Claire Gardiner from Vicarage Court in Heighington passed away suddenly just before Christmas 2012. Claire was the only daughter of Donella, she was also an organ donor and 4 transplants took place following her death.
From a very close family Claire’s brothers Edward and Matthew and a group of Claire’s friends started to raise money in her memory, initially raising almost £2000 for the Salvation Army.
They then started the first MADathlon Challenge and decided to raise funds for the James Cook University Hospital where Claire passed away, after consultation with the ICU they set a target of £11,000 to buy a Criticool Machine, which was delivered in October 2013.
2014 the MADathlon team raised £15,000 to purchase 2 New Motor Bikes for the Northumbria Blood Bikes which are now on the road providing vital support throughout the North East.
MADathlon’s New challenge for 2015 in association with North East Hearts and Goals is to purchase and place Automatic External Difibrillators (AED’s) in local sports centres or schools in the event of sudden cardiac arrest. The target is 1 machine per month, and training will be provided on installation of machines.
We are currently in the process of arranging events for our 2015 calendar, these vary from black tie dinner events to outdoor activities such as ‘the MADATHLON’ sponsored abseils, walks and more. Information on social media sites.
We are looking for corporate sponsors, sponsors, prizes to raffle or auction (MADathlon is registered with Durham County gambling Com-mission). We are looking for people willing to spare a few hours of their time for Supermarket bag pack events or to get involved with arranged activities and to raise money through sponsorship. Contact: Madathlon@hotmail.com and facebook or Twitter.
