A Cure for Poppy Committee Meeting, 5 June 2018
1. Lots of fundraising events coming up in the next few weeks.
2. The merchandising range is designed, approved and ordered; ditto raffle tickets – I’ll need a cheque to cover costs.
3. Social-media and national media campaign under way.
4. Next meeting in two weeks.
FROM: Callum McDaid
SUBJECT: The Grange
DATE: 6 June 2018 at 10:23
TO: Martin Hayward
Dear Martin,
As you know, the lads started work Friday. Jonno said the foundations are coming along. Spoke to Pat White this morning. He mentioned a dispute over a job. It’s between you and him, but I need your assurance it has nothing to do with the pool annexe we’re working on. This is a small world, and you’ll understand we don’t take on disputed jobs. Callum
FROM: Martin Hayward
SUBJECT: Re: The Grange
DATE: 6 June 2018 at 11:58
TO: Callum McDaid
Dear Callum,
Re: Whites. We withheld payment over the sub-standard fencing they put up around our golf course last year (it’s bowing already, you can see for yourself). We were quoted for concrete foundations and posts – they gave us wooden posts and no foundations. We sought a complete replacement of the fencing, Whites refused, solicitors were involved and to this day we remain in deadlock, but I can assure you it has nothing to do with the pool annexe. Regards, Martin Hayward
FROM: Joyce Walford
SUBJECT:
DATE: 9 June 2018 at 09:34
TO: Martin Hayward
Well, if no one thinks my Barry’s Elvis Cooking Thong is worth doing, then he can always donate the money to something else. Joyce
Message from Kevin MacDonald to Sarah-Jane MacDonald on 9 June 2018:
09:52 Kevin wrote:
I’m in the den. It’s not a buttercup. It’s a Welsh poppy. You remember I wanted the chap to create a bold, stylised illustration of a poppy, but we said red ones remind people of war? Well, I googled it and Welsh poppies are yellow. I then had the bright idea that a ladybird alighting delicately on the yellow petals would add a charming splash of colour. I sketched it out for him as a guide. It was a blob of red, for God’s sake! How was I to know the lazy git would just scan what I’d scribbled and plaster it all over the T-shirts and badges? He’ll want another set-up fee if we redesign. A bleeding flower? Is that what they all think?
09:59 Kevin wrote:
Let’s say Poppy drew it.
FROM: Sarah-Jane MacDonald
SUBJECT: What!?
DATE: 9 June 2018 at 10:14
TO: Isabel Beck
You sent your committee minutes to everyone in The Fairway Players! No one told you to do that. There’s all sorts of nonsense in there that we never even mentioned at the meeting. What’s more, it’s full of your opinions. That’s not the point of the minutes. No one cares what you think.
Sarah-Jane MacDonald
FROM: Isabel Beck
SUBJECT: Re: What!?
DATE: 9 June 2018 at 10:29
TO: Sarah-Jane MacDonald
Hiya SJ! I took the initiative because the document includes details of Sam’s half-marathon tomorrow. Don’t worry, I removed all mention of the special surprise I’m preparing for her! She’s already got 115% of her target, but it’s for Poppy’s appeal, so I wanted to make sure everyone has a chance to donate. I’m so proud to be trusted with the minutes that I want everyone to know! Thinking about it, I suppose I could have just sent an email about the half-marathon to everyone, but that’s not really my place. This way everyone gets the minutes and a reminder to sponsor Sam. How did Harley’s swim go? Love Issy xxx
FROM: Sarah-Jane MacDonald
SUBJECT: Sorry
DATE: 9 June 2018 at 10:30
TO: James Hayward
Sorry, James, you’ll have received a copy of the unofficial minutes last night. Take no notice of them. They are full of rambling nonsense, half of which wasn’t even discussed. Please tell your dad and Paige to ignore them, too. I’m sending out my own update today. I think a message from your mum to motivate the fundraising team will be a nice touch – is she still sans mobile and email?
FROM: James Hayward
SUBJECT: Re: Sorry
DATE: 9 June 2018 at 10:42
TO: Sarah-Jane MacDonald
Yes, Mum remains firmly in the twentieth century as far as communications go. Poppy had some kind of reaction to her last chemo and they’re back at Mount More again today, so call on Paige’s mobile – earlier rather than later, so they’re not in the middle of their appointment. Yes, those minutes made me chuckle. Isabel is a dark horse. I always thought there was more to her than meets the eye. I doubt Paige or Dad have opened the document, to be honest. Olivia and I are just leaving for St Ann’s, as she’s been up all night feeling rotten. Thanks, Sarah-Jane, I don’t know what we’d do without you. James
FROM: Isabel Beck
SUBJECT: Only 22 hours!
