John and Tracys Speech The Josh Evans Trust Fund Ball 20th June 2026
Tracy’s words
Good evening everybody it is my honour to speak to you first tonight John willfollow me you have already heard tonight about the work The Turst Fund does from my fellow Trusteesbut epseically tonight I like to thank Honor for telling her story and giving you a personal prespective of what the Turst Fund has done for her and life as a Diabetic .
I think you would all agree with me she was brilliant and tonight I want to do something different some people and others don’t !
Lets thank the fundraisers especially in the last 2 years since we last met in this marquee. Stand up…
- Kate Gingell
- Neil Berryman
- North Petheton Gym
- Freya Avis Salter
- Joey Redman
- Jess Satchell
Sam Hyslop who only did a mere 100km challenge last week one of Josh friends he always said Mum Sam will go far in his life.
I cannot forgot my Journeying for Josh Challenge my own challenge with my life itme friends so stand up Karen Triggs the only person I know who as soon as she finished walking could just drop off to sleep and my other wonderful friends Liz Truman and Wendy Enticott who cant be here tonight what a trip we had and made life time memories.
- Trucks at J24 What a generous donation they have give us tonight.
- All crafters and traders at various events
My wonderful Niece, Rachel who works behind the scenes tirelessly for us and makes my ideas turn into something beautiful,such finishing touches too. Keeping us on track and even felt like tucking John into bed a couple of times ha!ha! And it goes on!
- All our sponsors
- Fellow Trustees
- Harley Brown how does he put up with me
- Teresa Evans
- Sharon and Gary Sweet
- North Petherton Rugby Club
- Food 4U Dawn Keith and Georgia
- Jazzy Jeff ,Pete Borsay ,Hundred Faces
- Sam Willians
- Steve Mutters
- Brian and Sue Priddle ,Lousie and Rich Davies,Graham Culverwell,Laura Evans
- Somerset Foundation Trust Childresn Diabetes Team
- MMES Mike Morgan and his team especially Kevin and Keiran
- Ramblers Carnival Club
- All the Wonderful raffle prize donations too many people to mention.
At this time I want you all to look at the back of the menu card, Friends Reunited!
I want to pay tribute to our laste trustee Robin Williams a courgeous brave young man lost too soon in our eyes but gave so much ! Can we have a round of applause!
I myself have had a tough year and makes you realise the importance of being kind! This small charity grows and continues ot help many children please read the quotes on your tables they are heartfelt. At times this year I didnt think we would even be in this tent but yet again you proved me wrong time for celebrating and partying. I am now handing over to John
John’s words
This is the 8th time I have stood up and spoken to you all at the Josh Evans Turst Fund Ball it will be 18 years this October that we lost Josh .
They say that time heals I can tell you all it’s a lie I live that day at least once a day every day they say life is a book unfortunately my son only got 2 chapters so we only had a beginning we never got to the end. But nights like tonight I can tell his story what a legacy you have built with us. We are truly blessed with the support of so many tonight looking around this room there are people who have been there right from the start or people who have joined us along the way. I cannot thank them enough unsung heroes and also people that will give me a hug when I am not ok! They know who they are . Your loyalty ,friendship,generosisty,love have carried us in our toughest times of which we are forever grateful We see this room as a community and thank you for keeping our precious son Josh’s memory alive. Josh taught us the importance of friendship in his short life. We thank you all !
This speech is Tracy and Johns word’s no ChatGPT! If we missed you out please forgive us as this is always a very emotional night for us both.
