THE FATHER and young son of the late Christopher (Chris) Oldcroft, who passed away suddenly last year at just 35, are channelling their grief into a powerful mission of hope.
Charlie Oldcroft, Chris’s father, and ten-year-old Jaxon, his only son, are leading a series of community fundraiser’s in support of SUDEP Action NI.
They are determined to raise vital funds and much-needed awareness of epilepsy and Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP).
They have recently organised a coffee morning, a honey tasting event, and sold wordsheets with puzzles.
They are also currently running a Grand Christmas Hamper Draw. You can buy tickets for it at the Enniskillen Castle Café and it will take place on December 19.
Chris with his son Jaxon.
You can also donate to their page at justgiving.com/page/charlie-oldcroft-1. Any donation made will have a ticket placed in the draw.
They are now preparing for their biggest challenge yet, a 90-mile cycle this February, held on what would have been Christopher’s birthday.
“It’s our way of honouring him with purpose,” Charlie said.
Speaking about his son, Charlie describes a man full of spirit, kindness, and individuality.
“He was his own man, a wee character,” he said.
“Chris didn’t care about material things. He just wanted time with friends, with loved ones, to enjoy his job and be with his son Jaxon. That was enough for him.”
Heartbreak
Christopher had been diagnosed with epilepsy in September 2023, a shock to the entire family.
Less than a year later, the morning after celebrating his sister Nicola’s wedding, he passed away in his sleep.
“Although losing someone is never easy, it brings some comfort knowing his last day was spent with family and friends,” Charlie said.
“I told him in my speech that I loved him, that I was proud of him, and that he was a great dad. I’m grateful I got to say it.”
A talented chef, Christopher had worked his way up from washing dishes to leading the kitchen at The Moorings, helping transform it into an award-winning restaurant.
“The kitchen was his wee theatre,” Charlie said. “He lived a full life in his 35 years.”
Now, as Charlie and young Jaxon prepare for their 90-mile fundraising cycle, they hope their efforts will support others facing epilepsy or grief.
“I want his passing to have a purpose,” Charlie said.
“If people learn more about epilepsy, or feel encouraged to reach out to SUDEP Action for support, then something positive can come from this.”
Grief has brought small signs of comfort, white feathers, butterflies, robins, “wee things use to mean nothing now mean everything,” Charlie said.
As donations continue to come in, Charlie is deeply grateful.
“To everyone who’s helped us, thank you so much. And to anyone reading this — if you love someone, tell them often. Don’t wait until tomorrow, because tomorrow might never come.”
