Tag Archives: charity

Common River: Connecting Communities

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Common River

Common River

Deep in the Ethiopian Rift Valley, inside a bamboo hut, the air is cool and sweet. Fresh beans snap and whistle in the heat of the fire, sending out rich plumes of coffee-scented smoke. The process is peaceful, methodical. The mortar grinds the beans and water boils. Soon, from the elegant black coffee pot, lush chocolaty coffee spills into cups. Welcome to Common River, Aleta Wondo.

The collaboration of Tsegaye Bekele and Donna Sillan, Common River is a multi-faceted project that improves the lives of Aleta Wondo’s inhabitants. This once stable range has been hit hard by the falling price of coffee and the impacts of global warming. The wide range of projects reflects the diversity of Aleta Wondo’s volunteers and participants. From education to agriculture to cultural exchange, this is a place where futures are secured.

Aleto Wondo

Aleto Wondo

The school on the Common River site provides the young inhabitants to one of the most vital tools for a happy and successful life: an education. Four classrooms hold children of all ages: polite, eager to learn, attentive and dedicated, this is a teacher’s dream. A large field extends the learning space into the Ethiopian sunshine. Art, music, and sports complete a well-rounded education. Volunteers visit from all over the world, sharing their skills. The school lunch programme keeps the young learners at their best. Fresh milk from the school’s cows and produce from the fields ensures a healthy, balanced meal. The classrooms are picturesque, including a brightly painted traditional Sidama hut. When the bell rings for home time, the school doesn’t rest. Trickling from the village and fields, all bright skirts and happy laughter, come the women. The Common River Female Literacy programme is a wonder. It is said that to educate a woman is to educate a family and here educated women are formed. For two years, they return to school, receiving the basic education so many of us take for granted. When class is finished, they will go back to being mothers and wives with the dinner to cook and the children to put to bed, but for a few hours a day, they are something they thought they might never be- a pupil with their hand and head held high.

Ethiopia is well known as the birthplace of coffee. Common River and the coffee growers of Aleta Wondo have worked together to produce a single-origin coffee that is available worldwide. As small-scale producers, the amount of coffee produced each year is limited. Profits return directly to the community and it makes a wonderful – and socially conscious- souvenir. Less portable, but no less amazing, is the traditional bamboo huts that dot the sight. The locally based collective can make and design bespoke bamboo huts. Fragrantly cool, sustainable and beautiful; it’s a pity these won’t fit in a suitcase home!

School at Common River

School at Common River

Common River’s projects also include a new irrigation system, bring water to more members of the community than ever before. Having easy access to water will mean fewer trips to the communal springs. Their sanitation centres improve the health of community members, as does their provision of medical checkups, nutrition classes and first aid training. Annually, medical volunteers visit and provide care and information to the townspeople. Other projects include a bio-diversity garden that supports and showcases the area’s rich bio-diversity, rain catchment and wells, reforestation and improvement to local infrastructure.

Common River welcomes guests and volunteers to visit and assist with their range of projects. Tours, school groups, and volunteer placements are all available. Coffee can also be purchased via their website. Visit their website at www.commonriver.org to find out how you can experience this wonderful place or enjoy a taste from the comfort of your own living room.

Homeopathic Out-Reach For Cambridge Homeless

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WinterComfort is a Cambridge-based charity providing support for the homeless and rough sleepers. A 1-year homeopathic project started in 2009 saw about 50 service users taking advantage of this service. The project was run by Thierry Clerc, a local clinical homeopath.

The majority of consultations focused on acute and physical ailments, with muscular tension, cuts and skin infection the top complaints. The other prescribing focus was on detoxifying the body and supporting the weakened organs. Most clients were recreational drug-users, and on multiple allopathic medications. Detox therapeutics and the prescription of lower potencies on a daily basis were then provided. Acute homeopathic prescription using well known remedies such as Arnica, Rhus Tox, Bryonia or Hepar Sulf showed spectacular results.

Beside homeopathy, a strong emphasis on hygiene and hydration proved very helpful. By ensuring that people were increasing their intake of water for example, most clients were better able to eliminate toxins and their bodies had a chance to function more normally. Most service users were also suffering from additional problems. For these cases, the use of combination remedies was preferred as this approach supported both the mental state and a body weakened by drugs or poor diet.

About 20% of consultations were chiefly about mental and emotional issues with insomnia and depression as the main complaints. In this area, it was more difficult to gauge the success. Many users coming to WinterComfort do not necessarily stay in Cambridge for a sustained amount of time. This means that they were not able to come for regular visits. However, many reported a clear and positive impact of actually being offered a thorough consultation. There was at least one case of a service user coming back every month from Haverhill to have a repeat treatment.

The main learning from this project was that, in such an environment, a practitioner  requires a flexible and open approach to work closely with all the services the charity provides. Finally, it is extremely important to keep the prescription  extremely simple, with no more than one or two pills a day, or more when needed, and ideally in water.

This experience also tested some of Thierry’s limits. He met people who had lost everything - family, belongings, and sometimes hope in life. This was most severe with ex-army personnel who had returned from Iraq or Afghanistan and turned to alcohol and drugs, losing their job and family along the way.

By the end of the project, WinterComfort was extremely open with many of the medical staff  realizing how effective homeopathic therapy could be. As homeopathy is under constant media attack in the UK, Thierry felt that his volunteer work had helped raise the profile of homeopathy.  It also enabled him to meet people he would not normally see through private practice.

To find out more information on WinterComfort and read about the great work they do for the homeless and rough sleepers of Cambridge, check out their website by clicking here.

Check out Thierry Clerc’s website to find out more about homeopathy by clicking here.

Image reproduced from trevorjames-tjmmusic.com

The Hub – Changing Lives, Changing Futures

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150870_10151507765426195_926473052_nBangkok sees a steady stream of travelers drawn in by its legendary hedonistic pleasures, ancient temples and chockablock markets. There are, of course, daily glimpses into Bangkok’s less-glamorous side; the beggar asleep in the doorway, the used needle in the kerb, the child begging. For too many, this is merely an annoyance, another hassle to wave away. And, for too many, Bangkok is a place to flee to, escaping rural poverty, chasing impossible dreams, running from abusive homes or hiding from personal tragedies. The children come from all corners of Thailand and scrape by on the streets.

It is a merciless existence. Children, as young as five, sleep in makeshift shelters as the trains rumble by. They find food however they can, but too often not often enough. Many find there are no role models, no access to education, and no chance to escape. Others fall prey to drugs and alcohol abuse, crime and prostitution. Children are trafficked, enduring unimaginable horrors. And others find The Hub.

