The Derby Wheelblazers held the Josh Ginns Memorial event last year. It was a “round robin” wheelchair basketball tournament. The Cobras put a team together (only five of us) and finished second to Sheffield Steelers.

Well Derby Wheelblazers are expanding on it this year. Here is a message from Christine of the Wheelblazers.

Dear All

As some of you may be aware, last year we held the Josh Ginns Memorial event. This was held on a Sunday 27th July and all money that was raised went to Donnas Dream House in Blackpool. We had so many good, positive reports and enquiries about the next one, we have decided to hold the event on full weekend.

Who is Josh Ginns

Josh was one of the first juniors to join our club. He was a fun little chappie who never let things get in his way or get him down. Josh was diagnosed with an ependymoma and had to undergo a catalogue of intense treatment including surgery and chemotherapy. But doctors could not remove the tumour entirely, despite their best efforts over a number of years. Josh Ginns was only 10 years old when his lost his battle of life last year. Josh Ginns was a battler in himself, that never let his illness get in his way. He was an avid Derby County support and was selected and chosen to be a mascot for the day. Sadly Josh passed away before he could have achieved a dream. He was well loved and like, and those who met him fell in love with his jolly personality.

Why the event

Derby Wheelblazers would like to keep Josh’s memory alive because he made such an impact on the club. We felt the best way to remember Josh was to hold a memorial event.  We also wanted to help a good cause.

This year’s event

Derby Wheelblazers shall be hosting the Josh Ginns Memorial Event on Saturday 1st August and Sunday 2nd August. 10am – 5pm on both days.

The Saturday shall be for businesses and public that would like to put together a team and play a game of round robin.  The winner shall receive a trophy.

On Sunday, this day shall be solely for the League clubs.  There will be a round robin and all shall be competing for the Josh Ginns Memorial Trophy.

Sheffield Steelers won it last year.

We are hoping that this year’s event will be better than last years with more clubs competing and taking part.

The cost

All team shall pay an entry fee of £25, this is per team entered.

The Charity

This year Mrs Claire Ginns has selected Bens Den as a nominated charity and also Josh Ginns Memorial Trust.

Bens Den is a charity that supplies holidays to sick children and their families. They have a caravan in Mablethorpe and give families free holidays. Josh Ginns Memorial Trust is raising money so it is able to purchase a family holiday home. It shall be offering holidays to sick and disabled children and families.

Kind regards,

Christine

Derby Wheelblazers

I would like the Cobras to enter a team again this year. We need to let Christine know before April 24th 2009 if we are going to be taking part in the event. So please let me know as soon as possible if you are free on Sunday 2/8/09. I think we could do with about 7 or 8 players to get a good team together.

All the best, Ian.

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