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Thank-you
By Matt Pitman
Thursday 3rd November 2005
DAVE Waterman today thanked fundraisers who have raised more
than £60,000 in memory of his late son Oakley.
The Terras defender launched an appeal to buy a respite caravan
for cancer victims after the brave six-year-old lost a long
battle with the disease in August.
The former Portsmouth and Oxford United star has now returned
to training at the Wessex Stadium, although a groin injury
is hampering his progress.
He told Echosport: "It's been a difficult few months
for my wife Lorraine and I but we're doing the best we can
to bear up.
"I doubt we'll ever fully get over losing Oakley, as
a parent I'm not sure you can, and at the moment we're just
taking life day by day.
"Oakley battled with cancer for three years and during
that time you look at life differently.
"One of the biggest comforts has been all the support
we've received from friends, family and my football colleagues."
Top sporting stars united to pay tribute to Oakley after
hearing of his plight.
Australian cricketer Shane Warne wore a black armband during
an Ashes Test last summer while Chelsea captain John Terry,
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson and skipper Roy Keane
donated memorabilia to the appeal.
Waterman said: "The trust in Oakley's name and memory
has really given us something to strive for.
"He told us he wanted to help other youngsters going
through a similar experience and we're determined to make
that a reality.
"Many Weymouth supporters, as well of countless people
at other clubs, supported the appeal to buy the caravan where
Oakley spent some respite time and I can't thank them enough.
"We're working with the charity CLIC Sargent and at
the moment we're at the stage where the creation of the trust
is being considered by the income tax people.
"The funds we have left over will be spent on the upkeep,
maintenance and insurance of the caravan which is based in
Chichester.
"The caravan should last between 10 and 15 years and
there will be a replacement programme built into the fund.
We want to continue raising funds because this is not a one-off."
Waterman returned to action with a 45-minute run-out in a
bet closed-doors friendly with Exetr City earlier this week.
"It's nice to be playing fool again and everyone at
the club been tremendously supportive," he said.
"The manager Garry Hill kept touch while I was away
with Oakley and I'm thankful for that. "But while I'm
glad to put boots on again, it's also a bit frustrating because
I've got a groin injury which I can't seem to shrug off.
"I'm just hoping to do that soon and then be in contention
for team selection."
Waterman is backing his team mates to do well at Nottingham
Forest on Saturday.
"The boys have done fantastic the cup so far and it
would be brilliant if they can get a result there," he
said.
"I've been fortunate enough have played at the City
Ground the past, it's a tremendous venue and hopefully it
will bring the out in the team."
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