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An incentive of Thai and Australian charities, The Hub provides a safe and welcoming environment for Bangkok’s street and underprivileged children. Here the children receive more than the welcome “grub and scrub,” they receive a chance at a new life. Here, their most basic necessities are met with a smile: a safe place to sleep, a soothing shower, a warm meal and clean clothes. Life skills programmes, assistance with education and enrichment opportunities keep the centre filled with the sounds of happy children. From the streets of Bangkok, broken families and stolen childhood, comes a new chosen family. A place to grow, love and nurture.

The Hub’s life skills programmes empower children to take control of their health and safety. From sexual health awareness to road safety, the Hub’s children learn, day by day, a healthy and enjoyable way to develop as individuals. They are exposed to more dangers than any child should be subjected, and they meet these challenges with an unnerving grace, carefully stored wisdom and a heartbreakingly gap-toothed smile.  Doctors visit, and hairdressers come, and the therapists guide, all working together to return these children to the happiness and security they deserve. Recognizing education as a priority in poverty alleviation, The Hub provides the encouragement to return to school, monetary assistance needed and tutoring to succeed. For those uninterested in education, vocational training is provided, giving the teenage participants a chance of economic security.

IMG_8843The Hub recognizes the right and need of every child to express themselves creatively.  Afternoon comes and the centre is turned into a whirl of activity. Graceful Thai dancers lean over the stairwell to the B-boys turning impossible stunts below. Local school children visit and conduct an art workshop. The place is decorated with the children’s artwork, books cover the walls and computers offer a glimpse into the wider world. The running club provides a healthy outlet for the children, who burn off seemingly impossible amounts of energy after a night sleeping rough. Guest teachers come, offering everything from circus to music. The children are alive with it. The dedication displayed by the dancers is awe-inspiring. Every day, without fail, they come and practice for hours, sweat pouring off them in the steamy Bangkok heat. Some nights they head to a nearby park, transforming the street into a stage. The camaraderie is heart-warming; as older children become the role models they never had for their younger friends.  Click here to see the kids in action!

IMG_8708The Hub provides its children more than a safe haven; it offers them a new chance at life. It provides the children the vital opportunity to achieve academically, professionally and personally. It is a lifeline that helps them to escape a life of exploitation and fear, while offering them the support to thrive and grow.  To say The Hub is a miracle is not a lapse into hyperbole. Everyday, The Hub is giving children the most precious gift: the fortune to be a child today and the future of a confident, able adult.

To learn more about The Hub, enquire about volunteer opportunities or to donate, please visit their website at http://thehub.childlinethailand.org/

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ATD Fourth World: Empowerment, Change & Community

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ATD Fourth World offers activities for all ages

ATD Fourth World operates in twenty-five countries worldwide, championing the cause of the most vulnerable and impoverished with dedication, compassion and a human rights based approach. From its 100,000 members worldwide to its permanent delegation to the European Union, ATD Fourth World addresses the challenge of poverty on every level. ATD Fourth World believes it is crucial to allow those individuals affected by poverty to have a voice and perspective whenever and wherever poverty is discussed. Providing a platform for people to influence the national debate on poverty is at the very heart of their work. Here in theUK, ATD Fourth World works with the poorest of the poor. They work with families of hardworking and kind individuals who, brought together by hardship, strive daily to improve their lives and the lives of those around them. Paul McDonald summed up the experiences of the many families and individuals ATD Fourth World has helped by saying, ‘ATD Fourth World is a second home, an occupation, a community, a group of friends.’ It is an enduring testimony to their compassion that even as the families work to change their lives, they remain with ATD Fourth World, constantly learning and developing new friendships and skills.

Their open lunches have become something of a tradition. It’s a welcome chance for old friends and new to gather, to offer encouragement, advice, a joke or a hug. Some of the members have been coming for over thirty years, watching as people come and go, growing older and having children of their own. Bunched into one small room in theirLondonoffice are ATD Fourth World team, the ATD Fourth World families, the volunteers and a delicious spread of food. Sitting down with them is like joining a big family at the table; everyone speaks at once, food goes round and round, children knock over glasses, grandmothers laugh at each other’s complaints. From enduring spells of homelessness to custody battles, each of these people has overcome great odds to create this family. Time and time again, it’s referred to as ‘my chosen family.’ And like the best families, it’s one that has seen them through all the hardships that just keep coming.

In addition to influencing policy on national and international levels, ATD Fourth World offers families assistance with housing, legal problems, education and more. Families helped by ATD Fourth World are actively encouraged to campaign for their own change, and have spoken in Parliament on the very issues closest to their hearts. As ATD Fourth World member James Riley puts it, “You do matter and your voice is important to someone out there. And if you put your point of view across in a constructive way you will be listened to. It’s important because, that way, the people in poverty through social reasons or whatever else feel that they are a valued member of a community or organisation. And if they feel their opinions matter to someone, at least, they will constantly grow and evolve. I think that if you have enough voices in anything [then] you’re going to get heard no matter what, so I do think it makes a difference.” It is an active, participatory approach to poverty cessation which benefits everyone.

ATD Fourth World offers respite time in its Frimhurst Family House in Surrey. For many, the houses in London and Surrey have been a life-line in hard times. It may meet as basic a need as a non-judgmental environment or be the retreat which allows them to re-connect with their children away from the stress of everyday life. Long time ATD Fourth World participant, Denise Smith said at one lunch “ATD Fourth World have helped me a lot. I have changed for the better. I enjoy meeting the new volunteers and I have made new friends. ATD Fourth World help through phone calls, filling forms that sort of thing. I heard about them through a social worker around 35 years ago.” Poverty can have a hugely detrimental effect on family life and the retreats are a crucial opportunity for families to be together, for parents to hone parenting skills and children to enjoy time in the great outdoors.

ATD Fourth World offers individuals the vital opportunity to develop life skills through workshops, volunteering and organized activities. In recent times, participants have enjoyed everything from carolling to photography to respite breaks. Each of these activities offers more than merely the opportunity to develop new skills; it gives people the chance to develop confidence, self-worth, friends and regain the dignity poverty diminishes.

Inspired to find out more? Visit ATD Fourth World’s website www.atd-uk.org or email atd@atd-uk.org to find out about volunteer opportunities.

Want to donate today? Visit http://www.justgiving.com/atd for ways to help!

Happy Birthday Chuck Norris

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On March 10, City Connect celebrates the birthday of Chuck Norris born on this day in 1940. Chuck Norris is an American martial artist and actor. After serving in the United States Air Force, he began his rise to fame as a martial artist. Chuck Norris appeared in a number of action films, such as Way of the Dragon in which he starred alongside Bruce Lee and was The Cannon Group’s leading star in the 1980s. Chuck Norris next played the starring role in the television series Walker, Texas Ranger from 1993 to 2001.

