16:46 Martin Hayward wrote:
Of course, Helen will be delighted to speak.
FROM: James Hayward
SUBJECT: All My Sons
DATE: 19 May 2018 at 00:04
TO: Isabel Beck
Dearest Issy, sorry we haven’t caught up at rehearsals. Are you enjoying it still? You’re always so quiet I feel I need to check there’s nothing wrong. I have to hold the play together while there’s so much going on, so I apologise if I’m neglecting you or the other newbies. I never wanted to be a part of this. I tried to talk them out of doing it in the first place. But Mum lives for The Fairways, and it’s worth it just to see her back to her old self again onstage a couple of times a week. I wish Paige had a way to forget what’s going on, but she won’t let go. Dad is like a rock in a storm. The happiest of us all at the moment is Poppy, who sings her way through her chemo sessions and bounces back with a big smile on her face. The innocence of childhood. James
FROM: Isabel Beck
SUBJECT: Re: All My Sons
DATE: 19 May 2018 at 07:17
TO: James Hayward
Dear James, aw, how lovely of you to think about me. I love being in the play. It’s a bigger part than I had in Blithe Spirit, but I’m getting there. Sorry you’re having such a tough time. My bus passed The Grange today and I saw the banner for Poppy’s Ball tonight. Sarah-Jane has done so well to organise it in such a short time. And to raise all that money so quickly – everyone is on your side. You’ll soon have enough for Poppy’s treatment and all this will be behind you. Look forward to catching up with you later at the ball. Love Issy
FROM: James Hayward
SUBJECT: Re: All My Sons
DATE: 19 May 2018 at 17:26
TO: Isabel Beck
Olivia and I are not going. James
Messages sent from Isabel Beck to Samantha Greenwood and Kel Greenwood on 19 May 2018:
18:04 Isabel Beck wrote:
I’m at The Grange super-early to make sure we’re sitting together. They’re still setting up, so asked me to wait outside. You won’t believe this, but they’ve got an alcove the size of the sluice room at work full of pick-and-mix. Cola bottles, jelly snakes, fruit chews, fizzy strawberries, lollies . . . all FREE. This is so you know to bring a big bag. I’ve only got my clutch and that’s already full. I don’t suppose you’ve got a bigger handbag you could bring for me to borrow? I would be so grateful. See you soon xxx
18:16 Isabel Beck wrote:
Tony Zucchero just walked right past! Shiny pink suit, white fur trim and two-tone brogues – but smoking a roll-up, and I’m sure he dyes his hair, but still . . . The Haywards are inside having photos taken for the local news website. I saw Poppy with Paige and Glen. She’s such a little trouper you’d not think she was ill, if you didn’t know. She hasn’t lost her hair yet and that makes all the difference. Have you set off? Looking forward to showing you around the pick-and-mix. Joyce was here just now. She must be party to inside information, because she has two handbags. See you soon xxx
18:20 Isabel Beck wrote:
No. I’m looking at the entire table plan now and can’t see the doctor’s name anywhere. We are all sitting together, though, hurrah! See you very soon xxx
Poppy’s Ball
The official launch of
A Cure for Poppy
Welcome to a fun-filled evening of entertainment. Sit back and enjoy a glittering night of food, wine, music and dancing, while we fund life-saving treatment for two-year-old Poppy Reswick.
7 p.m.
BBC Radio 4’s Cameron Hilford welcomes us to The Grange
7.10 p.m.
First course – Goat’s cheese and fig salad
7.45 p.m.
Main course – Chicken Maryland
8.30 p.m.
Dr Tish Bhatoa, Consultant Clinical Oncologist at Mount More Hospital
8.45 p.m.
Dessert – Sticky toffee pudding
9.15 p.m.
Charity auction hosted by Cameron Hilford, followed by raffle draw
10 p.m.
Tony Zucchero’s Big Swing Band is onstage in the Horizon Room
1 a.m.
Carriages
Stella Cornwall’s String Quartet will play throughout dinner.
Message exchange between Sarah-Jane MacDonald and Kevin MacDonald on 19 May 2018:
21:50 Sarah-Jane wrote:
In the kitchen with Emma and a toffee-sauce crisis. We’re slightly behind with dessert. Please visit the little man by the bar who seems to be hawking wares from a suitcase, and let me know WTF he is doing.
