Ross Goodman » Motor Neuron Disease

1000km Almost There

Ross (Admin) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 01:15:43 +0000

Thanks to Marathon-Photos.com

For those that don’t know, my eldest daughter Emma Berry Goodman passed away in September 2008 from Motor Neurone Disease. Whilst she was with us we were greatly helped by three fantastic charities: MND Scotland, Marie Curie Cancer Care and the Childrens Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS).

For the last three years I have dedicated a years fundraising to each of these charities. This year my challenge was to run 1,000km in 2011 for Marie Curie Cancer Care.
If everything goes to plan then I will achieve my 1,000th kilometer when I run in Strathclyde Parkrun - event number 86 on Saturday 17th December.

I know that this is an expensive time of year but if you could see your way to giving a donation at https://www.justgiving.com/1000k-in-2011 or by texting “Ross70 £5″ to 70070 – feel free to adjust the amount as you see fit!
Every £20 raised helps to provide 1 hour of nursing care and I can personally vouch for how invaluable the Marie Curie are!

Thank you all for your donations and your support and encouragement in this past year!

If you would like to see just how far 1,000km actually is have a look here.

Fantastic MND Fundraising Night

Ross (Admin) — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 19:38:51 +0000

Last Friday Simon Corbett arranges a fantastic fundraising night for MND Scotland.

Simon had arranged an excellent DJ to keep the evening entertained.
A quizz to test our general knowledge.
A raffle to make sure that lots of us had something to take home.
There was an auction of a bottle of whisky, signed by the First minister; that went for £250.

I’d like to thank Simon and his family and friends for organising the event, everyone who donated raffles and everyone who turned up of the night.
Ross Goodman

Edinburgh Charity Fashion Show

Ross (Admin) — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 22:01:10 +0000

I have just seen this link on the MND Scotland web site.

Hailed “Europe’s most successful student-run fashion show”, The Edinburgh Charity Fashion Show (ECFS) is set to impress the unimpressionable by creating a revolution in fashion.

With five rousing years behind it, ECFS is now entering its sixth consecutive year, having raised over £200,000 in the past. ECFS 09 now aim to raise this figure substantially.

The prestige and professionalism of ECFS over the past five years has shown continuous growth. This year it will continue this upward trend, by showcasing some of the most innovative, highly regarded and revolutionary designers, in front of an array of Britain’s A-list and some captivating forms of entertainment.

With the help of a dynamic and devoted committee, alongside thirty uniquely beautiful models, we will achieve our mission for ECFS 09: to raise more money than ever before for our chosen charities.

Although specific details of the show must remain concealed, I can reveal that ECFS 09 has some new, inconceivable ideas set in place, which has made this the event of the year, that you do not want to miss.

ECFS 09 are proud to be supporting three powerful charities. Maggie’s Edinburgh, The Neurology Unit at the Western General and Motor Neurone Disease Scotland. Tish & Peder

For more information on the charities, details of the show, past press, as well as how to buy tickets and donate, please see the rest of the website.

We are Revolting…in the name of charity.

Joni Mackay

Chairman, ECFS 2009

MND Scotland

Ross (Admin) — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 22:08:11 +0000

As of today the “Scottish Motor Neurone Disease Association” have rebranded to become “MND Scotland”.
Their new web site can be found here.

New Identity for the Scottish Motor Neurone Disease Association
The new name and logo reflect the organisation’s values by putting those affected by Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in Scotland first. The logo contains a blue ‘Cornflower’ icon that is easily recognisable and was chosen as it signifies hope for the future. The Cornflower is a hardy, wild flower native to Scotland and countries where it survives in the most challenging environments. The Cornflower reflects the resilience of people affected by MND – as they face up to the challenges of life.

Celebrating the Life of Emma Berry Goodman

Ross (Admin) — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 10:12:17 +0000

Celebrating the Life of Emma Berry Goodman

18th April 1991 – 7th September 2008

Emma Berry Goodman

I’d like to thank EVERYONE for all of their gestures of kindness and support.
It lifted my heart to see everyone at Emma’s service wearing bright colours as was her wish.
Many people have asked for a copy of the tributes that were read during the service so I have posted them here:

Read By Laura Winchester

Do not stand at my grave and weep;
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.

Read by Denise Dair (from Rachel House) on behalf of Aimee Corbett

When Tomorrow Starts Without Me
When tomorrow starts without me, and I am not here to see,
If the sun should rise and find your eyes all filled with tears for me,
I know how much you love me as much as I love you,
And each time you think of me I know you’ll miss me too.
But when tomorrow starts without me please try to understand,
That Jesus came and called my name and took me by the hand.
He said my place is ready in heaven far above,
And that I have to leave behind all those I dearly love.
But as I turned to walk away a tear fell from my eye,
For all my life I’d always thought it wasn’t my time to die.
I had so much to live for and so much yet to do,
It seems almost impossible that I was leaving you.
I thought of all the yesterdays the good ones and the bad,
I thought of all the love we shared and all the fun we had.
If I could have stayed for just a little while,
I’d say goodbye and kiss you and maybe see you smile.
But then I fully realise that this could never be,
For emptiness and memories would take the place of me.
And when I thought of worldly things that I’d miss come tomorrow,
I thought of you and when I did my heart was filled with sorrow.
But when I walked through Heaven’s gate and felt so much at home,
As God looked down and smiled at me from his great golden throne.
He said “This is eternity, And all I’ve promised you,
Today your life on earth is past, but here it starts anew.”
“I promise no tomorrow but today will always last,
And since each day’s the same here there’s no longing for the past.”
So when tomorrow starts without me don’t think we’re far apart,
For every time you think of me I’m right here in your heart.

