One & Other

265

This is a live webstream that may contain offensive content. The actions/opinions featured are the participants', and are not endorsed by Artichoke or Sky Arts.

About me My story

Saturday the 26th September – 3am

As an admirer of Anthony Gormley’s work I knew I wanted to be part of this project and am thrilled to have been accepted.

I also knew that I wanted to use the time to talk about my son Tom. Tom was a wonderful boy who also was ventilator dependant, 24 hours a day.

When Tom died in 2006 I knew that I wanted his 6 years to be marked and remembered. No headstone records the beautiful place on the River Wye where we placed his ashes. None wanted or required by us.

Therefore this hour will become a record of recollections a memories to treasure. Archived and placed in a digital form somewhere. Perfect. If the other 3 plinths can bear testament to the achievements of 3 people then the fourth plinth can bear witness and mark the time that we had with Tom.

The hour will be a story, a tale told in love, laughs and grief. Refelections om my life as a Father and as the parent of a child with disabilities.

If nobody is there to listen the experience will mean no less to me.

I encourage you to interact with me in any form – the ultimate being there – in the square! And if you are then maybe you will join me for a celebratory toast afterwards – fizz at 4am!

Being a fan of technology – and technology was a big part of our life with Tom – there are a myriad of way to interact and be part of this experience with me.

The official One & Other Profile – and where the hour will be posted – no need to stay up!

http://www.oneandother.co.uk/participants/Gav_C

Email or MSN Messenger:

Gav_on_the_plinth@hotmail.com

A Facebook group:

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=116235026914&ref=ts#

Twitter:

@gavcross

Tom

http://www.fortomltd.co.uk/html/tom_s_day_video.html

Comments

At 19:07, 15 October 2009 Lindsey wrote:

Gav, having attended 2 of the courses you have spoken at, your words moved me once again (made me cry again!) and I learnt more about Tom. It inspires me to do the best that I possibly can in my job for those children who have disabilities and their families. Please don't ever stop speaking about Tom and sharing your experiences-it encourages others to reflect and improve their practice. Hope to see you again soon!
At 20:43, 27 September 2009 Rebecca_B wrote:

I was on later in the day to you and everyone in the offices was talking about your hour. It was clearly moving and very beautiful.

Thank you for sharing it with so many people.
At 21:00, 26 September 2009 Leah watts wrote:

You are a wonderful dad. Tom would have been proud. You made me cry.
At 12:50, 26 September 2009 kpfish wrote:

Love your positive outlook
At 03:14, 26 September 2009 Anthony wrote:

I posted a blog entry about your plinth hour on my BrainBlog:

http://neuropsychological.blogspot.com/2009/09/living-with-child-with-disabilities.html

Cheers,

@braincoffee
At 03:08, 26 September 2009 Jen wrote:

You were wonderful on the plinth tonight. Thank you for sharing your memories of Tom with all of us.
At 02:50, 26 September 2009 Cynthia wrote:

Your little boy was surely very special and much loved! Good job on the plinth. I am glad you did it.
At 02:35, 26 September 2009 Anthony wrote:

Hi Gav.

What an excellent plinth hour and how well you presented your story.

Assuming the video of your hour remains available, I will use excerpts from it the next time I teach my developmental neuropsychology course, for my doctoral students to learn something from your experience.

Cheers,

@braincoffee
At 02:27, 26 September 2009 Owbist wrote:

Thank you Gav, an excellent presentation, Tom obviously had a great Dad.
At 02:23, 26 September 2009 Gina in chilly N.Y. wrote:

Wish I could have flown, via yellow balloon, to Trafalgar Square to catch some tomatoes and chilies and listened in person. Beautiful.
At 01:54, 26 September 2009 wendi wrote:

sitting here waiting and hoping i'll be able to get to see this? biggest loves from all of us xxxxx wendi
At 01:17, 26 September 2009 Gina in chilly N.Y. wrote:

I have just spent the last few hours sorting through my silkscreens so I can have some lovely things to print on tomorrow. Now I am going to go make dinner , timed so I can sit by my computer and watch your hour. I imagine learning a lot and being touched by your remembrances.
At 23:28, 25 September 2009 Jane Nurney wrote:

Go for it Gav.Thank you and Cathy for inspiring me to go out and want to do the extra mile for families.Tom's tale made it very special. Take care, hope the flu is bettter. Jane x
At 18:19, 08 September 2009 J L:awton wrote:

Do something daft about a thoughtful charity!!!
At 18:15, 08 September 2009 Jane Lwtona wrote:

Do something daft about a thoughtful charity!!!!
At 18:29, 05 August 2009 lisa wrote:

Go On!!!!! whatever you choose will be perfect I'm sure can't wait x

Pledges to watch

dear gav, i'm sorry i wasn't there with you. i have had the honor and pleasure to enjoy Tom's life through your eyes today. Thank you. x

Thanks for Toms life and moving story. we are all so much richer for sharing your story Thanks Gav and Kath moving

Sounds perfect & I will be watching from NYC where it is chilly this evening...

... will be watching... know it will be just beautiful... love to you all... xxx

For Tom and his fabulous family - Gav, Cathy, Libby and Ned, with love xx

at 3am the stars will be twinkling and i'll be sending raimbows andlots of love xxxx

don't know if it will be more stressful watching you there or online...

Show your support and pledge to watch, by clicking here

Welcome to Website

Gav_C

Leave a comment

Pledges to watch