Here’s another nomination for the Courage Award category in the 2015 Love Barrow Awards – Gavin & Julie Andrews
Julie and Gavin tragically lost their only son Joe in a road traffic accident on August 2nd 2013. Joe was 19 years old when the accident happened early that morning and despite the efforts of medical teams and the transfer by North West Air Ambulance to Preston, Joe sadly passed away later that morning.
Despite their loss, Julie and Gavin were so grateful to the air ambulance service in trying to save their son that they set themselves a fundraising target for the charity.
The grief of losing your only child is difficult to imagine – to turn this situation around in some small way and dedicate their time to helping others by ensuring the continued running of the air ambulance service is a credit to them both.
Through many events and fundrasing days, including a charity match at Barrow AFC, they are well on their way to raising their target of £19,000, a £1000 for every year of Joe’s short life.
Nothing they do will ever bring Joe back or fill the hole in their lives – but others across the North West will benefit and lives will be saved by the dedication to fund raising of Gavin and Julie. Their work continues in memory of Joe, worthy nominees for the 2015 Love Barrow Awards.
If ever 2 people deserved an award for courage it’s Julie and Gavin Andrews. Despite the terrible tragedy of losing their beautiful son Joseph they have raised so much money to help others. I am so very proud to have such lovely caring and thoughtful people as my friends and part of my life. I know Joseph will be smiling down on them and saying well done mum and dad xxx
I’ve known this family for many years, and they are beautiful people. The tragic loss of Joe, saddened not only members of our neighbourhood, but the whole community. Gavin, julie, Joe and family were part of my life growing up, and myself and my family admire them immensely. To see the heartbreak they were, and are still going through is extremely upsetting, as I’ve never known such a close unit in any family. To be able to do the fundraising they do, and support the air ambulance so soon after losing joe, was and is admirable. I personally praise them for continuing day in and day out to help support those who helped to try and save young joe’s life. They so deserve to be recognised and rewarded for this
I can not imagine a more deserving nomination. Gavin and Julie are both wonderful people and Joe was an amazing lad who will be forever missed. The work they have done for nwaa has been outstanding and it is difficult to not feel humbled.
i remember reading and hearing lots of young adults talking about joe an the greif that was present in barrow last year.I never knew joe or Julie or Gavin untill recently. My partners son was in a accident in Spain an we needed to raise money to help towards bringing him home and to help other families going through the same turmoil as we were.I asked on Facebook an via the evening mail for help.Julie Andrews contacted me,an said she would try to help me.she gave me advice an guidance on who to ask and how the evening mail could help.she gave me her mobile and was at the end of the phone when I needed her. I needed all the help as I only had five days.
One late morning after I had been chasing my tail for many days I thought to myself I best go shower an look after me ,while I had a spare half an hour,when julie messaged me
Asking if she could call at my home.Julie arrived at my door with three bags of goodies from local chemist an wine too boot,all from local buissneses. I felt over whelmed by this ladies help and told Julie I could hug her,if I’d not been stood at the door in a towel -we laughed!
Julie didn’t stop there she brought more items for the aution from local bussnesses an had been out asking people for me.
I strongly belivie Julie and Gavin should have this award , they have taken their own greif and directed this at helpping other families in turmoil and raise so much money for the air amberlance to help save many lives.
Julie is not only a beautiful person but I am sure she leaves a lasting imprint on the hearts and souls of every person she meets. I have deeply been touched by her selflessness and her drive and dedication to helping others.thank you -you are one in a million
these two deserve the recognition through their most heartbreaking time they found the strength to help others by raising money to help keep this amazing service going!!! Love you loads Julie and Gavin xxxx
“Inspirational” is the only way to describe Gavin and Julie! They must win this not just for them but for Joe, NWAA and for everyone that they have reached out to across Furness. x x