Judo Community Unites for Jamie MacDonald Charity Tournament
Judoka from across the country came together to raise £1,148.57 for “The Brain Tumour Charity” in the name of Jamie MacDonald, after the Welsh Commonwealth judoka was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour.
Jamie MacDonald was diagnosed with diagnosed with a Grade 3 astrocytoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer
Event Organiser Simon Goodman, 43, met Jamie, aged just 26, at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow back in 2014. Two years ago Jamie was told he has three to five years to live, but has refused to give up hope.
After finding out about Jamie’s diagnosis, Simon contacted Jamie and asked what he could do to help. He had been following Jamie’s journey through his blog over the past couple of years and decided to hold a charity judo tournament to raise money for the charity of Jamie’s choice – The Brain Tumour Charity.
“I thought I’d do a judo tournament because it will get people involved and also it will raise awareness and everyone can have a good day, but also raise money for charity.” Simon explained.
Over 170 judoka participated on the day across Pre-Cadet, Cadet, Senior and Masters competitions with over 200 spectators roaring them on throughout the day.
As well as the tournament, a raffle and auction were held to assist with the fundraising efforts on the day. A jersey signed by the Rio 2016 Olympic Team GB Judo squad raised the most at auction with a bid of £200.00. Other prizes on offer included a judogi donated by Welsh judoka Natalie Powell, various Commonwealth Games memorabilia.
Simon is now looking to make the tournament an annual event with the hope of raising even more money for a worthy cause.
“People have been asking me “When will the next tournament be?”, which itself is the best kind of feedback I could have hoped for”.