Chuck Norris in 2008

Biography

Norris joined the United States Air Force as an Air Policeman (AP) in 1958 and was sent to Osan Air Base, South Korea. It was there that Norris acquired the nickname Chuck and began his training in Tang Soo Do, an interest that led to black belts in that art and the founding of the Chun Kuk Do (“Universal Way”) form. When he returned to the United States, he continued to act as an AP at March Air Force Base, California. Norris was discharged in August 1962. He worked for the Northrop Corporation and opened a chain of karate schools including a storefront school in his then-hometown of Torrance on Hawthorne Boulevard. Norris’ official website lists celebrity clients at the schools; among them Steve McQueen, Chad McQueen, Bob Barker, Priscilla Presley, Donny Osmond and Marie Osmond.

In 1969, Norris won Karate’s triple crown for the most tournament wins of the year, and the Fighter of the Year award by Black Belt Magazine. Chuck Norris retired with a karate record of 183–10–2. On July 1, 2000, Norris was presented the Golden Lifetime Achievement Award by the World Karate Union Hall of Fame.

In 1969, Norris made his acting debut in the Dean Martin film The Wrecking Crew. In 1972 he acted as Bruce Lee’s nemesis in the movie Way of the Dragon (titled Return of the Dragon in its U.S. distribution), which is widely credited with launching him toward stardom. In Asia, Norris is still known primarily for this role.

Norris Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

 Norris’ first starring role was 1977’s Breaker! Breaker!, and subsequent films such as Good Guys Wear Black (1978), The Octagon (1980), An Eye for an Eye (1981), and Lone Wolf McQuade proved his increasing box office bankability. In 1984, Norris starred in Missing in Action, the first of a series of prisoner of war rescue fantasies themed around the Vietnam War POW/MIA issue that were released under Cannon Films.

Contrary to reports, Norris publicly said he was never offered the part of the Sensei of the Cobra Kai dojo in the film The Karate Kid. Over the next four years, Norris became Cannon’s most prominent star, appearing in eight films, including Code of Silence, The Delta Force, and Firewalker, in which he co-starred with Academy Award winner Louis Gossett, Jr.

In late 2005, Norris became the object of an ironic internet meme known as “Chuck Norris Facts”, which document fictional, often absurdly heroic feats and characteristics about Norris. Norris has written his own response to the parody on his website, stating that he does not feel offended by them and finds some of them funny.

On March 28, 2007, Commandant Gen. James T. Conway made Norris an honorary United States Marine during a dinner at the commandant’s residence in Washington, D.C. On December 2, 2010, Norris was given the title honorary Texas Ranger by Texas Governor Rick Perry.

Chuck Norris made Honorary Marine in 2007

In addition to being an action superstar, Chuck Norris is also a philanthropist. He is known for his contribution towards organizations such as Funds for Kids, Veteran’s Administration National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans, the United Way, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation in the form of donations as well as fund-raising activities.

His time with the U.S. Veterans Administration as a spokesperson, was inspired by his experience serving the United States Air Force in Korea. His objective has been to popularize the issues such as Pensions and Healthcare, which concern hospitalized war veterans. Due to his significant contributions, and continued patriotism, he received the Veteran of the Year award in 2001 at the American Veteran Awards.

Chuck Norris awarded Veteran of the Year - 2001

Additionally, Norris supports the Vijay Amritraj Foundation, which aims at bringing hope, help and healing to the defenceless and innocent victims of disease, tragedy and circumstance in India. Through his donations, he has helped the foundation support paediatric HIV/AIDS homes in Delhi, a blind school in Karnataka, and a mission that cares for HIV/AIDS infected adults, as well as mentally ill patients in Cochin.

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Biography text reproduced from Wikipedia under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License

Happy Birthday Ronan Keating

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On 3rd March, City Connect celebrates the birthday of Ronan Keating, the Irish singer/songwriter who came to prominence in 1994 as the lead singer of Boyzone. His solo career started in 1999, and so far has resulted in 9 albums. Keating gained worldwide attention when his single “When You Say Nothing at All” was featured in the film Notting Hill and peaked at number one in several countries. As a solo artist, Keating has sold over 22 million records worldwide. Also a philanthropist, Keating has worked as a charity campaigner most notably for the Marie Keating Foundation, a foundation that raises awareness for breast cancer. It is named after his mother, who died of the disease in 1998. The biography below details the life and work of this international music celebrity who in 2010 was said to have a fortune of around £25 million.

Keating at the State Theatre Sydney in 2012

Biography

Ronan Keating was born on 3 March 1977 and grew up in Dublin. He joined the band Boyzone in 1993 alongside Keith Duffy, Shane Lynch, Stephen Gately and Mikey Graham. The group performed in various clubs and pubs before being signed by PolyGram in 1994 and released a cover version of “Love Me for a Reason” which peaked on several charts. In 1998, his mother died at the age of 54 from breast cancer, resulting in the establishment of the Marie Keating Foundation. Keating married Yvonne Connolly in April 1998 and together, the couple have three children: Jack, Marie and Ali.

From 1994-1999, Boyzone released 3 studio albums and 1 compilation album before disbanding in 2000.

In 1999, while still a member of Boyzone, Keating recorded a version of “When You Say Nothing At All” for the motion picture Notting Hill. The single peaked at number one in the UK charts, leading to a successful solo career. Keating released his debut solo album entitled Ronan in 2000, peaking at number one in the UK Albums Chart. The album produced four UK and Irish top-ten singles: “When You Say Nothing at All” (originally recorded for the soundtrack of the 1999 film Notting Hill), “Life Is a Rollercoaster“, “The Way You Make Me Feel“, and “Lovin’ Each Day“. Ronan was given several negative reviews, however, it sold over 750,000 copies and became one of the top selling albums of the year in the United Kingdom.

After the successful debut album Ronan, Keating continued on with his solo career and since has released four more studio albums: Destination (2002), Turn It On (2003), 10 Years of Hits (2004) and Bring You Home (2006). Keating collaborated with several major stars, including Elton John, Lulu, LeAnn Rimes and the Bee Gees, for these albums.

In 2003, Keating was named Rear of the Year – an award given to celebrities with a notable posterior. In October 2007, Keating was listed in the Guinness Book of Records for being the only artist ever to have 30 consecutive top 10 singles in the UK chart, beating the likes of Elvis Presley. Keating also embarked on two world tours, won the Ivor Novello and BMI songwriting awards, released an autobiography, had a role as ambassador for Christian Aid and earnt sales in excess of 22 million albums worldwide. In 2007 he released 2 fragrances,the range consists of a female fragrance, Hope By Ronan, which is based upon musk and amber scents and a male EDT, Believe by Ronan, based on Sicilian Lemon, Lavender and Clary Sage scents. All proceeds go to the Marie Keating Foundation.

