a Justgiving page on which you can make a donation.
Angela Widdup's neighbour, Shan Hughes ran in the Hydro Women's Challenge on 16th September in aid of Ian's fund. She completed the 5 km in 40 minutes and 12 seconds and so far has raised a wonderful £810 for the Fund. Well done Shan and thank you! It is not too late to support Shan by visiting her Justgiving page.
Shan after her run
On 30th September, a Tea Party, Bring and Buy and Raffle was held at home for the Fund.
AFC Wimbledon - match sponsorship on 6th October 2007:
The club at AFC Wimbledon have been great over the years and Saturday was no exception. The day went really well, a very emotional day, you can imagine, but such a special way to remember my darling Ian, enjoying a game of football played by his team. We were treated like VIPs fed and watered, everyone looked after us with such care and love.
We were able to wander around the pitch at half-time and raised a staggering £559.68. Everyone was so generous and just amazing and it was a very special day for us all. I know Ian is proud of us all, and Ian we are so so proud of you too.
Angela and Ian in their AFC Wimbledon shirts
Bristol Car Wash
To all those with clean cars in the Bristol Area who supported this event on 13th October, thank you. Ian's brother raised £172.61.
IBTA Walk Around the World - Sunday 25th November
The Walk will take place at Newlands Corner, Guildford, Surrey Contact Angela Widdup via e-mail for more details if you would like to join her.
Christmas Bazaar - 1st December
Angela had a stall and sold SDBTT Christmas Cards plus some handmade cards. There were also toiletries and brac-a-brac gift ideas too along with homemade cakes and mince pies.
Who could resist such a well laid out stall?!
If you would like to make a donation to Ian's Fund please visit his Justgiving page.
