By Martial News Reporter

WASHINGTON Judo Club had a busy month but were rewarded with twelve golds and five silvers and seven bronze medals.

The club split into two with a team of mainstream students heading to the Leicester Open Championships while another team went north to the East of Scotland Special Needs Championships.

And it was the special needs team that shone winning an amazing seven golds and one silver.

Alex Sawyer-Copus, Terri McDermott, Nicki McDermott, Callam Gach, Billy Stores, Natalie Tate, and Sophie Farish all struck gold with Liam Lister gaining the silver.

The Leicester-bound team returned with an impressive haul as well.

Kate McDermott won gold in the senior dan grade category, while Nicholas Coutakis, Georgie McEwan, Thomas Fisher and Evan McEwan all claimed silver.

Adam Fisher, who was fighting his first senior tournament, also picked up a bronze medal.

The club was also in action in Newcastle Area British Judo Council Tournament, Parks Sport Centre, North Shields, where they claimed three golds and one bronze medal.

Meanwhile the special needs team were competing in one of Europe's biggest competitions for their rules.

Held in Beverwijk, Holland, they returned with one gold and five bronze. 

Washington Judo Club will be the host for a new annual British Judo Special Needs Championships later this summer.

The Club is operates twice weekly Monday and Friday at Washington Village Community Centre, Spout Lane, Washington, on  Mondays, under 10, from 6.30pm and junior and senior from  7.45pm. The club also trains on Fridays, under 10, 6pm and junior and seniors from 7.30pm.  

To find out more about Washington Judo Club email:

washingtonjudo@hotmail.com

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FORMER JUDO CHAMPION DIES AFTER BIRTH OF SON

By the Evening Chronicle

A FORMER Judo national champion has died following the birth of her son.

Julie Welsh, 28, of Blyth, Northumberland, died after delivering her son Isaac by caesarian and while she cradled him in her arms.

She kissed him then suddenly slipped into unconsciousness and despite best efforts by medical staff battling to save her, she passed away in front of her fiance Pete Brown, 30.

Julie and Pete were planning their wedding and were getting married at Langley Castle, County Durham.

Julie was eight times national Judo champion between the ages of 12 and 22. Her family said she was fit and healthy and had worked right up until the birth.

Her heartbroken parents Les and Margaret Welsh, are now awaiting results from the Royal Derby General Hospital, Derbyshire, to explain what their beloved daughter died from.

Mr Welsh, 50, said: "When we look at our grandson we are so proud to have such a beautiful, beautiful little boy, and we can see so much of Julie and Pete in him.

Mr Welsh added: "We have gone through every emotion from total elation to total devastation. People have commented on how Julie would make you feel special by the things she said. 

"Her and Pete were a fairytale and she said she had met the nicest lad she could ever meet. It is devastating for both families at a time when we should be celebrating Isaac’s arrival. I believe this baby is going to be special and do something fantastic in the world.