Read By Rev. Alastair McKillop on behalf of Emma’s grandparents

Miss me, but let me go
When I come to the end of the road
And the sun has set for me.
I want no tears in a gloom filled room.
Why cry for a soul set free?

Miss me a little but not too long
And not with your head bowed low.
Remember the love that we once shared.
Miss me but let me go.

For this is a journey we all must take,
And all must go alone.
It’s part of the greater plan
A step on the road to home.

When you are lonely and sick of heart
Go to the friends we know
And bury your sorrows in doing good works
Miss me but let me go.

Read By Ross Goodman.

When I first met Elaine, Emma and Sarah; Emma was 4 and Sarah was 1. Sarah was learning to walk. Emma was just a typical four year old and into her hair and make-up. At that time, I had long hair and Emma loved nothing more than practicing her plaits, pony-tails and putting bobbles in my hair. I’m not sure who was more traumatised, me for forgetting I had them in, or Emma when I got my hair cut off. She did get a “Girls World” dolls head so that she could keep practicing her technique.
Emma always amazed me with the range of hobbies and interests that she had and the enthusiasm she had when she threw herself into them. When she was young she loved dancing, especially highland dancing. This was something she held close throughout and Emma and I went to the Edinburgh tattoo a few weeks ago. This meant that I was thrown into the deep end, having to do Emma’s clothes, hair and makeup. I did my best but apparently the clown look is not in just now so an emergency phone call to Lynne saved my bacon. I’m not too worried as Emma was a perfectionist; there was no way that she would go out if everything was not JUST right. I know my place; the toothbrush was my job but hair and make-up brushes were off limits.
I also managed to get her involved in some of my hobbies, photography became a very keen interest, which was just so appropriate for her. I taught her the technicalities of how to take a photo and then she taught me how to slow down, look after the little details and how a small change in the point of view can make a HUGE difference to a photo, as indeed it does to life in general. As always Emma excelled, in this, setting up her enterprise at school called “A Gift From The Heart” where she exhibited and sold her work. And as is typical Emma, all the proceeds from this went to charity.
Emma was very strong willed; to the point of converting me to watching Big Brother every night for the last 90 odd days. She loved the program. She often thought that she would love to be in the program but did not like the thought of everyone watching her ….. Luckily she is now in the House Of Our Lord, there are no more trials, no public scrutiny and no evictions.
My one dream is that I can prepare my children to walk in my footsteps. I’ve changed my mind now and I want to walk in Emma’s footsteps. Everyone knows that words can’t capture the spirit of Emma but what an act to follow:
Humour (she was the only one to laugh at my jokes), Courage, Bravery, Confidence, Dignity and Pride but mostly FUN
She was SO strong willed and knew exactly what she wanted, she also told us how to make today perfect for her, hence the kilts, the bright colours and the music selections. Shortly we will hear a song from Braveheart, one of her favourite films and poignant for so many reasons. One quote from the film that always sums up Emma’s life is :
“Every man dies, not every man really lives”
Please Please; be like Emma: always live your life, always see the best in everyone, always have a smile for everyone.
Thanks everyone for joining us today and helping us through this difficult time.

In The News

STV

Hamilton Advertiser

Scottish MND Fun Run 2008

Ross (Admin) — Mon, 12 May 2008 23:02:42 +0000

Sarah and I managed to finish the 2008 Scottish Motor Neuron Disease Association (SMNDA) Fun Run 10k (6 mile) route in a respectable 1 hour 20 minutes.

Prior to this the furthest that I had managed was 4 miles and Sarah’s best was a 3 mile run.

It was a great day, warm but not too sunny. I should have checked out the route in advance though as there was a killer hill half way round: murder on the way up and Sarah got a bad stitch on way down. Sarah did really well as she started the race with a blister but managed to run with it.

A really BIG thank you to everyone who donated and helped motivate us.

New Training Partner

Ross (Admin) — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 23:09:26 +0000

Sarah Goodman, my 13 year old daughter decided to join me on my run tonight.

She did great, she did’nt slow me down any. I am keeping track of my training in a Google spreadsheet here.

We are in training for our upcoming fundraising events.

See the widgets on the right if you would like to donate.

More Media Exposure

Ross (Admin) — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 16:38:50 +0000

A while back my daughter; Emma Goodman, was interviewed by a researcher from The Press Association who was interested in her story.

She has just called to say that Emma will be featured in the Spring Special edition of the Pick Me Up magazine that goes on sale this Friday.

I have just picked up my copy: 14th march edition, page 27.

Fundraising

Ross (Admin) — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 01:23:33 +0000

In case you have not noticed I have created a fundraising page.

I will be doing sponsored events for the Scottish MND Association, Childrens Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS) and for Marie Curie Cancer Care.

Have a look here and please give generously !

Ambulance At Our House

Ross (Admin) — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 20:19:28 +0000

Just some rumour control for anyone who may have seen the ambulance at our house on Saturday night.
Emma took some chest pains but she is better now.

After a good day out with her aunt and uncle Emma started to complain of chest pains.
We took the precaution of calling an ambulance to be on the safe side.
After a raft of tests they “think” it “might be” a chest infection !
She is better now, no more pain: but she has even more tablets to take.
In addition to the antibiotics she has just been prescribed she has also started taking morphine to control the general pain.

This adds nausea as drowsyness to the list of symptoms !

In addition: Sarah has been off school with an upset stomach and Elaine has slept most of the day as she was up all night with Emma: JOY !