The Order of St John United Kingdom Award for Organ Donation

On 18th October 2017 we attended an Award ceremony in Bristol, where we were presented with the Order of St John Award for Organ Donation, to recognise the important gift that William made by donating his organs for the purpose of transplantation following his death, to save the life of others.

On the left of the photo is Brian Tierney, the nurse from the South West Organ Donation Team, who attended to us in Southmead Hospital from the start of the transplantation process, and who was with William throughout.

See www.orderofstjohn.org for further information about the Award.

Brian Tierney, Her Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant, Mrs Peaches Golding OBE, with Will's sister Charlotte, and his Mum and Dad, Lesa and Paul

Kevin and the Destroyers raise £150

It was a great gig at the Pilton Working Mens Club on Saturday 12th August and a massive thank you to the boys for raising a total of £150 for the William Cross Foundation on the night!

Kevin and the Destroyers

William Cross Prize for Politics

Following William’s tragic and untimely death on 28th May 2016, his parents Paul and Lesa Cross established the William Cross Prize for Politics, to be awarded annually to a Sixth Form student at Kingswood School.

The first winner of the Prize (together with a book token), at the Kingswood School Annual Prize-giving on Friday 7th July, was Jasper Davis.  The citation below was read out before the Prize was awarded:

The William Cross Prize for Politics
This prize is awarded in memory of William Cross, who tragically passed away in May of last year.  William was passionate about Politics, his interest extending far beyond the classroom to involvement in local campaigns and political activism.  He was a student of deeply held convictions and someone who was unafraid to stand up for what he believed in, even when that meant challenging the majority view.  In recognition of these qualities, William’s parents have decided to donate a prize to be awarded annually to a student whose ideals have led them to take an active role in the wider community beyond Kingswood, and whose actions stand as an example of what young people can contribute to the world of politics. 

Cardiff University Drama Society - "Staging a coup" raise £263.83!

Emma Lewis and her friends at Cardiff University Drama Society have raised £263.83 through a charity evening called 'Staging a coup', which presents a series of short plays.  Thank you!

The money raised on the door gets donated to a charity of the committee's choice and Emma put forward our foundation.  Emma was two years above Will at Kingswood, and was friends with him through choir.

The importance of Intellectual Property and Copyright

Will was mature beyond his years and was aware of the need as a musician to protect his work.  At the age of 13 he asked me (his Dad) if we could ensure that there was a record of some of his compositions.  We lodged a CD of his songs with a local bank...

Yesterday, I collected the CD.

William Cross Foundation Launch Gig Update!

Paul, Lesa, Charlotte and Natalie would like to say a huge thank you to everyone that made the gig last week such a success.  From the bands (and their parents) that so generously gave their time and expertise for free, to the Chapel Arts Centre for providing the venue, to Jeni Meade for her photography skills, and last, but not least, to all of you that attended for supporting us and making the evening such a memorable and special time!

The total amount raised from ticket sales, t-shirt and merchandise sales, and of course, We're Jammin' marmalades and preserves, was £3055. Wow!