Keating performed at the 2006 FIFA World Cup opening party at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany, in front of an audience of nearly 250,000 people, and posed nude for Cosmopolitan magazine’s 10 Years of Naked Centrefolds.

Ronan posing for Cosmopolitan Magazine

Boyzone reunited in 2007 for a special appearance on the BBC’s Children in Need and soon went on a 29-date tour. On 10 October 2009, Stephen Gately – close friend and bandmate of Keating – died at his home in Spain of a pulmonary oedema which left Keating devastated. However, the band continued on and released the album “”Brother” in March 2010 which went to number one in UK and Ireland. Ronan Keating also continues with his solo career and a new studio album and tour have been scheduled in 2012. Ronan has also hinted that he will be reuniting with his Boyzone bandmates Keith Duffy, Mikey Graham and Shane Lynch in 2013 to celebrate their 20th anniversary as a group.

In terms of charity work, Keating ran in the London Marathon on 13 April 2008 to raise money for Cancer Research, with a personal best time of 3hr 59min. He has also walked the length of Ireland twice, each time raising money for the Marie Keating Foundation, now linked to Cancer Research UK. In 2009, Keating was part of a group of celebrities who climbed Mount Kilimanjaro to raise money for Comic Relief. In June 2009, Keating received a Special Achievement Award from Cancer Research UK – he was singled out for his work with them since 2006. He, along with the Marie Keating Foundation, has helped to raise over £1.7 million for the UK charity. In September 2011, he swam the Irish sea 90 km stretch from Dublin to Holyhead with a team of celebrities to raise money for cancer charities and set a new Guinness World Record for open water swimming with a 11-member celebrity team. They raised £1 million for Cancer Research Britain and the Marie Keating Foundation.

Ronan Keating has been quoted as saying he’d like to break into acting but does not intend to stop working as a recording artist. He unsuccessfully auditioned for a role in the The Hobbit. In 2013, Ronan Keating will make his screen debut in the Australian romantic musical comedy Goddess starring alongside Australian comedy actress Magda Szubanski and British actress Laura MIchelle Kelly. The multi-million dollar film will be directed by Mark Lamprell (Babe: Pig In The City) and is due for release in March 2013.

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Biography text reproduced from Wikipedia under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License

Cash Still Needed for Charity Campaign

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ITV’s This Morning celebrity doctor, Dr Chris Steele, has backed a local charity’s fundraising campaign to build a new ‘Home from Home’ within the Rosie Hospital in Cambridge.

The Sick Children’s Trust, which provides free, high-quality ‘Home from Home’ accommodation for families whose children are seriously ill in hospital, launched a cash fundraising appeal back in March to help families of sick children across the East of England, but is still someway off its £409,241 goal.

The charity needs to raise the money to build a new eight-bedroomed ‘Home from Home’ within the Rosie Hospital as part of its multimillion-pound redevelopment to double its size.

Dr Chris said: “I am happy to lend my support to such a wonderful cause. ‘Homes from Home’ like this new accommodation The Sick Children’s Trust will offer at the Rosie Hospital are vital to the wellbeing of the child and the family unit as a whole.  The impact of having your family around you when you are ill should never be underestimated and plays an essential role in the healing process.”

This new ‘Home from Home’ takes the total of The Sick Children’s Trust houses across the UK to eight.  The new building will be completed in June 2012.

Jane Featherstone, Head of Fundraising for The Sick Children’s Trust added: “Even though we have had amazing support from families who have used our houses and the local people in the Cambridge area, we are still someway off our target so really need all the backing we can get to reach our goal so that we can provide support to an additional 300 families each year.”

“We are urging everyone out there to get behind us, in particular people can support our Buy a Brick campaign and purchase one of the bricks as part of the new house so they will always be part of the project.”

How you can help

 If you want to buy a brick to support the appeal the cost is:

Standard Brick £25 – receive a personalised certificate for your part in supporting this exciting appeal

Silver Brick £100 – as above, plus your name will be added to a special donor register sited in the new house

Gold Brick £500 – as above, plus you will be invited to a special event to be hosted by The SCT at the new house once it opens

Platinum Brick £5,000 – as above, plus your name will be featured on a glass plaque displayed in the new house

The charity’s Cambridge fundraising committee has lots of events and exciting activities coming up as part of its autumn programme including:

  • 20 September – Tea Party – “top tips for interior design in your home”

Carolyn Smith, interior designer and owner of Rosanagh Grinton Design, will advise us on interior design ideas to improve our homes. Gift stalls from 13.30hr followed by talk at 14.00hr., Freemasons’ Hall, Bateman Street, Cambridge. Tickets £10.00 (includes afternoon tea)

  • 11 October – Galileo Galilei – a personal life

Peter Watson, retired eye surgeon, will give an illustrated talk about the fascinating personal life of Galileo, the astronomer, mathematician and founder of experimental science. Wine reception 19.30hr followed by talk at 20.00hr, Newnham College, Sidgwick Avenue, Cambridge. Tickets £10.00 (includes wine)

  • 22 October – Quiz Evening

Join us for an exciting quiz evening. Enter a team of 6-8 people or simply apply as an individual and join others to form a team on the night. A splendid prize awaits the winning team. Wines sponsored by Felicity Wilson, Midsummer Wines of Linton. Reception at 18.30hr; quiz starts at 19.15hr, Freemasons’ Hall, Bateman Street, Cambridge. Tickets £12.00 (includes wine & ploughman’s supper)

For more information: Please contact Sarah Wallace on 020 7931 8695 or email sarah@sickchildrenstrust.org

Six Months On And Local Charity Has Supported 70 Families

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Six months on from its opening last September The Sick Children’s Trust’s Chestnut House in Cambridge has supported an astonishing 70 families in need.

Alan and Ronnie

Chestnut House is based at The Rosie Hospital in Cambridge and is run by The Sick Children’s Trust. The charity’s Vice President Esther Rantzen opened the house last year and since then families from across the UK have stayed with the charity which provides free high quality ‘Home from Home’ accommodation to families of sick babies being treated. The longest stay to date by a family has been 61 days.

