JIM AND JAZZ BEGIN THEIR FUNDRAISING JOURNEY
Ian Fortune
Jim Costine is giving something back.
It was a few months ago when Jim first got in contact to bounce a few ideas around. He had a well-bred puppy named Ballymac Jazz and was willing to run him in aid of a good cause when he finally hit the track.
His idea was that every euro Jazz won would go to charity, while also planning a big fundraiser to further increase donations towards a great cause. Well, the time is now. Jim has set up a Go Fund Me page where he told his own story.
It was back in 2015 when he was diagnosed with a Synovial Sarcoma on his upper left arm. He received chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery as part of his treatment plan and has continued to suffer from chronic pain ever since.
Jim states that training his own few greyhounds to be extremely beneficial to both his mental and physical health. He has always wanted to give back to the Irish Cancer Society and has decided to do something about it.
Between the earnings off Ballymac Jazz, a fundraiser a year from now and donations, he is hoping to raise a substantial amount of money, of which ninety percent will go to the Irish Cancer Society with the remaining ten percent going to the Irish Retired Greyhound Trust.
And so, it all gets underway at Youghal this evening. Speaking on his Dillinger Kennels Facebook page, Jim said the following.
“Finally, the time has come for this fine animal to start his fundraising adventure!!!
Ballymac Jazz (Scooby doo) is racing tomorrow (Monday 17th of October) from Trap5 in the opening race in Youghal @ 6.05pm.
Home safe & sound no matter the result!
As always in greyhound racing the health and welfare of Scooby doo is priority!!
Running with 100% of his prize money being donated, the Irish Cancer Society (90%) & Irish Retired Greyhound Trust (10%).
This dog belongs to everyone that has been affected by cancer to follow & support!
He is being looked after by 2 veterinary clinics and has his forever home here with me for when his racing career is over.
The generosity of the core of greyhound racing people has been great in supporting this idea.
The original intention is that he will run for 12months and finish the year off with a benefit night and try to raise around €30,000 between the benefit night and donations to a go fund me page that people can donate too.
Ballymac Jazz (pet name Scooby Doo) is the mascot for the fundraiser and a reminder of the Go Fund Me page for people to donate.
All prize money and donations will be added to the Go Fund Me page as we go along.
All donations big and small are welcome!”
We wish Jim and Ballymac Jazz the very best of luck in the coming weeks, months and years. It’s a tremendous initiative rom Jim and we fully support his efforts. If you wish to donate, and I would urge you to do so, the link to his Go Fun Me Page is: https://gofund.me/9b768d4b