Many thanks to Bozza for giving permission to post this.
On the 4th of March, Mrs Jet and myself, two not particularly fit 60 plussers ,will be walking in stages from Fratton Park to The Amex in memory of my best mate of over 60 years and Mrs Jet's brother in law, Dave Devonport.
Dave was a huge football fan. He was born in Pompey and lived and worked in the area until he moved near Brighton 30 odd years ago.
His football allegiances gradually moved as well and he became as much, if not more, a Brighton fan as a Pompey one. He held a Brighton season ticket for many years until his illness prevented him from attending.
Back in 2017 just months after retiring early he was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer and given 6 months to live.
Some fantastic treatment and his own determination saw him last over 6 years, finally losing his brave battle last summer.
In the time he had we managed to travel extensively around Europe and the UK doing many of his 'bucket list' items, including watching games in Rome and Marseille.
Without the support, both physical and mental from the marvellous people at St Barnabas House hospice, Worthing, little of this would have been possible.
When the end finally came St Barnabas ensured his passing was dignified, painless and peaceful. I really cannot praise them highly enough.
So by way of thanking them and to reflect Dave's journey in both life and football we decided to do this walk and hopefully raise a few quid to help them in some small way to carry on the incredible work they do. All contributions, no matter how small would be gratefully received.
Thanks for reading and best of luck for the rest of the season.
( A promotion for us and a European trophy for you? Dave would have loved that.)
On the 4th of March, Mrs Jet and myself, two not particularly fit 60 plussers ,will be walking in stages from Fratton Park to The Amex in memory of my best mate of over 60 years and Mrs Jet's brother in law, Dave Devonport.
Dave was a huge football fan. He was born in Pompey and lived and worked in the area until he moved near Brighton 30 odd years ago.
His football allegiances gradually moved as well and he became as much, if not more, a Brighton fan as a Pompey one. He held a Brighton season ticket for many years until his illness prevented him from attending.
Back in 2017 just months after retiring early he was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer and given 6 months to live.
Some fantastic treatment and his own determination saw him last over 6 years, finally losing his brave battle last summer.
In the time he had we managed to travel extensively around Europe and the UK doing many of his 'bucket list' items, including watching games in Rome and Marseille.
Without the support, both physical and mental from the marvellous people at St Barnabas House hospice, Worthing, little of this would have been possible.
When the end finally came St Barnabas ensured his passing was dignified, painless and peaceful. I really cannot praise them highly enough.
So by way of thanking them and to reflect Dave's journey in both life and football we decided to do this walk and hopefully raise a few quid to help them in some small way to carry on the incredible work they do. All contributions, no matter how small would be gratefully received.
Thanks for reading and best of luck for the rest of the season.
( A promotion for us and a European trophy for you? Dave would have loved that.)
Karen and Tim's football walk in memory of David Devonport
Help Karen Purkis raise money to support St Barnabas House
tinyurl.com
