Buzz, please pass on my wishes for a speedy and complete recovery to Criton. I am thankful that the outcome wasn't worse and am very happy he'll be returning to the chase. I will be praying.

I have hunted with Criton for the last four years and I can't believe that there is a better elephant tracker in Africa.
To answer JCS271s question: being the kind of outfit that they are, CM are standing all of his costs.



JCS271

Best wishes to Criton. Prayers for a speedy and full recovery.
Bill

Really sorry to hear that Buzz. I hope Criton makes a speedy recovery.

15 years and 400 kills a impressive achievment in anyone's book. Speedy recovery and best for Criton.
Scott

Having first met with Cryton in 2004, and having just hunted with him in April, I can vouch for the fact that he is in terrific shape, a true and natural athlete. Had he been born in the US he would probably be playing cornerback right now!

There will be some challenges ahead, but I am confident he will pick up where he left off. Buzz please continue to pass along to him our well wishes.

Hi All

Thanks very much for all the kind words which I have passed on to Criton. He is in very good spirits and seems to be recovering well.

I saw his Doc yesterday and they will be taking x-rays today to see just how well the Pelvis is recovering however he did assure me that the traction is doing its job as he has full movement of both legs with no pain. After the x-ray they will decide when to discharge him but they did say it will be 4 weeks further bed rest and then Physio- so no hunting for Criton this season- and knowing how passionate he is about his ele hunting that will be hard for him!! Will keep you all up dated- thanks very much guys!!!

Man, Buzz, staying in bed for 6 weeks has to be tough on anyone. Especially a really fit guy that enjoys activity on a daily basis. I not only hope he recovers quickly physically, but hope he doesn't get depressed as time goes on. I haven't met Criton yet but hopefully he'll be showing us the way when you and I chase bulls in April. Please let him know we are praying for him and sending well wishes!

Todd

Buzz,
Thank You for sharing this story. Please pass my warmest regards and best wishes for a full recovery to Criton along with all these others being posted. He must be quite a guy if you've kept him on all these years.

Dave Fulson,

More into on the Something More program might be in order. Here and elsewhere. Great cause.

Excuse my ignorance but what exactly is the " Something More program" while it is still in my budget I expect and am happy to pay Critons medical bills salary and other loss of income expected- however if it were to exceed my capacity I would appreciate the info. Cheers Buzz

Hi Dave

Sorry for some reason a missed your post with the info- if needed I certainly will and let you know!!! Cheers Buzz

quote:

Originally posted by Buzz Charlton:
...what exactly is the " Something More program" ...

Buzz, called "The Boddington Fund", this was formed I think following Brittany Boddington’s incident in Namibia where a tracker was inadvertently shot, and also was discussed in a thread “John Greeff Relief Fund”. The following post is from that thread, and if you contact Dave Dunn perhaps he can be of assistance.

quote:

Originally posted by Ezra4570: Larry was amazing in his support. We at Something More Safaris were happy to play a small part in helping John and leveraging the Boddington Relief Fund. Please check out our web site of you would like to help establish a fund for the John's of the future.

I would also like to welcome Larry to the board of SMS!!!

Dave Dunn - Founder Something More Safaris

His email is listed in his profile as: ezradunn@hotmail.com, and/or send a PM to user Ezra4570

Their website is: http://somethingmoresafaris.com/index.php

Gentlemen

Since posting questions on the very admirable "Something More Fund" I opened my emails only to find that two prominent clients/friends of mine, unbeknown to , have contacted a few of my other clients that have hunted extensively with me and Criton.

They have raised a considerable amount of money towards Critons medical etc. Between myself and the incredibly generous gesture from these friends we will not need the assistance of the fund.

To those of you who have so kindly donated I thank you and am hugely touched by this kind gesture as Criton will be when I tell him. In accordance to some of your wishes I am not putting names up. Thank you gentlemen- as always you certainly are not only clients but true friends to myself and my team!!!

A strong statement as to your clients and friends regards for you both. A prime example of the kind of people true sportsmen really are.
well done gentlemen.

quote:

Originally posted by Buzz Charlton:
Gentlemen

Since posting questions on the very admirable "Something More Fund" I opened my emails only to find that two prominent clients/friends of mine, unbeknown to , have contacted a few of my other clients that have hunted extensively with me and Criton.

They have raised a considerable amount of money towards Critons medical etc. Between myself and the incredibly generous gesture from these friends we will not need the assistance of the fund.

To those of you who have so kindly donated I thank you and am hugely touched by this kind gesture as Criton will be when I tell him. In accordance to some of your wishes I am not putting names up. Thank you gentlemen- as always you certainly are not only clients but true friends to myself and my team!!!

Just proves that hunters are amazing folk.

Buzz,

Very sorry to hear about Criton's accident and pray for a speedy recovery. I thank God that it was no worse (not many people live to tell about getting stepped on by an elephant).

John

Buzz, my sympathy to Criton and I hope he makes a complete & speedy recovery.

God bless...

Buzz, sorry about the incident, and hope both you and Criden are doing well. Will see you and Myles at SCI in January and please let us know if a fund needs to be set up.

Paul Henry

Very sorry to hear this, Buzz but glad that Criton will recovery fully and return to hunting. Also glad to hear that you were able to conclude the affair with no further injuries.

Take care!

Thanks for the well wishes folks and yesterday was a special day on two fronts!

