Hi All

Barclays are painting the offices from 5 pm on Tuesday the 29th April. We are hoping to have great fun too – help required please. T shirts supplied – just come in your scruffs. Let me know asap.

Debbie T xx

Friday, March 28, 2008

Hello everyone

I am thrilled to announce that Barclay’s Bank Llandudno are going to paint the offices for me !!!! It will be some time in April near to the end. THANK YOU Barclays xxxx This will ensure nice bright offices for us all to use.

I’ve really missed Chris over the Easter holiday’s as everyone has – it is so hard to think that it’s 2 years ago that he would be alive and having a great time with his mates. xx How could I have possibly thought 2 years ago that in 2 years I would be doing all this !!!!

I’d like to ask for some of the BARMY ARMY to come and help the Barclays boys to paint and we can get some stories in the press !!!

Love as always

Debbie Turnbull

Project Manager and CHRISTOPHER’s MUM XX

Friday, March 28, 2008

Hi all

ANOTHER WOW C!!

After a lengthy interview with the Press Association – THANK YOU – CJ’s story will now be scheduled to go into the Daily Express on thursday the 3rd April we hope. PLEASE ensure you tell people to get the paper and then the info will be further publicised. This is BIG publicity for the projects and VITAL to the future development.

Let’s go N A T I O N A L !!!!!!!!!!!!!! xxxx

Debbie Turnbull xx

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Hello All

It is approximately 11.30 pm on Monday 10th March. As I write this and think back for just a few hours away I had no idea that the experience I have had this evening would or could inspire me more !! I am sure those who know me would think that !! However, all that I can say is that tonight ‘I feel humbled to the point of whiich that I cannot explain.

This is tonights story ……

It started today – I am expecting a delivery of a Laptop – crucial to what I am doing. It has taken all day to get nowhere !! That is another story. I am telling you this because I ALMOST did not come to this meeting because of ‘The Laptop’.

I was offered the opportunity of a lovely lady who at present wishes to remain anonymous to go along with two other people to Alder Hay Hospital and sit in on the Board meeting of the CHILD DEATH HELPLINE. On the way there – as you do – myself and two strangers began slowly to unfold our own personal tragedies. I suppose at first we chatted ‘ guardedly’ if you know what I mean. We then began to empathise with each other and relate in a way that I found personally incredible that I should meet OTHER people who ACTUALLY FEEL like I DO !!!!!!!!!! 19 months down the road – and here today I met two people WHO UNDERSTOOD !!!

We arrived at the Alder Centre and were met with what I can only describe as peacefull, tranquill, kind caring, gentle people. As you can imagine me being me – I was already overcome. The beautifull centre we were escorted around and the picture created was profound. And there was more….

People began to arrive – ALL like me – some 15 and 20 years down the road – but still here – still grieving and still SHARING their experiences with ME. I only wish I had known about this when CJ died.

The presentations were powerfull, passionate and inspiring, the stories were told with such overwhelming conviction and many eyes were full…….. We then watched a DVD about the service and the CENTRE – a CENTRE I can only say of ABSOLUTE EXCELLENCE !!!!!

Afterwards we ate and mingled – all seeming to still make sense of our own loss, but with others who said – YES – I did that !!!!

I am tired, inspired and just want to help that lovely group of people so VERY much. Because I NEED those people too and will be proud to help in ANY way I can.

Thank you for such a very special INVITATION.

God Bless xx

Debbie Turnbull

Friday, March 07, 2008

Hello Everyone I really do not know where to start. It’s strange – being in hospital and recovering stuck at home felt like I wasn’t getting anything done. Although I was on the telephone at every possible opportunity working on my VISION. Obviously – before time – as usual – 3 weeks ago I just HAD to venture out and catch up on meetings. Well, what a result ???

I am absolutely thrilled to inform you that Chris Turnbull’s Barmy army now have an office in Llandudno. I collected the keys yesterday. This will be for meetings, planning, training sessions and most important there will be a room for the CTBA members who would like to help. There is so much scope here and I KNOW this is only the beginning.

After a succesfull meeting with Eirias Head Teacher – Phil Mc Tague today – I am pleased to announce that we will launch the follow on project /website initially to the 6th form students and to recruit some ‘Band Members who would like to be involved in Christopher’s legacy.

As you can imagine – this week has been an extremely emotional week so much has happened in favour of my dream – inspired as always by Chris Turnbull’s Barmy Army. I know now that the sometimes shattering emotion something like this sometimes brings it really IS worthwhile.