DATE: 9 June 2018 at 10:45
TO: Samantha Greenwood
Morning! Just twenty-two hours to go! I hope you’re not too worried. If you fancy a chat, then I’m in all day, so just call. It’s a shame we don’t live nearer each other or I could pop round. I sent the minutes to everyone, like you suggested – when they see your run is tomorrow, they may be spurred into sponsoring you. Sarah-Jane was delighted, as it saved her the job of sending them. I’ve been refreshing the fundraising page for an hour now. No new sponsors yet. It’s still early, though. I’ll text if any more donations come in. Is Kel looking forward to spectating as much as I am? My bag is packed – will add my vitamin shake from the fridge on Sunday morning and have set a reminder on my phone for that, so I’m all ready. Thanks for picking me up. I’ll wait on the wall outside the block, so you don’t have to get out of the car. See you at 7.30 a.m. Love Issy xxx
FROM: A Cure for Poppy
SUBJECT: Fundraising Update
DATE: 9 June 2018 at 11:21
TO: Full mailing list
A Cure for Poppy Fundraising Update
This update replaces the unofficial minutes sent in error last night
Dear Friends,
Thank you for your continued support. We are pleased to say the fundraising committee is now in place, with many planned activities over the next few weeks. If you are able to help at any event, or would like to sell merchandise and/or raffle tickets at your school or place of work, just let us know.
Looking smart for Poppy
Get your beautiful A Cure for Poppy T-shirts, so you stand out when collecting for the appeal. These eye-catching garments feature a sweet little logo drawn by Poppy herself, and the all-important crowdfunding web page, so an excellent awareness-raising opportunity. If you’d like to order your fundraising outfit, complete the form below.
Sponsorship news
• Harley MacDonald successfully swam to Pirate’s Island – and back again – with the Otters Swimming Club yesterday.
• Samantha Greenwood is running the Lockwood Half-Marathon on Sunday.
• Gavin Hoyte is cycling from Land’s End to John O’Groats next month.
• Barry Walford is holding an Elvis Cookathon that’s sure to raise both money and cholesterol.
• Beth Halliday and friends are Baking Off against cancer and selling their showstopper cakes.
• Just click on the fundraising links to donate. And if you are planning a big event and wish to collect sponsorship for us, you will qualify for a merchandising welcome pack of T-shirt, pen and keyring, plus publicity through the campaign’s mailing list. Just let us know!
The Big Raffle
With a host of prizes, including membership of The Grange for a month, a golf lesson, a case of champagne and a weekend for two in Paris, the Big Raffle for Poppy will launch next week. Tickets come in books of ten, priced at £10 per ticket. We would encourage everyone to commit to sellin
g at least five books over four weeks. The Big Draw will take place on the final night of The Fairway Players’ next production, All My Sons, hopefully drawn by BBC Radio 4’s Cameron Hilford.
And finally . . .
A message from Helen Grace-Hayward: ‘Dear friends, earlier this week Poppy sat on my lap as a tube attached to a port in her chest pumped a toxic soup of chemicals into her body and said, “Granny, I am so happy.” I asked what had made her so happy and she said “the sun”. My heart leapt there and then. Only our closest friends and family know this, but many years ago I had a beautiful, handsome little boy who died of meningitis at the age of four. Of course Poppy meant the “sun”, not “son”, but still, there are times when I feel his spirit is with me, and that was one of them. Something I have always hoped for in life is that my daughter Paige never has to endure what I went through all those years ago, and yet here we are. Poor Poppy. The side-effects of her chemo are starting to take hold, and it won’t be long before our angel’s beautiful hair has all gone. We are also facing the fact that her eyesight will be affected – which makes every day that she can still see all the more poignant. We are so lucky to be surrounded by people who know what true friendship means. What can I say but “thank you”?’