One mum who has stayed at the facility and since returned home is 27 year old Kayleigh Thorne from Newport, Essex. She said: “Our son Ronnie was born at just 27 weeks weighing only 2lbs 2ounzes. He suffered from breathing problems which meant he had to be ventilated at birth and also treated for an infection due to him being so premature. We were miles away from home and didn’t know what to do until we heard about The Sick Children’s Trust. Already having a three year old, Archie, as well at the time as being a new mother meant I was very vulnerable and in particular those first few hours of Ronnie’s life were critical but having my family all in one area was the most important thing that got me through it all.

“My partner Andy and I stayed at the house with Archie for three weeks whilst Ronnie underwent treatments until he was deemed strong enough to be transferred back to our local hospital. However within a week of Ronnie’s transfer he developed Necrotizing Enterocolitis, a condition usually affects premature babies where the intestines become infected and can begin to die. So once again we found ourselves back at Chestnut House again for a few days before returning home for a week before returning to the charity’s second house Acorn House where we stayed until Ronnie was allowed to come home on 12th December. Staying at the charity’s house was a god send during this time. Without its support I don’t know what we would have done, in particular, Alan, the house manager made me smile of days I felt utter despair. I am so grateful to them.”

Since opening Chestnut House has provided support for families of premature and special care babies who otherwise would have nowhere else to stay. The ‘Home from Home’ has eight en-suite bedrooms, a communal living area and cooking and laundry facilities which will help to provide a comfortable, calming facility for families. It can support more than 300 families every year.

Alan Booth Manager at Chestnut House said: “Unfortunately Kayleigh’s story is not unique. Every day we have mums and dads come to the charity looking for somewhere to stay and we do our best to provide them with all the practical and emotional support we can to get them through this stressful time. The house has been full to capacity since opening and I am delighted that we have reached this milestone and helped so many families in need.

“Kayleigh’s was one of the first families to stay in the house and its wonderful to see how well all the family is doing now, especially Ronnie who has grown so much.”

Amanda Ogilvy-Stuart, clinical director for neonatal services, said: “Chestnut House is an excellent new facility for parents whose babies are being cared for in the neonatal intensive care unit. We recognise that this can be a stressful experience, but having Chestnut House located just downstairs means they can be on hand 24-7 and be more involved with their baby’s care, when appropriate.”

Cambs Runner In Marathon Effort For Alzheimer’s Research UK

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Chris Drummond from Milton aims to raise £2,000 to boost funds for Great Abington-based charity Alzheimer’s Research UK, when he takes part in the Virgin London Marathon on 21 April. Running among a crowd of over 37,500 people, Chris will pound the capital’s streets alongside fun runners, amateur athletes, elite sportsmen and women as well as a host of celebrities. He is determined to complete the gruelling 26.2 mile course in memory of his mum Dot who died with Alzheimer’s disease seven years ago, aged 84.


Chris Drummond in training

 

Chris, 49, who works for Bereavement Care Services at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, explained his motivation for running the marathon and supporting Alzheimer’s Research UK:

“When my dear mum was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s I was shocked to learn there was very little that could be done to help her. I had no idea that research to find new treatments is so underfunded. Running the London marathon gives me an opportunity to do my bit and raise money for the experts, Alzheimer’s Research UK.

“Mum worked hard all her life and didn’t retire from her job as an accounts clerk until she was 70. She was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s a year before she passed away but it had been creeping on for some time. I first realised something was wrong was when she couldn’t remember how to make her special cauliflower cheese. Then I noticed other things – she forgot how to change TV channels and how to answer the phone. She deteriorated quickly, losing her dress sense, preferring to sleep in the armchair all night, fully clothed, rather than go to bed. It was very distressing and frustrating.

“This will be my fifth London Marathon. Each year I say it’s going to be my last but I’ve decided to carry on while I can in memory of Mum – she’s my inspiration. Training has been tough with the snow and icy conditions but I’m determined to do everything I can to help Alzheimer’s Research UK defeat this devastating disease.”

Parminder Summon, Community Fundraising Manager for Alzheimer’s Research UK, said:

“Chris is incredibly supportive of our work at Alzheimer’s Research UK. We can’t thank him enough for taking on this exhausting challenge again to support our world-class research. We wish him every success.

“Last year our Virgin London Marathon runners raised an amazing £150,000 – enough to pay for five pioneering dementia research projects. Every £20 raised by Chris will pay for another vital hour of research, bringing us closer to finding ways to diagnose, prevent, treat and cure Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

“There are 820,000 people in the UK living with dementia today, including over 6,000 people in Cambridgeshire alone. Surrounding those people is a network of family members and carers profoundly affected by the condition. Dementia poses one of the greatest threats to public health now and in the future but funding for research still lags far behind other serious diseases. We rely on our wonderful supporters like Chris to help us progress our pioneering research.”

To help Chris raise funds for Alzheimer’s Research UK’s crucial dementia research, donate online at virginmoneygiving.com/ChrisDrummond. To find out more about fundraising for the charity contact fundraising@alzheimersresearchuk.org or call 0300 111 5 777.

Support for Alzheimer’s Research UK Wins Helen a Christmas Trolley Dash

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Dr Helen Robertson, from Birmingham, was the lucky winner of a two-minute trolley dash in Iceland Foods’ Northfield, Birmingham store this week after entering Alzheimer’s Research UK’s annual Grand Prize Draw. Helen was one of 14 people who won a prize when her ticket was selected from 67,000 entries this summer – a record-breaking number of entries that raised over £160,000 for the UK’s leading dementia research charity. Helen, a consultant paediatrician for Birmingham Community Trust, nominated her colleague, student nurse Sarah Batt, to race through the aisles for her yesterday. Helen decided to donate all the goods to Clifton House care home in Sparkbrook, Birmingham.

Alzheimer’s Research UK is Iceland’s Charity of the Year for a second time in 2012 – the company has already raised £1.2million for research in 2011 and has pledged to raise a further £1m during 2012. As part of the trolley dash prize, staff at the Northfield store allowed Sarah two minutes to collect as much produce from the shelves as possible as an early Christmas present for the staff and residents at Clifton House, which specialises in caring for people with dementia.

Helen said:
“I chose to support Alzheimer’s Research UK because I’ve seen first-hand the effects of dementia and I know how devastating it can be for families. My friend’s father died earlier this year with vascular dementia, and it was so distressing to see this lovely, kind man robbed of his personality. I would dearly love to see a way of preventing the condition so that other people don’t have to go through this.

“I entered the Prize Draw as a way of contributing to Alzheimer’s Research UK’s work, and I never dreamed I would win anything, let alone such an unusual prize! When I told Sarah what I’d won she mentioned that she’d always wanted to be on Supermarket Sweep, so I decided to grant her wish and nominate her to do the trolley dash for me.

