The Jamie Blagg Memorial Fundraisers

Hello. Let us explain why we take on these challenges...

 

We are a group of determined friends raising money in memory of a much-loved mate.

 

Our latest challenge will see 13 of us paddle across Scotland in September in memory of Jamie Blagg, 19, who died from a stomach infection just days after being told his leukaemia was in remission.

 

We have held a series of fundraising events since his tragic death in June 2005 and we are now set for our biggest charity challenge yet.

 

We are heading 60 miles across the Caledonian Canal in two-man canoes in the space of just four days.

 

We will cross Loch Dochfour, Loch Ness, Loch Oich, and Loch Lochy, while facing a series of challenges from 6ft waves and strong currents to blistered hands and aching muscles.

 

Our efforts will raise money for the RAF Association (RAFA) as Jamie, from Longlands, Middlesbrough, was training as a movements operator at RAF Brize Norton when he fell ill.

 

Jamie’s cousin, Wayne Urwin, from Pallister Park, said: “We have been doing these events for years now and each year the challenge gets bigger and better.

 

“I haven’t heard of anyone else from around here who has canoed across Scotland so we’re preparing as much as we can. We know it’s going to be hard but we’ll do it for Jamie.”

 

We have previously cycled the coast-to-coast in England and completed the National Three Peaks Challenge. It has seen us already raise £12,500 for the RAFA - but we want to raise even more.

 

The fund has been boosted by an annual Jamie Blagg Memorial Cricket Day at the Old Vic, off Ormesby Road, and charity nights at North Ormesby Working Men’s Club.

 

We have been training hard for our challenge along the Tees, in Osmotherly and on the road and in the gym.

 

We are ready and are now looking for sponsors for our Scotland challenge.

 

One of Jamie’s closest friends, Chris Middleton, who lives in Coulby Newham, said: “We need all the support we can get as we want to raise as much as possible in Jamie’s memory.

 

“Every little bit will help and the lads will be able to go to Scotland knowing they are making a difference.”