Firstly I managed to get my girls out the hospital yesterday and back home! Zoe Gail Charlton was born on Saturday at 2.06 pm after 3 hours in the hospital! She weighed 3.2 kgs and thankfully has Stephs’ long legs so she will not be as “vertically challenged” as her Dad! Steph and Zoe are settling in well and doing a fine job of keeping me awake at night!!! Last night was literally an "eye opener"!! All very exciting and a hugely emotional experience. Certainly a lot more respect for parents and in particular the Mums out there!!

To make it a perfect day Criton was also discharged on the same day. While still in pain he is managing well with his walking sticks and can walk unaided for short distances. I think having a pretty nurse in the next ward helped to get him on his feet! The Docs expect a 90% recovery - while he will not join me probably for the rest of the season (although he is adamant that he will be running in a month!) Criton will be heading home tomorrow to recover.

I am taking care of his monthly salaries, gratuities that he would have made and partial payment of his medical bills, which as you can imagine, have been extensive. Financially he is in good shape as in addition to what I have covered there has also been an amazing response from clients who have donated a very generous amount that will go in part to helping us cover the remaining medical expenses, part to getting Criton, Nyati and Eddy on a good medical aid scheme and the balance will go to Criton to cover other expenses. Anyway Guys that’s an update on the going ons in the Charlton household and a huge thanks to all you good folks out there!!!!! Cheers Buzz

Zoe Gail:


Proud Dad and Zoe:


Criton and Zoe:

By my reckoning, it's the wee hours where you are. No rest for the wicked?
Thanks for posting the photos. Great news all the way around.

What a beautiful girl! Must take after her mother. You are now on Princess duty for the rest of your life. Enjoy the ride.

Buzz,

Beautiful baby girl. Congratulations.

John

Folks- Thanks so much on all the kind comments on both my new little Girl Zoe and Criton- I really appreciate all the thoughts and help! All the best Buzz

quote:

Originally posted by BigBoreCore:
What a beautiful girl! Must take after her mother.

Excellent news on all fronts Buzz! And you know what the humor is? Criton will be running in a month! My walking buddy Jacob was involved in an horrific car accident last year, a number of people were killed and his body was properly broken... Looking at him in hospital the next day I thought this guy will never walk again. A month later he was up and about and now I can't believe it's the same guy! If that had been me, well I would still be whining no doubt...

Cheers everyone, let's all wish for more good news!

Dave

Buzz

Congratulations on the beautiful baby girl.

Matt

To Buzz and all,, Larry Burgin here. Buzz, I just got copied on your email to Dave Dunn a bith back and sent you a quick response from my droid that I would try to help. This is exactly the purpose of Something More Safaris and what we are calling the Boddington PH Relief Fund. Several AR members on here are with me on the Board and I have been driving the agenda for fund raising for just this fund. SMS does quite a bit more but I have been pushing harder on the PH relief fund. That fund also considers Criton who not a PH is a brave and invaluable member of Buzz's team. Az help is not so needed now for Crighton it will be for the next guy and even in the case of Owain Lewis whom I knew and had friends that had hunted with him we could and should help. I have even written Dave Fulson a PM on the concept to help Owains fund but to date no response. It is important to understand that SMS is a 501.c.3 tax exempt organization and as long as we follow those rules all donations through SMS for this purpose are tax deductible. That does not mean people give a benefit but can actually give more due to the tax consequences. Every season something happens as it did to Punki, John Greeff, Owain, and Crighton. We are always caught on our back foot and do the best to fundraise but it would be great to be proactive and have a living real fund that can be called upon to support our friends who are in danger every day. I may post more on a different post on this with Saeeds permission as I do not want to take away from this one. I am still keen to help Crighton and Owain's family with SMS in any way that we can. Buzz, congrats on the little one and write me back when you can. I will call you and we will see what we can do to help. Sorry, I just got your email today.

Regards,

Larry

Hi Larry

I have received your email today and will answer in full tomorrow. In short though as per my post earlier some clients/ friends of mine that have hunted with us for many years organize a very generous donation. I must add that this was of their own accord.

Between CMS and this donation we have paid all expenses to date and we will also be paying Critons monthly salary and compensation for tips that he would have made. Infact there has been a little left over and this we have given to Criton direct also.

In summary Larry I really appreciate your genuine offer to help. However I feel that with Criton financially better off for the year and with the fact that he will be hunting with me full time next year that there are more desperate people to benefit from the SMS fund. One who comes to mind immediately is Owains wife who has lost not only her beloved husband but the bread winner in the family.

I hope you do not take this the wrong way as I do truly appreciate the kind offer but would not feel right accepting monies for what I feel is my duty to cover and especially with the fact that he will be making a near full recovery and will be able to financially support himself again as of next season. Thanks Larry - all the best Buzz

Great to hear all of the good news on Criton and Zoe Gail. Buzz-please post a picture of mom and Zoe Gail!

Your daughter should be old enough ready to follow the spoor for our hunt in 2014.

Hi Buzz,
Congratulations to you, Steph and Zoe.
Best wishes for recovering of Criton.
To switch to a 500 Jeff Blaser is a good idea.
Do you remember that years ago we hunted with my custom 500 Jeff Blaser 93 ? Now there is a Blaser8.

Hi Norbert!!

This is truly a very nice surprise as I have sent you a few emails but with out luck!! Glad you are well Norbert and yes I do remember you using the 500 Blazer for a cow in the Dande North!! I also remember the recoil was quite bad!!! Please send me an email Norbert to hunting@cmsafaris.com as would like to send you a long informative email as it has been a long time my friend!! Cheers for now Buzz