“The Iceland staff were all so lovely and welcoming, and they helped us scout out the store beforehand so we could decide what items to go for. We all had great fun cheering Sarah on during the challenge and there was such a wonderful atmosphere. The timing of the trolley dash was perfect too, as Sarah was able to pick up lots of festive treats for the residents of Clifton House.”

Jackie Dowling, manager of Clifton House care home, said:
“We were delighted when we heard that Helen wanted to donate her winnings to us – what a lovely gesture, and a fantastic Christmas present for our residents! At Clifton House our staff are specially trained to care for people with dementia, so we’re only too aware of the effects of the condition. It’s great to know that Alzheimer’s Research UK is investing in research to help improve the lives of people with this devastating condition.”

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Dr Marie Janson, Director of Development at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said:
“Our Prize Draw is always a great chance to spread give people good news, and it’s wonderful to know that the staff and residents of Clifton House are reaping the benefits of Helen’s good fortune. The generosity Helen has shown is typical of our supporters, without whom we couldn’t fund our vital research.

“We’re especially grateful to all the companies who kindly donated prizes for the draw, and our thanks go in particular to Iceland Foods, who have shown us tremendous support over the last two years. With support from these companies and the public, we’ve raised an incredible £160,000 from the draw – enough to fund 8,000 hours of pioneering research. With over 9,000 people in Birmingham currently living with dementia, and the numbers affected spiralling, research to bring new treatments closer is crucial.”

This material has been published with the kind permission of Alzheimer Research UK.

Kent Golfers Use Their Drive to Raise £5,000 for Dementia Research

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Etchinghill Golf Club has raised an enormous £5,000 for Alzheimer’s Research UK in twelve months, after naming the UK’s leading dementia research charity as their Charity of the Year. The 350-strong club, based at Etchinghill near Folkestone, pulled together the huge sum with a range of events throughout the year, including golfing games, a quiz and several raffles.

The club chose to raise money for Alzheimer’s Research UK after being inspired about the work of the charity by dementia research scientist Dr Kate Kellett, the daughter of ladies’ captain Rosemary Davey.

Rosemary explained:
“Everyone knows someone with dementia – my own mother had the condition, and it seems that most families have been affected these days. Age is the biggest risk factor for dementia and with many people in the club over 55, it’s a big health concern for us all as we look to the future. Because of Kate’s job I’m very aware that research to find new treatments is desperately underfunded, which is one of the reasons we chose to support Alzheimer’s Research UK. I’m so proud of the work Kate does, and we know there are researchers all over the country who are just as dedicated as she is, so we were all pleased to have raised so much for their work.

“Etchinghill is a very friendly club and it was no surprise to see everyone get involved to help raise money. We had local companies sponsoring holes for one of our games, and plenty of people donating raffle prizes and taking part in our fundraising events. Everyone has been so generous, and it was wonderful to see the whole club pull together to help this important cause.”

Club members had the chance to hear first-hand from Dr Kellett about Alzheimer’s Research UK’s work at their annual dinner last month, where she was also able to explain more about her own research at the University of Leeds.

She said:
“My colleagues and I are focused on understanding an enzyme called BACE-1, which plays a role in the production of a protein that builds in the brain during Alzheimer’s. We hope that our work will enable the design of new drugs to tackle the disease – we need to understand what’s going on in Alzheimer’s in order to develop new treatments.

“Funding from Alzheimer’s Research UK has been extremely important to allow our team’s work to progress. As a scientist I’m very aware of how much money is needed to carry out research, and knowing how hard people work to raise that money really does put it into perspective. The thought that the public is willing to support research really helps spur on our work, and it was great to meet the ladies of Etchinghill Golf Club and to thank them for their efforts.”

Parminder Summon, Community Fundraising Manager at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said:
“This is a fantastic effort and we are really grateful to the club members for their wonderful support. The amount they’ve raised will pay for 250 hours of pioneering research, bringing new treatments, preventions and improved diagnosis for dementia ever closer.

“Over 17,000 people in Kent alone are affected by dementia, yet we still lack treatments to stop the diseases that cause dementia. Alzheimer’s Research UK funds top scientists through more than 140 groundbreaking projects worth over £20 million in our determination to defeat dementia. As we receive no government funding, we rely on our enthusiastic supporters to fund this crucial research. There are lots of ways to raise money for our work. The first step is to contact us on 01223 843899 or email fundraising@alzheimersresearchuk.org to request a free fundraising pack or to talk about your fundraising ideas.”

This material has been published with the kind permission of Alzheimer Research UK.

Doctor Who Helps Exterminate Dementia

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A book of celebrity memories about the science-fiction drama Doctor Who, entitled Behind the Sofa, is flying off the shelves to boost funds for Alzheimer’s Research UK. Jonathan Ross, Lynda Bellingham, Al Murray and Martina Cole are among more than 100 famous contributors. All the proceeds from book sales are being donated to the UK’s leading dementia research charity and the total so far has reached over £20,000.

Behind the Sofa also contains recollections from a host of former stars of the long-running BBC series, including Hugh Bonneville and Tracy-Ann Oberman, with illustrations by artist Ben Morris.

Author and Whovian Steve Berry was inspired to compile Behind the Sofa in memory of his mum Janet who died with early-onset Alzheimer’s in 2009.

Steve says:
“The idea for the book came to me when Doctor Who returned to our screens in 2005, after a 16-year gap. It was just after my mum was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s – she was only in her 50s. I was shocked to learn that little could be done to help her and appalled at the lack of funding for research for new treatments. I thought, ‘What would the Doctor do if faced with an enemy like Alzheimer’s?’”

“Since then I’ve been on a mission to help the experts, Alzheimer’s Research UK. Behind the Sofa has been four years in the making and 100 per cent of the proceeds are being donated to the charity’s pioneering research into the disease and other forms of dementia. All the love and care in the world can’t cure Alzheimer’s – research is the only answer. Everyone who buys a copy will give hope to the 820,000 people in the UK living with dementia today.

“I’ve been truly astonished, both by the support of the Whovian community who have purchased the book in their thousands, and by the generosity of the celebrities who gave up their time to help. Behind the Sofa is a lasting legacy to Mum and Alzheimer’s Research UK.

“In addition, PayPal, the online payment company which processed the pre-orders of the book in March, waived its fees and instead gave the money to the charity in the form of a £1,000 donation.”

Dr Marie Janson, Director of Development at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said:
“We are so grateful to Steve and everyone who has added their Doctor Who memories to this brilliant book. The £20,000 raised from sales of Behind the Sofa already is a tremendous result – enough to fund 1,000 hours of world-class research and vital equipment for our scientists. This amazing contribution is bringing us closer to finding ways to diagnose, prevent, treat and cure Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

“The brain is one of the most complex parts of our body, with more connections than there are stars in the galaxy – there is still so much we need to understand. Dementia poses one of the greatest threats to public health now and in the future yet funding for research lags far behind other serious diseases. We rely entirely on our wonderful supporters like Steve to fund our crucial research.”

