A FUND-RAISING campaign launched by a brave Droitwich man battling Motor Neurone Disease has exceeded all expectations by raising 25 times his original target and cash is still rolling in.
John Adams, diagnosed with the condition four-and-a-half years ago, has always loved Christmas and started making gift tags to generate cash for MND research.
Having lost the use of his legs, receiving food and fluid through a peg in his stomach, being unable to speak and having a catheter, the task of making the tags was tough.
But John, who set an initial fund-raising target of £300, never complained and got on with it.
He was featured on the front page of the Standard last month and news of John’s venture started to spread.
Now, just a few weeks on, he has raised almost £7,500 and the amount is rising all the time.
Webbs Garden Centre donated a Christmas tree which is standing proudly outside John’s home in Vines Lane.
For a minimum donation of £2.50, people can have hand-made glass or wooden baubles dedicated to loved ones on the tree – for either family and friends who have passed away or people they have been unable to see during Covid.
Once up, the donor will receive a picture of their decoration on the tree.
‘John Adams tree of love and hope ‘ so far has 200 baubles on the tree and John has had messages from all over the world, including Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and America.
John’s daugher Helen Millward said: “The response has been overwhelming and the messages of thanks and love for doing this has taken us all by surprise.”
People can contact John via the fund-raising page or at the house in Vines Lane.
And John’s gift tags and baubles will be on sale at the Droitwich Christmas Market at the rugby club next Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
John’s carer Liz Holloway said: “The appeal has been absolutely amazing – everybody has been so generous.
“John is absolutely thrilled with the way it’s gone – it has given him something to aim for and something to look forward to.”
Anyone wanting to find out more or donate can visit justgiving.com/fundraising/John-adams44 – John’s fund-raising page.
