As many of you know (or for those of you who don’t), Bedford Wolf/Bedders (David) recently braved the elements of the North Sea to raise money for MacMillan Cancer Support.
David’s wife Julie sadly passed away in July following a long battle with breast cancer. MacMillan were a great support to Julie, David and his family during the last few months of her life, with Julie getting her wish and passing away at home surrounded by her loved ones.
Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 restrictions, David was unable to stay in Southwold, a place that means a great deal to the Sims’, for Christmas with his family, and participate in the annual Southwold Christmas Day swim in the sea.
Undeterred, David took the icy plunge in Suffolk on his own. We’re very proud of you mate. David has so far raised £3,390, just £110 short of his target. You can still donate here on JustGiving, where David will upload pictures and videos shortly.
He’d also appreciate any messages of support from the Wolves Blog community – I’m aware many of you know Bedders. In the week leading up to Christmas, David’s garage burnt down while he was out. Thankfully, no one was harmed, but Bedders lost a number of things in the fire, including his Wolves programme collection dating back to 1954. Sadly, nothing could be done to save them.
He’s had a tremendously tough year, but us at Bedford Wolves just wanted to reach out and let you know what was happening.
If you’d like us to pass any messages on to Bedders, please feel free to leave a comment below or get in touch with Paddy via daypatrick@hotmail.co.uk.
Gutted for the loss and suffering you have endured this year. Stay strong and keep your family close and, as time passes, it will get a bit easier.
Congratulations on the swim and fund raising – a superb effort!!
OODCL
I have thought about Bedford wolf often lately even though I haven’t actually met him ( apart from a quick handshake at Barnsley due to recognising brompton wolf)
I can’t imagine how tough a year it must have been but hopefully 2021 brings some happiness .
I chatted to my wife only this evening about how I wish I was a ‘keeper’ in the wolves programs department but unfortunately I’m a kind of roll em up, fold them, write a phone number on them infuriating kind of bloke and I have nothing but memories but if I wasn’t, I would happily send them as a small gesture.
Unfortunately though, all I can do is congratulate bedders for a fantastic effort ( speedos or not) and hope I can shake his hand again at the wolves one day
Utw
Thomas and Ben started this blog over ten years ago, for people World Wide to discuss all thing Wolverhampton Wanderers.
One of the unexpected bonuses has been the friendships made during that time, which would never have happened otherwise.
I now count on such friends as very important to me, and one of the best is Bedders, despite the fact I cannot ever remember him buying me a drink.
As with a lot of people with a lifelong common interest, we clicked instantly, and I now count the old bugger as a dear mate.
Many congrats on freezing your nuts off, Dave, for a wonderful cause.
Moves are afoot to help replace at least some of your program ( American spelling, not a typo) collection, hopefully to go someway to easing the pain and suffering of this year.
If you don’t feel like starting over, let me know asap, to save me the cost of a stamp, which will go towards the price of a beer next time we meet up.
Deepest sympathies for all that you’ve been through, keep your bloody chin up, old pal!
Bedders and I go back a fair few years now.
I think we bonded mainly over our mutual love for Dangerous Dave Edwards.
(Sorry mate, couldn’t resist it.)
I know what a pile of shit he’s gone through over that time and there are no words that can go anywhere near to easing the pain.
Suffice to say that he has the sympathy and support of theDOOGooder crew and I’ve already pledged to give him a large stiff one when we meet again. (A lot of people would pay good money for a promise like that).
Keep strong mate, I hope you’ve thawed out after your swim and can face the World with renewed strength – and a hot water bottle.
Love from Mark and Sue.
All I can say is that we cannot change the past but we can cherish the memories forever. What we can do however, is say goodbye to the horrible year 2020, and look forward to 2021 with cautious optimism..
Although many of us have not met you, we are all one in expressing our sympathies. Stay strong and hopefully your pain will recede a little with time.
I can’t think of a more humble man than you bedders.
You confided in me with the fire and also sent me a video of your swim (nuts frozen) early morning in Southwold.
What I found most tear jerking was that you had the determination to go ahead and do it for Julie… it wasn’t your tears that wrecked me but your single mindedness to fulfil your pledge to brave those oh so cold waters of the North Sea… and for the memory of your wonderful lady.
The fire in the garage was just shit mate… but believe me .. there are many of us determined to right the injustice’s of 2020…
Love from the Twixes…xxx
I don’t really know Bedford. Probably met him briefly once at an end of season beer fest. It certainly sounds like it has been a tough year. But remember our moto. OUT OF DARKNESS COMETH LIGHT. And it will come again. All the best to you mate.
So sorry to read about your garage fire, Dave. Truly, a year to forget for us – but doubly so for you.
Totally in awe of your determination and courage to carry on with the swim on Christmas morning. Julie would have been so proud.
Take care, mate.
Dougie and Barbara
Sorry to hear about the fire David, you certainly had it tougher than most this year, stay strong and remember “Out of Darkness”.
Wolves Ay We
Dave, your target has been reached.
I know a few friends that have been supported by MacMillan and they have nothing but praise for the help they provide, a fantastic charity.
It’s been a bad year for many of us Dave, but you’ve taken it to a new level. It shows your character that you’ve held firm and fulfilled your pledge in the icy North Sea. All thoughts are with you and may your inner strength be rewarded with better, brighter times this coming year. Hopefully including a return to your beloved Molineux before too long.
Dave
Don’t have the right words mate, Its 15 months since I lost Diane. Irreplaceable woman and I expect Julie just so.
Hopefully by end May we will have the chance to meet again at Bloggers Ball.
Meantime please send me your address and I will send you a motley collection of old programmes that you may value more than me. Also if you are still short of your target let me know and I will cover it.
OODCL
brianchad29@gmail.com
Stay strong soldier. Respect.
A dreadful year for you comes to a close Dave. Wishing you a far far better 2021.
We are ready with our shovels to clear up if required.
Well done with the swim and the money you have raised for a very worthwhile cause. You must have been queuing at the welders afterwards along with the brass monkeys.
Hopefully we will all be able to board the train again to Wolverhampton for the match sometime next year.
See you soon.
Many Thanks for scripting the write up Paddy.
Bedfordshire Old Gold
BOG
So sorry to learn of your annus horribilis Bedders.
Great effort given the recent circumstances Mate.
Wonderful charity that needs our support.
Take care.
UTW!