Each week we are celebrating the work of our amazing “Judo Heroes” – members who are currently working and volunteering across the country during the global Covid-19 pandemic.

There are a number of fantastic initiatives being carried out throughout Great Britain and we would like to celebrate the work of our members currently involved in these projects. Each week we will profile a range of work from our “judo heroes”.

If you know of a member who is currently working within their local community, fundraising or going above and beyond to help those isolated, please nominate them to become one of our “Judo Heroes” whereby we will profile their work.

We have, once again, received a number of great nominations, here is our three nominees from this week:

14 year old daughter Grace of Chalfont Judokwai, or Amazing Grace as she is more appropriately known, was diagnosed with a rare form of brain tumour in July 2018. Since her diagnosis, Grace has undergone two gruelling years of treatment and chemotherapy.

However, time is running out. Grace’s cancer is inoperable and her oncologist has said she needs specialist drugs. They are  currently waiting to see if the NHS will supply them but Grace needs this treatment now.

They really need your help! 

When Grace was first diagnosed with cancer, she said she wanted to show people not be scared of cancer, but to fight it and lead a normal life. During her treatment, Grace continues to inspire countless others with her determination, optimism and cheerfulness. From throwing herself into judo, attending air cadets and dance classes, learning to sail and to ride a horse and donating her hair to other cancer patients; despite her illness, our amazing Grace never gives up. She has also won a number of awards for her bravery.

To date, the family have raised £16,700 but are some way away from their £36,000 target so that they can get Grace treated now with Everolimus, a targeted drug which gives her the best chance to fight her cancer and live a normal life. If Everolimus is not successful a further £55,000 will be required for Dendrick Cell Vaccination.

You can donate to support Grace’s journey via their GoFundMe page by clicking here

Burnley Judo Club’s Quintin Reid is currently undertaking the RAF’s Hurricane 80k Challenge to mark 80 years since the Battle of Britain took place in our skies.

The Challenge consists of walking, running, jogging, swimming or biking 80k in 80 days. Beginning on 21st April, Quintin will have until the 10th July (the start of the Battle of Britain) to complete it. The Challenge is fundraising for the RAF Museum to to enable them to continue telling the story of the RAF and the thousands of service men and women who served in it.

Quintin was inspired to participate in his challenge after learning of his Great Grandad’s involvement in the Battle.

He has had loads of messages of support from across the judo community so far and with 45k completed so far, he is well on track to smash the challenge as well as topping his initial fundraising target of £80.00 (currently standing at £152.00 of money raised to date).

We are all behind you Quintin!

You can donate to Quintin’s Challenge via his JustGiving page by clicking here

Laura Plumridge of High Wycombe Judo Club and Chair of the University of Portsmouth, has been fighting hard to save lives on a daily basis

As a Cardiologist in her local hospital before Covid -19 and now she’s fighting even harder to help saves lives whilst risking her own she’s our hero!

Laura, we salute you! Keep up the great work!

IF YOU KNOW OF ANY OTHER MEMBERS CURRENTLY WORKING AND/OR VOLUNTEERING IN THE COMMUNITY, PLEASE NOMINATE THEM AS A “JUDO HERO” BY CLICKING HERE