22:16 Kevin wrote:
He’s with the band and is selling CDs.
22:17 Sarah-Jane wrote:
That’s not part of the agreement. This is a black-tie ball, not a pub gig. What did you do?
22:18 Kevin wrote:
Bought one for the car.
Item published in the Lockwood Gazette online 20 May and in print 25 May 2018:
£250,000 APPEAL FOR CANCER DRUG
A family has launched a £250,000 appeal to fund potentially life-saving treatment for their two-year-old daughter. Poppy Reswick was diagnosed with stage-two Medulloblastoma last month. This rare form of brain cancer usually has a low chance of survival, yet clinical trials in America have reportedly shown that a new drug can shrink its aggressive tumours. The appeal was launched on Saturday night with a gala dinner at The Grange Country Club in Upper Lockwood, where bandleader and local celebrity Tony Zucchero (pictured here with Poppy and Paige Reswick, alongside family friend Emma Crooks) helped promote the appeal. Poppy’s mother Paige said, ‘The drugs won’t be available here for many years, yet Poppy needs this life-saving treatment now. It’s a huge amount of money, but we will do anything to give her this chance. Anything.’ Donations can be made at: www.wefund.com/acureforpoppy
Message exchange between Sarah-Jane MacDonald and Barry Walford on 20 May 2018:
09:02 Barry wrote:
Can you remember who I hit?
09:05 Sarah-Jane wrote:
Your brother Nick.
09:08 Barry wrote:
Thank God.
FROM: Marianne Payne
SUBJECT: Thank you
DATE: 20 May 2018 at 12:09
TO: Martin Hayward
What a lovely evening, Martin. You did so well to organise it along with everything else you do, but it was Helen’s speech that moved us all to tears. My Karen was in floods and – he won’t admit it – even Mick shed a tear when she talked about the children’s cancer ward. Everyone was humbled. It was lovely to have a nice dinner and a few drinks, but Helen reminded us why we were really there. We hope and pray this has raised the money Poppy needs. All our love, Marianne and family
FROM: Isabel Beck
SUBJECT: Best night ever!
DATE: 20 May 2018 at 12:18
TO: Samantha Greenwood
My head! I know not to mix red wine with white, but didn’t realise mixing it with jelly snakes would give me such a terrible hangover. Thank you so much for bringing me a bag, and such a lovely one too. It’s beautifully decorated. Is it African? Are you sure you don’t mind if I keep it? I’ll make it my rehearsal bag. It fits my script, purse and water bottle perfectly – or it will, once I take the pick-and-mix out. Can’t face unpacking it yet . . . just thinking about the smell makes me heave. How are you two? I may feel like death warmed up now, but my goodness I loved every moment! It was one of the best nights of my life. Not even exaggerating. I’ve never danced like that. Tony Zucchero was amazing. What was he like to speak to? I’d have got his signed CD myself, but blew all my money on the ticket. Thanks for the lift home too. It looked as if the Walford boys were heading for another punch-up in the foyer, so I’d have waited ages for a cab.
Did Sarah-Jane say why the doctor wasn’t there? She may have been on call, like they said, but I wonder if she only agreed to attend out of sympathy and then cancelled at the last moment, never really intending to
come. In any case, Helen’s speech was way more moving than anything a doctor could ever say (meow).
Let’s hope they’ve raised the money. There were so many drunk business-type men there, it’s a distinct possibility. Who’d have thought a signed Lockwood Rovers football shirt would sell for over £800! My ex-friend Lauren – the one I warned you about – wanted it for her dad, but she was outbid. Luckily I managed to keep her away from you all night, phew! I’ll sort out the photo-booth pictures later and save some for you. That way we’ll all have some memories of the evening. Well, between the pick-and-mix, the free photographs and the bottles of wine Kel smuggled out under his coat, I think we can safely say we each got our £80 back. It was so good to see you outside work and get to know Kel a bit better. We should all go out together more often. I’m planning to spend today in bed, but will see you at work tomorrow. Lots of love, Issy xxx
Message exchange between Joyce Walford and Sarah-Jane MacDonald on 20 May 2018:
12:20 Joyce wrote:
I left a lilac cardigan on the back of my chair last night. Just pop it round as soon as you can.
