William's story began
when he arrived on his due date 28th December 1995 in Dover.
He was a very lively and bright toddler and eager to learn. He was an active child and enjoyed swimming lessons and gym school, receiving many certificates along the way. As William grew up he would channel his energy into playing football at every opportunity and was very proud (as was his mum), when he made the school football team. As well as playing football, William was extremely knowledgeable about the sport, especially his favourite team, Chelsea. He also liked to support his local team, Dover Athletic and would often watch them play. William continued to be very active and his after-school sessions included football training and matches, five-a-side, tennis, cricket and swimming lessons. He showed a particular talent for tennis and took part in a scholarship scheme.
In November 2005, after a tennis lesson (now aged 9), William complained of a bad headache. Over the next few days he started being sick in the mornings and felt dizzy. Having been diagnosed initially with an ear infection, an MRI scan showed William had a brain tumour – medulloblastoma. The illness quickly took its toll and although the operation to remove the tumour was successful, it affected his mobility and worse still had spread to his spine. William initially responded well to radiotherapy and chemotherapy, however in October we found out that the cancer had spread even further throughout his body. William died aged just 10 years and 10 months on 20th October 2006 , surrounded by his loving family.
Maureen, his mother, and her family have set up the SDBTT William Doolin Fund to help other children and their families who may find themselves in a similar situation in the future. The aim is to raise funds specifically for research into medulloblastoma. This type of brain tumour is the most common primary central nervous system tumour in children and is also one of the most aggressive.
William's family and friends will remember his bravery (for which he won a special award from his Cub Group), and also his sense of humour which kept all of us strong throughout the last year. William will remain in all of our hearts and not a day will go by when we do not think of him.
The Fund has a dedicated website in William's memory, please visit it to find out more.
Fundraising Events
In February Christopher Wild will be running the Dover Half Marathon. Christopher has been training since September to ensure that he is able to finish his first half marathon and raise money for SDBTT William Doolin Fund. To sponsor him click here.
Money raised recently:
A big thank you to all who contributed to the success of the events listed below...
Sponsored swim - £431.50; Quiz night at St Richard’s School - £731.00; Dover Harbour Board Social Club raffle - £230.
A cricket match had to be quickly turned into a quiz afternoon when 'rain stopped play' recently. The total raised at this event has now reached £500.
In October 07 a further quiz night and craft sale have raised very nearly £700 for the Fund.
This autumn Dover District Skittles Association raised £270 and K Brewer gave £250 from a trek on Mount Snowdon.
A street collection was held in March which raised £428.85.
William’s friends came along and handed out fact sheets and balloons.
Another successful quiz night was held in April, raising £395.
Neil and Angela Dickson met with Maureen, Sue and Gerald Doolin at a
Rotary Club Function in February 2008
WILLIAM DOOLIN FUND GOES INTERNATIONAL
In April, members of William's family, along with various friends and New Zealand family, walked one of the most famous routes in New Zealand and it's not just any walk. They walked the rugged 17 Kilometre Trek through the Tongariro National Park, trekking at heights between 800 and 1900 metres through Alpine terrain.
Reckoned to be one of the world's top 10 Day Treks, it takes an average of 8 hours to complete.
The walk includes some of the landscape including the Tongariro volcano that appeared as "Mount Doom" in the film "The Lord of the Rings".
The Tongariro reserve was originally given to the government as a present by the Maori tribe living in the area and is now a World Heritage Site.
We are pleased to report that the walk raised £670. It is not too late to recognise all the hard work, you can still email the family for sponsorship information.
AND MORE....
Saturday 16 June 2007 - we had a sponsored walk, White Cliffs of Dover - This was a five mile walk with family and friends and pupils from William's class.
28th June, Karen Brewer, is undertaking a sponsored walk/trek up Mount Snowdon.
Saturday 29 September 2007- Quiz Night, Dover - this will be held at the Dover Harbour Board Sports and Social Club.