Behind the Sofa can be ordered online at www.doctorwhobook.com priced at £14.99. It is also available at www.amazon.co.uk, www.forbiddenplanet.com and many specialist comic book shops.

Cambridgeshire Campaigner Made Champion of Alzheimer’s Research UK

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Sarah King, from Linton in Cambridgeshire, has been made a Champion of Alzheimer’s Research UK. Sarah was given the title in recognition of her exceptional support for the charity after her husband, Andrew, was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease when he was just 43. The national charity, based in Great Shelford, Cambridgeshire, now has a small but growing group of 17 Champions – supporters who have gone above and beyond to help in its mission to defeat dementia.

Sarah, 45, first began supporting Alzheimer’s Research UK when she took part in the charity’s Big Walk last year, raising much-needed funds for pioneering dementia research. Sarah has since taken the brave step of speaking out in the media about her experience on behalf of the charity, helping to raise awareness and improve public understanding of Alzheimer’s.

Sarah said:
“When Andrew was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s six years ago it was a terrible shock, but it was also a relief to finally understand what was causing his symptoms. Little by little the disease has taken away his abilities, and Andrew is now in a care home as he’s no longer able to walk or talk. I feel lucky to still have Andrew and visit him often, but watching his decline has been absolutely heartbreaking. When we first got married we dreamed of having children but those dreams have been shattered now – the impact of this disease has been enormous for our whole family.

“Before he became ill, Andrew worked as a geneticist so I’m well aware of the importance of research, and that’s one reason I chose to support Alzheimer’s Research UK. I would dearly love to see a treatment that could help people like Andrew, but research is vital for that to happen. I’m pleased to be doing something positive to help in the fight against dementia and I’m honoured to be made a Champion of Alzheimer’s Research UK.”

Rebecca Wood, Chief Executive of Alzheimer’s Research UK, said:
“We’re delighted to make Sarah a Champion of Alzheimer’s Research UK – she has shown such commitment in her support for the charity and she truly deserves this honour. Sarah has always been willing to help us raise the profile of dementia research, and this is our way of showing our appreciation for her hard work and dedication.

“By sharing her experience and talking honestly about Andrew’s diagnosis, Sarah has helped countless people understand the reality of Alzheimer’s disease. Her fundraising and her promotion of research have been a real boost to our work, helping to bring us ever closer to new treatments and preventions.

“More than 6,000 people in Cambridgeshire alone are affected by dementia, and treatments to combat the diseases that cause it can only come through research. Every penny we spend on research comes from the public, and it’s thanks to wonderful supporters like Sarah that we’re able to make an impact.”

Cambridgeshire Campaigner Made Champion of Alzheimer’s Research UK

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Sarah King, from Linton in Cambridgeshire, has been made a Champion of Alzheimer’s Research UK. Sarah was given the title in recognition of her exceptional support for the charity after her husband, Andrew, was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease when he was just 43. The national charity, based in Great Shelford, Cambridgeshire, now has a small but growing group of 17 Champions – supporters who have gone above and beyond to help in its mission to defeat dementia.

Sarah, 45, first began supporting Alzheimer’s Research UK when she took part in the charity’s Big Walk last year, raising much-needed funds for pioneering dementia research. Sarah has since taken the brave step of speaking out in the media about her experience on behalf of the charity, helping to raise awareness and improve public understanding of Alzheimer’s.

Sarah said:
“When Andrew was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s six years ago it was a terrible shock, but it was also a relief to finally understand what was causing his symptoms. Little by little the disease has taken away his abilities, and Andrew is now in a care home as he’s no longer able to walk or talk. I feel lucky to still have Andrew and visit him often, but watching his decline has been absolutely heartbreaking. When we first got married we dreamed of having children but those dreams have been shattered now – the impact of this disease has been enormous for our whole family.

“Before he became ill, Andrew worked as a geneticist so I’m well aware of the importance of research, and that’s one reason I chose to support Alzheimer’s Research UK. I would dearly love to see a treatment that could help people like Andrew, but research is vital for that to happen. I’m pleased to be doing something positive to help in the fight against dementia and I’m honoured to be made a Champion of Alzheimer’s Research UK.”

Rebecca Wood, Chief Executive of Alzheimer’s Research UK, said:
“We’re delighted to make Sarah a Champion of Alzheimer’s Research UK – she has shown such commitment in her support for the charity and she truly deserves this honour. Sarah has always been willing to help us raise the profile of dementia research, and this is our way of showing our appreciation for her hard work and dedication.

“By sharing her experience and talking honestly about Andrew’s diagnosis, Sarah has helped countless people understand the reality of Alzheimer’s disease. Her fundraising and her promotion of research have been a real boost to our work, helping to bring us ever closer to new treatments and preventions.

“More than 6,000 people in Cambridgeshire alone are affected by dementia, and treatments to combat the diseases that cause it can only come through research. Every penny we spend on research comes from the public, and it’s thanks to wonderful supporters like Sarah that we’re able to make an impact.”

This material has been published with the kind permission of Alzheimer Research UK.

A Blooming Lovely Donation

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The Courtyard at The Sick Children’s Trust’s Acorn House at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge is looking ‘blooming’ beautiful thanks to a ‘bunch’ of donations from local garden centres and a local sculptor.

Scotsdales Garden Centre, Polhill Garden Centre at Coton Orchard and Oakington Garden Centre all in Cambridge donated potted plants for the charity’s outside space area. The area was finished off with a kind donation of a 6ft tall steel metal pig sculpture by local artist, Tony Hillier.

Acorn House is one of the charity’s seven ‘Homes from Homes’ across the UK which provides free accommodation to families of sick children whilst they are being treated at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge.

Joy Worship, House Manager at Acorn House added: “Our courtyard sits at the front entrance to Acorn House so when families first come here they will now be welcomed by the site of all these beautiful flowers and the friendly pig! It also provides them with a nice environment to sit outside on the bench and gather their thoughts during this stressful time.

“We are delighted with the generosity of these local companies and Tony and also a special thanks goes to Janet Snider from John Lewis who volunteers a lot of her spare time to help keep our garden nice.”

Press contact: Sarah Wallace on 020 79318695 or email sarah@sickchildrenstrust.org

Pic ref: Acorn House Courtyard.jpg

Pic caption: (L-R) Julie Griffin and Joy Worship from Acorn House.

