Running in memory of a loved one

The Judy Cross Tribute Fund was set up at the end of August 2006 and to date has raised over £10,000.

Lynne and Joe Cross tragically lost their daughter Judy, aged only 30, in March 2006. In their own words they talk about Judy and their decision to set up the Tribute Fund:

“We have been through all the heart breaking emotion - what a waste… if only… could we have done things differently… love… anger… sadness – but, on reflection, we try to take the positives. She had a good life, ramming 60 years’ experience into 30. Jude was everyone’s friend. She was one of the girls, and one of the boys, comfortable in the company of old and young. We decided to support Guide Dogs as a tribute to her life because of her love of animals, particularly dogs. Jude was a kind, loving and a generous girl and we know she would have loved the idea.”

Lynne and Joe Cross wanted to raise enough money to name a puppy in tribute to Judy, but with the amount raised they have been able to submit two names! Joe and Lynne have met both puppies, named Jude, and the newest puppy, Joshua – named because Judy loved the Irish rock band U2, and their album, The Joshua Tree.

Lynne and Joe were thrilled to have reached their goal but there’s no stopping them now and they want to keep fundraising for the Judy Cross Tribute Fund.  The latest development is a team of twenty-four runners, all friends and family who knew Judy, who will be taking part in the Bupa Great North Run 2008 to raise even more money for Guide Dogs in Judy's memory.