The Gerry Doughty Appeal

[Pocket Lady]

Posted on behalf of Psycho Dave and AWOP

The Gerry Doughty Appeal Recent pic of Verity and Beth Jerry's two daughters with Jerry himself Over the past three months as some of you may be aware one of our regular players, Gerry “The Bib” Doughty has been missing from the poker scene in our local community. Not unusual in itself, but in this circumstance as some of you may be aware Gerry has not been keeping good health. Following a small accident while attending a family wedding in Birmingham where he bumped the side of his head getting into a car after the church ceremony, he had a series of episodes:- dizziness, headaches, memory loss etc. Following a number of tests his doctors diagnosed bleeding on the brain and treated the condition accordingly with medication. After a few weeks Gerry improved to such a degree that he came back into the poker scene and attended “Nice Dave” Mayall’s birthday celebration with his partner Janice. He also attended a few tournaments at both the Grosvenor and Castle casinos and came to the Dealers Choice cash game at the AWOP Mansion on a couple of occasions and seemed to be improving although not his former self. Shortly afterwards Gerry suffered a seizure at home and was admitted to hospital. After a further series of tests Gerry was diagnosed with a Brain Tumor. Not only that but his family had to contend with the fact they were told that it was inoperable and chances of survival were not good. Following treatment Gerry was released to the care of his family and shortly afterwards had a further seizure and was re-admitted to Blackburn Infirmary. On further examination the specialists advised the family to prepare for the worst. Gerry had lost his speech and had suffered paralysis to his right side. Gerry was transferred to Christies Hospital in Manchester days later to undergo high level radio therapy treatment. The family were kind enough to keep us informed as much as possible while they had to deal with the reality of what was happening and for that we thank them. It is difficult to imagine the turmoil, emotion and helplessness of the situation. As his friends and colleagues it was also extremely frustrating simply because we were helpless at such a difficult time and could do nothing to ease or support the situation or indeed Gerry’s family. However, on Saturday the family at long last got amazing news. Gerry has responded incredibly well to the radio therapy treatment... to such a degree that the doctors have given him a 50% chance of survival. Not only that but it has given us all the opportunity to support and help Gerry in his fight for life. After the treatment is finished, which will be on Monday 16th February, Gerry will be allowed either to go into a Care Home or if the family can provide 24 hour care he will be able to go “Home” Home. This care, even given the family’s unending support, will be expensive and this is where we can show our community spirit. Given the choice I am sure everyone would agree that his spirits, moral, comfort and his willingness to keep fighting will be lifted if he can have the necessary care at home with his family around him. To that end we are launching the Gerry Doughty Appeal Fund to raise money for Gerry’s care during this recovery period. Initially this will extend to 6 weeks of care by which time the overall effects of the treatment will become clear. The target for the Appeal Fund is £10,000 Any excess or balance from the Appeal will be donated to Christies Hospital in Manchester who have given us hope! THE APPEAL On Friday the 27th February 2009 Blackpool "G" casino have agreed to provide a full Carvery Meal in their Restuarant between 6pm and 7pm At £10 per head all contributions will go to the Fund. Hopefully not only will all players attend this but will bring their partners along and make a night of it to show their support. The casino will be more than happy to cater for as many as possible to raise money for the Appeal In addition we ask all poker players participating in the Tournament that evening to contribute 50% of their entries to the Fund with the other 50% going to the prize pool. Other fund raising activities will be available on the night. Following on from that we will also have a £30 Freezeout Special Appeal Tournament on Sunday March 1st ...Starting at 12 noon the Castle have also agreed to provide a Carvery lunch at £10 followed by the Tournament starting at 1pm. The format and contribution to the appeal fund will be exactly the same. We feel this gives everyone the opportunity to contribute to The Appeal at a level they can afford. “Mad” Marty Wilson, as a fellow Brummie from Gerry’s home town, has agreed to donate a Chip Set personally signed by the one and only Phil Hellmuth and a cricket bat signed by Shane Warne. These are prized possessions of Marty’s but he has willingly donated them to The Appeal. Gerry has been one of the stalwarts in poker for a very long time. A strong character with a big heart and a big personality to go with it. His life is his family, to such a degree he runs a family business with his two daughters Verity and Bethany, both poker players, and the bond between them is enviable. To be given the opportunity to support them, and the extended family, through this difficult time is an honour and we ask for your help in providing Gerry with the care he is going to need in the weeks ahead.

Videos explaining everything: http://www.thenutz.tv/videodetail.php?video_id=68856 http://www.thenutz.tv/videodetail.php?video_id=68873

[Pocket Lady]

Re: The Gerry Doughty Appeal Wishing Gerry and the family all the best of health. xxx The Friday tournament at the G casino looks as though it will be storming. With the £10 carvery that is going to be a great night out, there will be additional fundraising during the evening - so here's to a successful evening. If you can't make it then maybe the following Sunday March 1st lunchtime at 12pm for the £10 carvery at the Castle Casino plus the £30 Freezeout Special Appeal Tournament. A great weekends poker with great company and for a worthwhile cause. :clap