Sponsored silence
01 October 2007
Clare Shepherd has managed to raise a staggering £1454.50 as a result of her sponsored silence. Dave and Esme, Rose's parents, said:
"We would like to say a huge 'thank you' to to Clare. Her dedication and enthusiasm is just inspiring. She alone has raised 10% of the total needed to send Rose to Florida. We would of course like to thank everyone that sponsored Clare, we are very grateful to them all and without them it couldn't have happened."
Talking about her experience of completing the sponsored silence, Clare said:
"I woke at 7:30 to the buzzing of the alarm clock. I sat up in bed and had a panic attack when I realised that I have only one hour left before I have to remain totally silent. I hadn't slept too well worrying about the day ahead, and thinking how important this was to Rose's parents.
"After breakfast, I sorted out the kids then put on my t-shirt and gag. Once the gag was on I felt very emotional about what I was doing, if I fail not only am I letting myself down, but a little girl who is counting on me. Also knowing I had at this point raised over £1300 made the pressure worse
"As I arrived at school with my two children and husband Mick, who has been great with all his support. Olivia's friends had a good laugh and I also got a few more sponsors. Must say this is not as bad as I though it would be!
"Then it was on to work at the golf club, had a great reception with more new sponsors and a photo with the exercise class. At 11:30 Mick and I came home and went straight out for a run, we must be mad as it was raining!
"As I sat for my lunch at 1 o'clock, I added my sponsors up to £1429.50. I am so proud of myself and very grateful to everybody who has helped me raise this. It has given me a great sense of achievement by helping someone special, as well as making people smile and laugh while I feel like crying. Mick was looking forward to it, but I think that actually is bored without my chat, wit and humour!
"At 2pm Esme and Sharon came around for coffee and to have a laugh. I realised how much I'm using my own kind of sign language, and how people who can't talk must find this so useful. I actually think I'd like to learn it after my experience today, and maybe work with Rose a bit would be good too.
"The kids came home from school, Joshua couldn't understand why I was quiet, but Olivia enjoyed writing notes to me. For some strange reason my jaw is aching, maybe I'm too used to talking all day.
"The last ten minutes really dragged, couldn't wait for 5 o'clock so I could talk and get on the phone. BT and O2 must have thought I'd lost my phone!
"To conclude, I'm very proud of myself for firstly raising so much money, and also for keeping my mouth shut. It's let me see what it's like to live in Rose's world for a day. I can't begin to tell you how hard it is to carry on as normal. Let's all hope and pray that the therapy in the US does the trick and gets Rose speaking."
Clare and friends
Clare and Sharon
Clare at 4.55pm
Clare at 5pm