GM Gawain Jones, the husband of WIM Sue Maroroa Jones, who died in tragic circumstances this month, has thanked the chess group as an enchantment to help his household soared above $64,000.
The 2-time British champion instructed Chess.com: “I’m overwhelmed by all of the love, help, and great reminiscences from these unimaginable communities. It’s touching to see how a lot Sue impacted so many lives. Thanks.”
The fundraiser was launched by associates of the household to assist help the couple’s youngsters, Samaria and child Daniel, after the loss of life of their 32-year-old mom in Sheffield, England, on Could 10.
Sue, an thrilling, attacking participant who represented her native New Zealand and England, died shortly after giving start to her second youngster. The household is awaiting a coroner’s report to determine the reason for loss of life.
We’re unhappy to announce the passing of Sue Maroroa Jones. Sue was pure pleasure from the second she joined in Jan 2015, btinging her kindness, her giggle, her competitiveness and love for rugby.
Our hearts are damaged and we ship our like to Samaria, Daniel, Gawain. Vale Sue, Vale. pic.twitter.com/1hHyJiwpmC
— Hammers Rugby (@HammersRugby) Could 21, 2023
Gawain’s pal from Hammersmith Chess Membership, Chris Skulte, mentioned: “So many individuals needed to take action a lot to assist, and there are such a lot of communities (chess, rugby, moms) that needed to present to somebody who has accomplished a lot for them.”
Since then the response has been astonishing. Donations have rolled in from all kinds of individuals and organizations all over the world, significantly New Zealand.
One beneficiant nameless donor gave £10,000 ($12,400), whereas each Chessable and the English Chess Federation donated £1,000 ($1,240).
The unimaginable response of associates of the late Sue Maroroa Jones to the GoFundMe marketing campaign to help her household exhibits that the chess group is able to nice issues if we work collectively in a typical trigger. https://t.co/Cvugvz4DpE @ecfchess
— Tim Wall (@timpeterwall) Could 19, 2023
Phrases of help left on the GoFundMe.com web page vary from elite gamers reminiscent of GM Levon Aronian to a listing that reads like a who’s who of the English chess scene that features IM Harriet Hunt, WFM Sarah Longson, IM Tom Rendle, IM Malcolm Pein, and GM Daniel Fernandez.
But it surely’s not simply the chess group. Sue performed rugby for Sheffield Women RUFC earlier than the start of her first youngster, Samaria, and there have additionally been many donations from individuals who knew her by means of her ardour for that sport in addition to associates from again dwelling in New Zealand.
On the time of writing, the fund is at $65,368 having been arrange simply 5 days in the past. The unique goal was £10,000 ($12,400) however now family and friends are hoping it is going to push on to the chess-themed variety of £64,000 ($79,000).
Sue represented New Zealand in 5 Olympiads (2002-2012) and England as soon as, in 2014. She grew up in South Auckland.
Sue and Gawain met on the 2008 Dresden Olympiad, the place Sue was representing New Zealand, and Gawain was representing England.
The pair married in 2012 earlier than she moved to the UK, they usually arrange a house in Sheffield, South Yorkshire.
Click on right here to learn Chess.com’s obituary to Sue.