‘United for Jon’ fundraising night set for 31st May, as friends and neighbours step up to raise support for Gillingham dad Jon Over
Friends and neighbours across North Dorset and Somerset are coming together this month to support Jon Over, a former Royal Navy engineer and father-of-two who was recently diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
During his 23-year service in the Royal Navy, Jon was primarily based at Yeovilton air station, serving with 815 and 825 Naval Air Squadrons. He began by maintaining Lynx helicopters and later worked on the Wildcat.
Before leaving the Navy as a chief petty officer, he was a staunch fundraiser and key member of many Fleet Air Arm and Navy sports teams, including rugby, tennis, cricket, golf and athletics.
‘Jon’s someone who has always been willing to give back,’ said his friend, Chief Petty Officer Dan ‘Whisky’ Walker.
Jon and his family had only just moved into their dream home in Gillingham when they received the devastating diagnosis. With a prognosis of just one to three years, friends are rallying to raise funds that will allow Jon to create precious memories with his wife, Marie, and their two daughters – and help safeguard their family home.
A team effort
Jon’s supporters are running the Brighton Marathon, climbing Lake District peaks, attempting a cross-Channel swim and organising a golf day – all to top up the fund that has already raised more than £17,000 via a JustGiving page created by Jon’s close friend, Daniel: ‘I’ve had the privilege of calling Jon my friend for almost 20 years. He’s truly selfless, and has done so much for others – he’s kind, compassionate, and always there when you need him.’
The Fleet Air Arm community at Yeovilton has also rallied to support Jon, with various fundraising initiatives underway. Jon’s football friends, Adam Vincent and Greg Hissey, have also organised a charity fundraising night, United for Jon, at Wincanton Sports Ground on Saturday 31st May. ‘Jon’s known for his kindness and unwavering support for others,’ says Greg. ‘He and Marie recently moved into their dream home in Gillingham and are now faced with potentially losing it – which we want to help prevent. The fundraising night will include a DJ, dancing, raffle, silent auction*, and a pizza van for hungry revellers.
With no cure for MND, the community’s support is making a very real difference. Every ticket sold and every donation made helps ease the burden for a family facing the unthinkable.
United for Jon
Dress to impress!
(over 18s only) Wincanton Sports Ground
Saturday 31st May
7pm to 11.30pm
Tickets are £22.38 (including a welcome drink) available via Eventbrite.
If you can help with donations of raffle and auction prizes, please contact Greg on
hissey9@hotmail.com
You can donate to the JustGiving page for Jon here
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