12:24 Sarah-Jane wrote:
If it’s there, it’ll still be there Monday.
12:29 Joyce wrote:
But I don’t work at The Grange any more. I’ve retired, SJ. They were going to get rid of Magda, but she’s a single mum with two boys and I thought, well, I’m sixty-three and it’s time I had a rest – let my boys look after me for a change. Just bring the cardigan back whenever you can today.
FROM: Sarah-Jane MacDonald
SUBJECT: Re: Booking 19/05/18
DATE: 20 May 2018 at 13:00
TO: Nigel Crowley
Nigel, I didn’t speak to you last night, but understand one of your people was selling CDs. I have looked through our entire email correspondence and at no point was merchandising discussed, so I think we can safely say it was not part of our agreement. My objection is twofold. One: hawking goods from a suitcase made a stylish black-tie ball look cheap and amateurish. Two: people buying merchandise at such an event will assume their money is going towards the charity of the night, when it is not. This could be seen as fraud. Of course if I have totally misunderstood the situation, and you were indeed selling the items in aid of A Cure for Poppy, then it is different. If this is the case, then let me know how much was raised and when we can expect the donation.
Sarah-Jane MacDonald
FROM: Nigel Crowley
SUBJECT: Re: Booking 19/05/18
DATE: 20 May 2018 at 14:56
TO: Sarah-Jane MacDonald
That was my dad. I sign the CDs – he sells them. We always sell merchandise at our gigs, no matter what the event. It’s an important part of the guys’ income – even more important when they aren’t getting their usual fee. I don’t see the problem myself, but if you’re not happy, then don’t book us again. Best, Nigel
FROM: Martin Hayward
SUBJECT: Thank You
DATE: 20 May 2018 at 15:44
TO: Sarah-Jane MacDonald
Dear Sarah-Jane,
What can I say? On behalf of the Haywards and the Reswicks, thank you for doing an incredible job last night. We could never have organised such an event ourselves, and to know there are so many people out there supporting us makes the whole family feel less, well, isolated – for want of a better word. Surprising though it sounds, especially for a close family like ours, a cancer diagnosis does not necessarily bring people together. For each person who pledges support, there’s someone who will avoid you. We have learned who our friends are – and who they aren’t. Last night was humbling for us all.
We are so proud of Helen. I know I could never speak so eloquently about Poppy’s situation. Yet she didn’t even make notes. It was all from the heart. She really is our leading lady onstage and off. Thank you again, Sarah-Jane. We’ll catch up about the funds raised in due course, but I hope you can spend today resting and reflecting on what an extraordinary feat you achieved. Regards, Martin
FROM: Sarah-Jane MacDonald
SUBJECT: Re: Thank You
DATE: 20 May 2018 at 16:18
TO: Martin Hayward
Dear Martin,
I’m just pleased I can help and that I have the skills, experience and contacts. That’s not to say A Cure for Poppy wouldn’t benefit from a fundraising committee, but we’ll discuss that in the week, when my head is clearer and my eyeballs do not feel like sandpaper.
You will want to know the excellent news that Poppy’s Ball generated a heart-warming profit of £89,750 last night. One huge positive is that you own The Grange and everyone there respects you so much. I’ll admit it was touch-and-go in the kitchen at times, but both chefs and all the waiting staff were fully committed to the task and were so generous in giving their time and expertise. The major cost in any event like this is venue hire and catering, so it’s thanks to them that we really kicked our funds into the ballpark.
Most suppliers either waived their cost or worked on expenses only. The Candy Grotto and Photo-booth were provided free of charge by a very old friend and colleague of mine. The wine was also free, as the supplier is bidding for a big contract with Kevin’s company.
I’m furious that Tony Zucchero was selling CDs for his own profit. When I suggested he donate the money to the appeal, he basically told me where I should stick it. We could press the point that our guests assumed the money they paid him was for the appeal, and that what he did was technically fraud – let me know what you think. The only good thing that came of it was the idea to create a range of merchandise for Poppy’s appeal. We will need to get more creative as the campaign goes on. Again, let’s discuss.
