For Sara

Dear all,

Some of you may know that my friend Sara has recently passed away after battling lymphoma for the last year or so. After her final throw of the dice it looked like she might have beaten it, but she received news towards the end of August that it was terminal. I can't imagine how Sara and her family felt at that time but I was very sad, angry and felt extremely helpless.

I managed to get home in time to say goodbye and see her before she left. Some of you would have been closer than I was to the situation and have all been doing your part which I know everyone appreciates. It was a real strain on her family and will obviously now become even more difficult as they continue living without Sara.

Her husband Nick, father of Rosa, their amazing, nearly two year old daughter, is self employed and moved his business from Wellington to Nelson so they could have a family there. I know he hasn't worked much recently and it breaks my heart when I think of them having to go through this.

I knew Sara for the last 9 years or so and have felt awful as I couldn't think of any way I could help during this last year of her illness. If this works and some money is raised to help her family out then I hope it makes some things easier for them.

If you consider this as a favour to me I will owe you one for you to call upon whenever you need my help.

If you could go without those couple of pints, bottle of wine, round of golf, or whatever and just donate a few pounds/dollars into the fund it will all add up and I'm sure the Milnes and Browns will be grateful. I've had to put an amount as a goal as required, but take no notice as it's about trying to get as much as possible. Even $5/£5 each will go a long way in the end.

Please don't contact to say 'well done' or 'good on you for doing something'. This is for Nick and Rosa, and not self gratifying at all.

Thanks for taking the time and I hope you can help. 

Craig/Boots