Last week I was invited to the Launch of Tudno FM – and have done a live show on sunday and a number of interviews many thanks to Daryl and the team.

I have also had an extensive interview with the National press and a Womans magazine. This kind of PR – I hope – will be fruitfull !!

SPONSORS

We are at present submitting a business plan and discussing funding with various agencies for further development primarily on a regional ie wales basis and eventually National.

I really do need some sponsors now to continue the project and grow. As previously specified a sponsor is not always someone who provides money – even though we NEED some £’s – it could be someone who can provide a product or service that we desperately need at the moment. Below is a list of urgent requirements to help sustain the next few months. At this point I would like to thank David Parry and Tudno FM Radio for providing desks – and also wish the new radio station the ‘very’best ‘of luck xx

OFFICE CHAIRS – BOOKCASES – STATIONERY – LEAFLETS – ANSWERMACHINE/FAX – FUNDING TO HELP WITH RATES AND BILLS – FRIDGE – INSURANCE(COMPANY TO OFFER FOR FREE – OR FUNDING TO PAY FOR IT) PRINTER/PHOTOCOPIER – SOMEONE TO MAKE CURTAINS OR BLINDS – SMALL SOFAS – SHELVING – 30 STACKABLE CHAIRS FOR MEETINGS – MICROWAVE

If you feel you would like to offer any of the above items or cover the cost or payment towards anything PLEASE contact me as soon as possible on 07879648568.

VOLUNTEERS

I now urgently require volunteers – for many aspects of support work – administration – and Club Organisers to set up Clubs in various parts of North Wales – anyone with an interest in the future of young people – and a caring fun attitude – please contact me.

Emergency Services Day – weekend is on 2nd and 3rd august – with an evening event in the St. Georges Hotel. I need volunteers to distribute leaflets and put up posters. Many other helpers will be required on the days … ….. ….due to the incredible success of last years event we have decided on a DOUBLE WHAMMY – hence the WEEKEND !!!! This – I hope will bigger and better than before. Further information will be added on a weekly basis.

Please keep in touch with the site – I will now be back touring as many schools as I can from now untill the summer Holidays – my target by the 2nd Anniversary on the 14th August is to speak to 40,000 pupils – I KNOW – with help and support I will do this.

There is lots more to tell – but I don’t want to be BORING !!!!!!! Maybe I’m saving the BEST for last.

Love to you allxx

Debbie Turnbull

PROJECT MANAGER – and Christophers MUM xxxxx

Wednesday, February 06, 2008

Hello Everyone.Just to let you all know I have been in hospital and therefore may have seemed to be inactive. Well – yes for a few weeks over Xmas and up to date to recover but all those who know me know I have been bubbling beneath the surface!!!!! Christmas was a very sad time – it just overpowers me so much, so much so that I am considering helping out at a hospice next year.

DARE TO DREAM website www.idaretodream.org – will be live by the end of the month and will have NATIONAL publicity this will in turn help the Water Safety Campaign to cover new ground and gain – I hope massive momentum.

The raft bought in 2006 by Chris’s friends has had its first real trial at Capel Curig and it has been filmed and dedicated to you all and Chris. It is done with humour as CJ would appreciate but it makes me feel PROUD of your achievement. Chris Turnbulls Barmy Army xxx There will be a link soon for this film.

The inquest for Sean Laxen was last week and I would just like to remember him in our thoughts – Sean drowned further down the valley exactly 12 months and 1 week to the day of the anniversary of my son. I have met and worked extensively with his family and found ground in that we can support eachother. God Bless Sean.

So many North Wales children seem to have lost their lives for one reason or another within the last 18 months – and my heart goes out to their families and friends. So much so that I am setting up a ‘comfort’ group – a meeting place on a fortnightly basis where parents who have lost a child or friends of the child can come together for ‘comfort’ and a ‘HUG’. It may sound silly – but hugs are so very important and much needed in these difficult times. More information will be available soon.

I have also qualified as an NLP practitioner – I did this course to help me help others further in what I want to do long term. I hope it will help me in my quest.

I have also secured a number of Outdoor Pursuits courses etc – to be finalised this week that should be ongoing for small groups of you to go on all expenses paid adventures some local some away. Again more info soon.