I expect more donations to roll in over the next few days and will keep you posted. There’s an automatic reply set up on the email address, so we don’t become bogged down answering basic questions time and again. Please let me know how much you’ve received offline, so I can update the spreadsheet.
Sarah-Jane MacDonald
Message exchange between Sarah-Jane MacDonald and Emma Crooks on 20 May 2018:
16:47 Sarah-Jane wrote:
Thank you, thank you, thank you for your help last night. Can’t blame anyone, just sheer number of dishes. Adrenalin overload. Didn’t sleep all night and feel lousy now, but huge profit for the appeal, so worth it. Again, thank you.
16:59 Emma wrote:
Happy to help. When I got home, Woof had only disembowelled one cushion. Karmic payback.
FROM: Isabel Beck
SUBJECT: Re: All My Sons
DATE: 20 May 2018 at 17:14
TO: James Hayward
Hiya James,
Sorry, didn’t see your message before I left last night and I’m only just catching up on emails after being in bed for most of the day! You missed a classic night at Poppy’s Ball. What a shame you couldn’t make it. But of course Olivia would find it tough, and someone had to babysit Poppy after her photoshoot. My friends Sam and Kel had a wonderful time. They loved the free pick-and-mix. I hope someone remembered to get a bag for you. I’m spending today in bed, learning lines ready for rehearsals next week. See you then. Love Issy xxx
FROM: Paige Reswick
SUBJECT: thank you
DATE: 20 May 2018 at 17:29
TO: Beth Halliday
Dear Beth, thank you for babysitting Poppy last night. Right up to the last minute I was in two minds whether to stay home myself, but the ball was beautiful and I’m so glad I was there to see everyone come together to help Poppy. I hope your mum and dad aren’t too hungover today. Love Paige x
FROM: Beth Halliday
SUBJECT: Re: thank you
DATE: 20 May 2018 at 17:49
TO: Paige Reswick
Poppy was no trouble. She went down about nine-thirty and I revised until Glen dropped me home at one-thirty. Mum and Dad aren’t up yet, so they must have enjoyed it. Beth
FROM: Martin Hayward
SUBJECT: Re: Thank You
DAT
E: 20 May 2018 at 17:58
TO: Sarah-Jane MacDonald
Dear Sarah-Jane,
I suggest we forget the Tony Zucchero issue, frustrating as it is. Let’s not create bad feeling among those who’ve given their time and energy to help Poppy. Can I make you aware that The Grange will have to invoice A Cure for Poppy for venue hire and catering. Our stringent tax accountants will red-flag anything that has a negative cost. Regards, Martin
Message exchange between Sarah-Jane MacDonald and Martin Hayward on 20 May 2018:
18:05 Sarah-Jane wrote:
Of course. Invoice the appeal for £1. I find that wards off red flags.
18:12 Martin wrote:
The invoice will be for £20,000.
FROM: Lauren Malden
SUBJECT: So lovely to see you!
DATE: 20 May 2018 at 18:30
TO: Isabel Beck
Hello lovely! What a fantastic evening and sooo nice to see you again after so long. You looked gorgeous in your dress. You’ve lost weight too, well done. And who was that you were dancing with, madam? Got any news? I’m sorry I didn’t get to meet your new friend Sam – was that her in the blue? She looks nice. Gutted about the football shirt, but £850! There must have been some rich people there for sure. Helen’s speech . . . she was so heartfelt and articulate, but you could see Paige crying and poor Martin just holding it together. Let’s hope they’ve raised the money now. We must get together soon for a coffee and chat. Kiss kiss, L xx
FROM: Isabel Beck
SUBJECT: Re: So lovely to see you!
DATE: 20 May 2018 at 18:37
TO: Lauren Malden
Thanks. I was dancing with Kel, Sam’s husband, and only because she has plantar fasciitis from half-marathon training, so no news there. I think everyone enjoyed it and they must have raised quite a lot of money. Work is really busy at the moment, and then there’s the play, but maybe in a while.
The Appeal Page 5
