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Russ Windle
Russ Windle Is taking part in the Dragon Boat Race 2026
Fundraising goal: £2,000 Total raised: £395 With Gift Aid: £482.50 Offline Fundraising: £0

Over the past few months Bluebell Wood has supported me and my family in ways that are hard to write down, for those who have heard my story before unfortunately this chapter is a very sad one, Olivia lost her battle with Battens Disease on April 3rd (Good Friday) 2026, she had been hospitalised several times over the last 12 months with aspirational pneumonia, a complication often experienced by Battens Children. Once it became apparent that this latest battle was one Olivia was likely to lose Bluebell Wood offered support like I’d never imagined possible, we were quickly transferred from the hospital to the Hospice to be cared for by the team of nurses up there and as a whole family we spent the next 5 days worrying about nothing other than surrounding Olivia with the love of family and friends, we had visitors at all hours. When I said we worried for nothing I mean literally that, we were fed, watered and were provided with all the time and space we needed to ensure Olivia was surrounded by all her family and close friends, the staff at the Hospice became like family, a shoulder to cry on, a distraction keeping us entertained. After Olivia had passed away, we were still fully supported by the team at Bluebell, we moved into the Family Lounge (Forget-me-not Suite) where we were able to spend the next 6 days as a family supported by the team and friends while remaining close to Olivia, our whole family(including our 2 dogs) stayed up at Bluebell without a care in the world other than to grieve for Olivia and to support each other through this devastating time.

£50 29/05/2026
Donated by Chris Westoby

Gutted that I can’t attend this year, but an amazing bunch of people doing something special for the amazing Bluebell Wood.

£15 23/05/2026
Donated by Evie Andrew

£20 21/05/2026
Donated by Robert Chevli

Great Cause!

£50 19/05/2026
Donated by Stewart Gibson

Bring that GOLD medal home ??

£20 19/05/2026
Donated by Anonymous

£10 15/05/2026
Donated by George Lever

£20 15/05/2026
Donated by Silas Hays

Really great cause...and...good luck with the race!

£50 15/05/2026
Donated by Dave Hewson

Lets try to go one better this year and win!!!!

£20 15/05/2026
Donated by Sarah Palmer-Carr

Good Luck!

£20 15/05/2026
Donated by Andrew Millikin

Good Luck Russ - I hope you finally take the gold this year!

£10 15/05/2026
Donated by Molly Hughes

Good luck guys! What an incredible cause.

£10 15/05/2026
Donated by Sophie Westoby

Good Luck!

£20 15/05/2026
Donated by Matt Woods

£20 15/05/2026
Donated by Liz Bach

Best of luck in the race!

£10 15/05/2026
Donated by Jo Matthews

Good luck to you all; hopefully 1st place this year.

£10 14/05/2026
Donated by Lou Gildersleeve

£20 14/05/2026
Donated by Alistair Howard

All the best Russ.....Ster

£20 14/05/2026
Donated by Derek Lawton

Good luck - make a splash!

Over the past few months Bluebell Wood has supported me and my family in ways that are hard to write down, for those who have heard my story before unfortunately this chapter is a very sad one, Olivia lost her battle with Battens Disease on April 3rd (Good Friday) 2026, she had been hospitalised several times over the last 12 months with aspirational pneumonia, a complication often experienced by Battens Children. Once it became apparent that this latest battle was one Olivia was likely to lose Bluebell Wood offered support like I’d never imagined possible, we were quickly transferred from the hospital to the Hospice to be cared for by the team of nurses up there and as a whole family we spent the next 5 days worrying about nothing other than surrounding Olivia with the love of family and friends, we had visitors at all hours. When I said we worried for nothing I mean literally that, we were fed, watered and were provided with all the time and space we needed to ensure Olivia was surrounded by all her family and close friends, the staff at the Hospice became like family, a shoulder to cry on, a distraction keeping us entertained. After Olivia had passed away, we were still fully supported by the team at Bluebell, we moved into the Family Lounge (Forget-me-not Suite) where we were able to spend the next 6 days as a family supported by the team and friends while remaining close to Olivia, our whole family(including our 2 dogs) stayed up at Bluebell without a care in the world other than to grieve for Olivia and to support each other through this devastating time.