On Saturday 10th August 2013 a run in memory of the late musical genius Robin Gibb will set off from his family home in Thame, Oxfordshire. William Graydon, son of Gibb’s manager Ken Graydon, will run 200 miles in seven days in pink Y-fronts to raise money for three charities; two of which the Bee Gees singer supported throughout his life. William’s pink Y-fronts were decorated by the staff and families of the children at Rebecca House.
The run will conclude at the children’s hospice on Saturday 17th August at around 3.30pm. Local runners are invited to run the last 25 miles with William. To get involved ring fundraising on 647434 or email fundriaisng@hospice.org.im.
William Graydon will also be running through Brize Norton, Oxfordshire, to pay respects to soldiers who have fallen during recent conflicts and have been repatriated through the town.
Robin Gibb was one third of one of the most successful bands of all time; the Bee Gees. With over 200 million records sold, he was firmly cemented with legendary status amongst the musical hall of fame.
He passed away in 2012 after a battle with cancer. Doctors stated they were ‘confounded’ by his incredible strength and perseverance during treatment.
The courage showed by Robin during his final months inspired William and his support team to commit to an event that will push them to their limits; something the singer did throughout his life.
Joining William throughout the event will be Robin’s nephew Steven Murphy and William’s close friend Benedict Smith. Cycling alongside William throughout the event, they will have the task of motivating him during lowest points!
William has only run a half marathon to date so is making a big step up in order to raise as much money as possible.
“The idea behind the event was obviously to raise as much awareness and money for these three charities; all of which really make a difference to people’s lives. I also wanted to commemorate Robin, and what better way to remember him by helping the charities that he supported.
I think with just wearing pink Y-fronts, it’ll give people another reason to sponsor us; because frankly we will look ridiculous, especially towards the end of the event! Losing all dignity as I run up the country will be worth it if we can help these three charities carry on with their great work.”
The run will support 3 fantastic charities: Hospice Isle of Man: Rebecca House (www.hospice.org.im/rebecca-house) Robin and Dwina Gibb officially opened the children’s hospice on 14th November 2008. The Haig Housing Trust; Coming Home www.haighousingtrust.org.uk; and Royal Marsden Cancer Charity (www.royalmarsden.org).
Hospice Isle of Man: Rebecca House is a children’s wing in the Hospice, Isle of Man. It is a purpose-built facility that opened in November 2007 and it provides respite, palliative and end of life care for children with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions from birth to 18 years.
Rebecca House offers a safe haven and a home from home environment in which physical, emotional, recreational and spiritual care is offered and implemented in a way appropriate to the child and their family.
Haig Housing Trust; Coming Home, Coming Home is the charity campaign to raise money to provide specially adapted and appropriate housing for the hundreds of Service personnel in need of rebuilding their lives.
Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, The Royal Marsden is a world-leading cancer centre, providing treatment and care for more than 40,000 cancer patients every year.
Robin was a strong supporter of the first two throughout his life, and even after his death well wishers have continued to raise fantastic amounts for both.
The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity has also been included, as the hospital supported close friend and universally loved gent; Charlie Sain-Ley-Berry-Gray over the last two years of his incredible life. Charlie was a close friend of William who sadly lost his battle with cancer aged 24 years old earlier this year.
Doonation can be made here; www.justgiving.com/teams/Robinsrun.