It will be 18 months on Valentines Day since I last saw Chris. There is not a day goes by of which I do not cry, bawl my head off, or shed a silent tear – a term I use now is – ‘my face is leaking’ – I miss my darling boy so very much . I ask why, I have read many books and become much more spiritual than I was already – for me it has helped and is a way of coping. I make no bones about the fact that all the things I do help me so much and I am sure keep me here and as sane as I possibly can be. I just hope reading what is on this site helps others too.

Love and ‘ Hugs’

Debbie Turnbull

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Hi All

Just to update on DARE TO DREAM.

I have to go into hospital in December and therefore the launch date will be in the New Year around Valentines’ Day.

Watch this space !!!

I need HELP – Volunteers and helpers.

E Mail on contact form your interest.

Debbie Turnbull

Wednesday, September 19, 2007Hello Everyone.

After what must be the hardest 13 months I have ever lived through I hope I may cast a ray of sunshine.

The reason I have come through the last 13 months is because I – DARED TO DREAM !! With the support of my son’s friends whom I have utmost respect for and love VERY much with all my heart, friends and family, and everyone who has supported me with RIVER AND SEA SENSE this community project will be launched.

The project will be ongoing of which RIVER AND SEA SENSE will be a part of. There will be 9 other community projects bringing together people from all walks of life to have fun and BE SAFE and ;earn to communicate with and respect eachother.

Initially there will be a Website illustrating how you can be a part of this venture in as much or as little as you wish. There will be a youth group based locally with bi-monthly meetings – organised events, trips, and fundraising FUN activities to suit ALL ages. I am also hoping to set up a bursary in Christopher’s name involving outdoor pursuits. I ASSURE you it WILL be cool to join this club. I would like to think that the events I have organised so far you have all enjoyed and this project will be no exception.

DARE TO DREAM will be official with a board of nice, caring and influential people within the community. There will be a sub-board of which I will be looking for around 12 members of 6th form calibre to represent the project and offer your ideas of what you want to the board. There will then be representation from a group of 12 other youngsters from a mixed age range who feel they can represent ages 11 – 16.

There are many avenues of funding for this type of project and although this will take time will benefit you all eventually.

Commitment is important. Senior board members will have a pivotal role in being ambassadors for those younger than themselves – although you will only be required to attend a quarterly meeting. I would hope that you would be available to help with some of the events taking place. There will eventually be funding in place to pay 6th formers for specific duties.

On a lighter note I would hope that when you see the BIGGER picture you would WANT to join and DARE TO DREAM yourselves.

Some of the ideas in discussion at the moment.

The Website – being designed now.

The Club

Army mini courses for up to 100

Courses for personal development for over 16’s

Information on all the community support organisations for help with any problems you may have within your life.

Information on jobs and training

Courses for lifesaving and lifeguarding – part of RIVER AND SEA SENSE

Discounts from shops and companies offering products and services in entertainment, eating out, travel etc

Opportunities to work by choice with the Emergency Services as a volunteer – with presentations and trials before you decide

Opportunities for 6th formers to meet with funding organisations for their own projects either for sports or to set up in business – or simply to put on their own ‘event’ – this is incredible.

ALL of this WILL happen – when – it is up to you all. It will take time and lots of effort and fundraising but I know we can do this.

If you have an interest in the above please call me or e mail me on the contact details from the website. I am putting together a contact list of all those who are interested at whatever level or age.

I have had my advanced CRB checks and am now therefore in a position to do this.

D A R E T O D R E A M !! I DID !!

This is Christopher’s legacy and is all for you – take ownership – and have a GREAT time.

Debbie Turnbull x

PROJECT MANAGER

Christopher’s Story

I am pleased to announce that the Digital story of Chris that I made with the BBC as seen on this site in NEWS section will now be shown on National TV on 12th August SUNDAY at 11.25 pm after Billy Elliot and before the Match of the Day. I remember what fun I had watching Billy Elliot with Chris one day in his room we both sat on his bed to watch it and pretended we were at the pictures – I was only thinking of this the other day and had to look through my many notes to find that it was this film we watched together.

Click here to view the video

Please promote this for me

Debs T

Friday, August 03, 2007

Hello

To view some incredible photo’s taken by Paul Williams of Photosoft Images – www.photosoftimages.co.uk – based in Penrhyn Bay – please click on site and login as username Chris Turnbull – password – barmy.

THANK YOU – Paul for all your hard work and time.

Kind Regards

Debbie Turnbull