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FROM: Marianne Payne
SUBJECT: Helen
DATE: 9 June 2018 at 14:21
TO: Carol Dearing
Did you know the Haywards lost a little boy? When Mick and I first moved here and our Karen was born, James was a toddler and Paige a babe in arms. I remember Paige was poorly early on, with asthma first, then a stomach problem. Poor Helen, it must’ve brought back all that happened with the boy. Luckily, Paige grew out of it and thrived. Nobody mentioned another child, but those were different times and people didn’t talk about such things, did they? Poor little mite. Marianne
FROM: Carol Dearing
SUBJECT: Re: Helen
DATE: 9 June 2018 at 14:59
TO: Marianne Payne
I didn’t know, but it doesn’t surprise me. Helen was married before she met Martin. She’s mentioned that several times. They must’ve been very young, and now I suspect a shotgun wedding. If the child died, it’s no wonder the marriage didn’t last. It’s a credit to Helen that she didn’t wallow, but moved on and gave Paige and James the happy life her little boy never had. Times were not only different, they were better. No crying on social media or going on telly to sue the hospital. Head up and get on with life. It’s no one else’s problem or business. That’s the way it should be. Carol
FROM: Jackie Marsh
SUBJECT: Re: Fundraising Update
DATE: 9 June 2018 at 15:13
TO: A Cure for Poppy
Landed Indonesia. Hot rain! Boom! Hope Poppy’s better x
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S9
Lookie lookie leather bags wallet shoos genuine $10 no-fake www.xclbargain.com today all
FROM: John O’Dea
SUBJECT: Re: Fundraising Update
DATE: 9 June 2018 at 17:00
TO: A Cure for Poppy
Are raffle tickets £1 each or £10 a book? You’ve put £10 each and that can’t be right.
FROM: Isabel Beck
SUBJECT: Not long now!
DATE: 9 June 2018 at 13:00
TO: Samantha Greenwood
Hiya Sam! Just 20 hours to go! Just think, this time tomorrow we’ll all be celebrating. I’ve found your name on the Lockwood Half-Marathon website. Did you realise you have a microchip in your race number that gives you an exact time? I’ve registered for an email, so when you finish I can confirm your actual time. It’s a shame we can’t have buttercup T-shirts for the day, but Sarah-Jane said they’re not ready until next week, boo. I wonder if you’ll qualify for a free gift pack, even though your event will be over? Don’t mention it yourself. I’ll approach Sarah-Jane in my role as committee minute-taker and see if I can swing it for you. Not that you’d want to wear that T-shirt at anything other than a fundraising event, but it’ll be ok as a nightie. Gasp! I’ve had an idea! Once the money’s raised – and it won’t be long now, surely – everyone will be stuck with T-shirts they’ll never wear again. Could we donate them to Africa? I know! Let’s collect unwanted T-shirts and take them to Africa together. We can make a little holiday of it. You can show me around and get us from place to place, and I’ll look after the paperwork. What do you think? Poor Helen. I had no idea she’d lost a little boy. Meningitis, though. Terrible. Do you ever wonder why some families are dogged by tragedy their whole lives, while others sail through with not so much as a scratch? Well, have a lovely day and I’ll see you at 7.30 a.m. tomorrow! Love Issy xxx
PS I’ll have a big bag with me. It’s got your surprise in it. Just pretend it’s not there!
FROM: IPS Marathon Timing
SUBJECT: Lockwood Half-Marathon Results
DATE: 10 June 2018 at 12:23
TO: Samantha Greenwood
You completed the Lockwood Half-Marathon sponsored by Dean Fitzpatrick Motors in
1 HOUR 55 MINUTES 31 SECONDS
This is your official chip time and may differ from independent timing devices.
FROM: Claudia D’Souza
SUBJECT: Well done you
DATE: 10 June 2018 at 18:46
TO: Samantha Greenwood
Dear Sam,
It was lovely to see you and Kel today. You looked completely relaxed as you crossed the line and must be absolutely thrilled to have finished in under two hours, after all. It’s a great achievement, especially as you hadn’t run seriously for years. So, is it the big 26.2 next?
Had a chat with Kel as we were waiting for you to come in. Who’d have thought his family and mine would both come from the same town in Ireland? He’s so easy to talk to and very entertaining! I must say it’s good of you both to help your friend Arnie like that. When does he arrive? I’m sure it’s not easy to find a new normal after an experience as intense as Africa and, as Kel says, psychiatric staff can be the last to spot danger signs in their own mental health. How long is he staying? If he’s a Band 4 . . . well, between St Ann’s and Mount More there are opportunities all the time, including flexi and maternity cover. Something finite and low-stress, to get him back in the swing. Perhaps I can keep an eye out? I’ll stay in touch with Kel about it. Alternatively I can recommend a good supply agency. Of course, only when he’s ready.
