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Post by grant on May 22, 2008 13:59:30 GMT
Hello everyone First and formost, I would like to thank everyone who has sent me birthday wishes via PM or Email, they are very much appreciated and your warmth and friendship valued greatly. My reason for starting this thread is, as some of you already know, because my special day has been inspired by, and is dedicated to, our special girl, our Hayley! I won't go into detail now but, once it all unfolds, I'll tell you the full story and its results.  Sorry to keep you in suspense but you will know by now that that is something I'm quite good at.  Very best wishes Grant |
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Post by Stephany on May 22, 2008 15:02:02 GMT
I won't go into detail now but, once it all unfolds, I'll tell you the full story and its results. OK -- I'm very intrigued now! You've got my full attention. Any clue? Happy 60th Birthday again Dear Friend, Love,  Stephany |
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Post by Umbobo on May 22, 2008 18:54:27 GMT
Happy Birthday Grant!
I Wish you all the Best!
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Post by Andrew on May 22, 2008 19:55:09 GMT
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Post by gra7890 on May 22, 2008 20:43:40 GMT
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Steve H
Global Moderator
HWI Management Team / Official Site Photographer & Videographer
Posts: 1,756
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Post by Steve H on May 22, 2008 20:47:38 GMT
Happy Birthday Grant! Hope you had a great day!
Steve |
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Post by thomas on May 22, 2008 21:18:03 GMT
Sorry to keep you in suspense but you will know by now that that is something I'm quite good at. That's very true, Grant! i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gif I can't wait for your story.  Enjoy your birthday!  Thomas |
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Post by Paddy on May 22, 2008 22:12:09 GMT
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Post by david on May 22, 2008 23:50:34 GMT
HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANT!!!Hope you've had a great day! Thanks for all your contributions to the forum, looking forward to many more in future! Best wishes David 
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Post by graemek on May 23, 2008 0:17:19 GMT
Hi Grant, Here's a chance to quote one of my favourite Psalms.  Have a great day, love Graeme & Marianne. |
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Post by grant on May 23, 2008 0:20:33 GMT
Hello everyone Just to let you all know that I had an absolutely fantastic day - continually being drawn back to the forum to read the many great birthday messages I received. You really are a great bunch of people. Thank you also for the more recent messages (and images!) posted on this thread. Tonight was amazing. Dinner with my closest friends and a special toast to Hayley's Playpumps scheme with iced water, (there's a bit of a clue there ) exceeded my wildest dreams. The full story tomorrow! Night night Grant |
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Joe
Administrator
Supporting Hayley since 2003!
Posts: 6,715 
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Post by Joe on May 23, 2008 1:29:28 GMT
Hello Grant,   Glad to hear you had a wonderful day. I trust your story will be the icing on the cake! Warm regards, Joe |
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Post by Stephany on May 23, 2008 5:32:11 GMT
...and a special toast to Hayley's Playpumps scheme with iced water, (there's a bit of a clue there ) exceeded my wildest dreams. Ha! I remember now, you told me about it at the Classical Brits. Apparently all went pretty well  I look forward to hearing more about it! Love, Stephany x |
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Post by grant on May 23, 2008 11:51:24 GMT
...and a special toast to Hayley's Playpumps scheme with iced water, (there's a bit of a clue there ) exceeded my wildest dreams. Ha! I remember now, you told me about it at the Classical Brits. Apparently all went pretty well I look forward to hearing more about it! Love, Stephany x I thought I'd mentioned it to you at some point Stephany. So, hello again Stephany and everyone. The seeds of an idea were planted during the time we were considering what, if anything, we could do to celebrate Hayley's 21st birthday. Should we get her a nice present? What would she like? But, it seems, Hayley rarely thinks of herself prefering to divert attention to one of her UNICEF projects. The basic outline of how my special day would go had been planned since January and I knew that I would be spending the evening at dinner with my closest and oldest friends. That in itself would be very special. My attention turned to gifts nobody had said anything and I remembered past events where the host had requested donations to a favoured charity. The next bit was easy; James had already asked Hayley at Southampton before Christmas, which of her UNICEF projects she would prefer us to support and she had chosen Playpumps, so that would be my choice also. Somehow though, that didn't seem enough, but what more could I do? Well, I thought about that and came up with the perfect answer. I would match £ for £ whatever my guests gave. That way, I would also be doing my bit for Playpumps. A carefully worded invitation explaining my wishes, along with some descriptive text was sent to my prospective guests. A few days later we were in Buxton celebrating Hayley's 21st and I managed to explain to her what I was planning. Hayley was very supportive which pleased me greatly. I have been very excited about how last night would eventually turn out. People can be very funny about charitable giving - we each have our own ideas and, although every one of my guests is aware of my feelings towards Hayley, I was a little unsure of how they would react. Well, I guess I should have had a little more faith because their generosity was outstanding. When I got home and opened up all the donations, I had an amazing £175!! With my matching donation that doubles to £350 or a little less than NZ$900 and NZ$900 is the amount that I donated on line this morning! There are several reasons I felt I had to share this with you all. The whole experience has given my special day far more meaning than it would ever have had if I had been showered with gifts and, at the same time, there are a dozen more people aware of the suffering in less fortunate parts of the world. Most of whom, incidentally, are now looking forward to seeing Hayley in concert sometime soon. The main reason though, is because of Hayley herself. I'm still not sure how she does it, but she does have an amazing ability to inspire, in such an amazing way, those whose life she touches. Before I knew Hayley, I would cross the street to avoid charity collectors, yet two and a half years on, I'm forgoing the chance of armfuls of presents for the benefit of people less fortunate than I, and I have to say, it's an amazing feeling. So Hayley, thank you for everything you do and for your inspirational nature and for your love for those less fortunate than us. And thank you from the bottom of my heart for the gift of compassion that I have learned through knowing you. Best wishes Grant |
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Post by gra7890 on May 23, 2008 12:00:47 GMT
Well done Grant, A very worthwhile thing to organise and do You also have some great friends. I am sure Hayley will be proud of your efforts and I add my congratulations. With Very Best Wishes, Graham |
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