One last thing, Sam: who on earth was that girl you’d brought? Kel introduced her as your friend from work, so I’m guessing she’s the one you were telling me about. If looks could kill, my funeral is any day now. She ignored me the whole time. Then in the Cat & Castle, when you two were at the bar, I tried to strike up a conversation – it was a lesson in one-word answers. I asked what was in that huge bag; she muttered ‘nothing’ and, as we were leaving, I saw her dump it in the bin outside. I feel sorry for her, but it’s no wonder she’s falling prey to workplace bullies when she doesn’t make the least effort to engage with others. Some people have ‘victim’ written all over them.
Thanks again for a lovely Sunday and good luck with your post-race muscle recovery programme. One of these days I may join you for a run . . . That is a blatant lie. Well done again and see you in the week. C x
FROM: Daniel Bhatoa
SUBJECT:
DATE: 10 June 2018 at 18:59
TO: Tish Bhatoa
Are Mum and Dad ok? I keep meaning to pop back and see them, but haven’t managed to get away. Are you still ok to pay for everything? I’m a long way away, but I can tell you’re shouldering the responsibility, Tish, and I appreciate it. I heard from Rav a while ago, but he constantly tries to make me feel guilty and I couldn’t bring myself to reply.
It’s back to normal here in Bangui. Another ebola scare came to nothing, but we’re just as full with
regular gynae and paediatrics. There’s been limited military presence in the area since Christmas, and some days you’d think no conflict had ever happened, then we’ll get an influx of injuries from neighbouring regions and it hits home again. Some good news: the FGM lobby is funding our outreach clinic for another year, possibly two. Proof we’re over the worst, in terms of our reputation. I’d invite you over, but it’s not stable enough right now. Keep me posted on M&D. Dan
FROM: Tish Bhatoa
SUBJECT: Re:
DATE: 10 June 2018 at 19:23
TO: Daniel Bhatoa
It’s so good to hear from you and know you’re safe. M&D are well enough, photos attached. I wish you could see this home. It’s in a beautiful setting and so English – Mum loves it! You’d think it was a spa hotel if you didn’t look closely. They have a hydrotherapy pool, a nutritionist and extensive cultivated gardens. Mum and Dad live together in their own unit and have 24-hour care. Very reassuring. The staff are excellent. Now Dad’s that much worse, they appreciate how lonely it can be for Mum, so they help her socialise with other residents while Dad is looked after. It’s not considered the best place in the UK for nothing and not the most expensive for nothing, either, but worth every penny.
Dan, don’t feel guilty. You have work to do out there. M&D know and love you for it, and so do I. If Dad hadn’t been forced to leave Uganda, he would’ve done exactly as you’re doing. It’s just he met Mum and they had the three of us – so his life went in a different direction – but you’re living his dream every single day, remember that. Rav can think what he likes, but he visits them twice a week and that’s more than I have time for, so let’s not be too hard on him, either. Stay in touch. Tish
Transcription from a handwritten notebook found in Isabel Beck’s flat:
Dear Sam,
This is the first entry in my Blue Book since you arrived at St Ann’s. The last time I even opened it was back in February, when Fucking Frances took everyone for a birthday drink at the end of shift and didn’t invite me. I shouldn’t have reread that just now. I’m supposed to write it all down, turn the page and pull the elastic band across, so the whole episode is over and done with. Only I wanted to see how far I’ve come – or thought I’d come – since then. Surely I can’t be right back there? WHO IS CLAUDIA? WHO IS CLAUDIA? WHO IS CLAUDIA? WHO IS CLAUDIA? WHO IS CLAUDIA? Kel said she’s your friend from work. Well, I’m your friend from work. If she’s your friend, why haven’t you mentioned her to me? When Kel introduced me, she said in that confident, dismissive way: ‘Oh yes, Sam told me about you.’ What did you tell her? That we’re best friends? That we’re inseparable? That we have so much in common it’s like we’re secret sisters? That we’re planning a trip to Africa together and don’t need anyone else?
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