From Little Acorns Grow Big Ideas

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More than 300 families each year will have somewhere to stay close by to their sick child thanks to a new ‘Home from Home’ opened today by The Sick Children’s Trust. at the new Rosie hospital, Cambridge.

The charity launched a £400,000 appeal to build the house in Spring 2011 to accommodate families as part of the Rosie hospital’s three-storey extension. The Rosie’s new unit is equipped to care for the sickest and most vulnerable new born babies from all over the East of England and occasionally beyond and Chestnut House will support the families of these children who would otherwise have nowhere to stay whilst their new baby is being treated.

Alan Booth, House Manager at Chestnut House commented: “Every day families lives are thrown into turmoil. What should be a happy time with the birth of their child suddenly turns into a stressful situation and they find themselves having to travel great distances on a daily basis to be with their sick newborns in intensive care. This can place a huge strain on families, both emotionally and financially at a very difficult time.

“Last year 1,081 babies were admitted to neonatal intensive care and special care at the Rosie, and we expect this to increase when the new unit opens. With this new house we can ensure that families are able to stay close to their newborn baby, so that these poorly babies can get the best possible start with their family on hand to offer love and support. Our ‘Home from Home’ at the Rosie hospital has eight en-suite bedrooms, a communal living area and cooking and laundry facilities which will help to provide a comfortable, calming facility for families.”

Jane Featherstone, Head of Fundraising for The Sick Children’s Trust added: “We are thrilled that we can open this new house and want to thank everyone who helped us in our bid to raise the £400,000 needed to build Chestnut House. As a non-NHS funded operation we relied entirely on our supporters to help us fundraise for this new ‘Home from Home’ and are delighted with the result. However we still face ongoing running costs to keep the house open so urge everyone to continue to support us with this project.”

The charity’s Vice President and Broadcaster, Esther Rantzen was on hand to officially open the new house – Chestnut House – on Wednesday 5 September. She said:

“As an 8-year old child I became gravely ill and had to stay in hospital for three months, and even now I remember how I treasured my parents’ visits, and how precious they were.   Now that I am a parent, I know that is a no more worrying or distressing time than when a child is ill and they are miles away. What families need during these times is support, and that’s why The Sick Children’s Trust has its ‘Homes from Home’, so that parents can be close by their child, holding their hand through their illness.

“I am delighted to be here today to open Chestnut House.  This charity provides a vital service to families and hospitals across the UK and it’s an honour to lend my support to such a great cause.”

The £30 million project has transformed the Rosie hospital into one of the leading facilities in the UK.  The existing hospital has been struggling to cope with the rising number of births and also specialist cases that come from across the region to receive treatment here. Chestnut House will be based on the ground floor of the new centre which includes a purpose-built Rosie Birth Centre, which includes 10 spacious en suite rooms – all with birthing pools and some have access to a private garden. The extension also includes maternal and foetal medicine clinics for the monitoring, treatment and care of women with higher risk pregnancies and a larger neonatal unit including a special care baby unit.

Dr Amanda Ogilvy-Stuart, consultant neonatologist, added: “We are one of the leading tertiary units in the UK, providing specialist medical and surgical care for sick and premature babies from across the East of England. Our 41 neonatal cots are always under intense pressure so there was a need to expand the existing hospital.

“With the future expansion to 58 intensive care, high dependency and special care cots over the next few years, the unit will be the largest in the UK and we will have the capacity to treat those babies that need the specialist care we can provide here. Providing parent and family accommodation on site will help enormously, especially for families who live some way from Cambridge so we are delighted to have the support of The Sick Children’s Trust with this new venture.”

The charity already has a ‘Home from Home’ in Cambridge, Acorn House, which supports families of children being treated at Addenbrooke’s Hospital. 

For more information: Please contact Sarah Wallace on 020 7931 8695 or email sarahsickchildrenstrust.org

About The Sick Children’s Trust

The Sick Children’s Trust is celebrating 30 years of supporting families in need. It was founded in 1982 by two paediatric specialists, Dr Jon Pritchard and Professor James Malpas, who believed that having parents on hand during hospital treatment benefited a child’s recovery.

Today we have seven ‘Homes from Home’ at major hospitals around the country where families can stay free of charge, for as long as they need whilst their child is undergoing treatment. There is a growing demand for our ‘Homes from Home’ as children must increasingly travel long distances to get the specialist treatment they need. In the last 30 years we have supported more than 40,000 families.

Grand Designs for Charity’s New ‘Home from Home’

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Renowned British designer, Emma Bridgewater, has provided a much needed boost to a Cambridge based charity’s fundraising campaign with the donation of some of her famous home ware.

Emma has donated dinner plates, side plates and mugs to The Sick Children’s Trust’s new ‘Home from Home’ at the Rosie hospital in Cambridge, which is due to open next month. The charity provides free ‘Home from Home’ accommodation to parents of sick children whilst they are being treated in hospital.

Sue Cartwright, house operations manager for The Sick Children’s Trust said:” we are very grateful to Emma’s donation to our new accommodation. The kitchen is the place where a lot of our families come to make home cooked meals away from the hospital and really helps to create a sense of normality like they are back in their home.

“These plates and mugs, with their colourful design, will certainly help brighten up the kitchen area and hopefully make these families’s stay just that little bit easier.

This new accommodation will increase the number of families the charity can support each year to nearly 3,800 and bring their total number of ‘Homes from Home’ to eight. With eight en-suite bedrooms, a communal living area and cooking and laundry facilities, the ‘Home from Home’ at the Rosie hospital will help more than 300 families every year.

Elaine at Emma Bridgewater added: “We are very happy to support such a worthwhile charity. When you have to be away from familiar surroundings we understand the importance of being in an environment that feels like home – and this is just what The Sick Children’s Trust offers.”

About The Sick Children’s Trust

The Sick Children’s Trust is celebrating 30 years of supporting families in need. It was founded in 1982 by two paediatric specialists, Dr Jon Pritchard and Professor James Malpas, who believed that having parents on hand during hospital treatment benefited a child’s recovery.

Today we have seven ‘Homes from Home’ at major hospitals around the country where families can stay free of charge, for as long as they need whilst their child is undergoing treatment. There is a growing demand for our ‘Homes from Home’ as children must increasingly travel long distances to get the specialist treatment they need. In the last 30 years we have supported more than 40,000 families.

The Sick Children’s Trust Cambridge Sponsored Walk

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Date: Saturday 16 June 2012

Time: 1pm

Location: Milton Country Park, Cambridge

Ticket: £5 registration fee

Come and join The Sick Children’s Trust for their Cambridge Sponsored Walk.

The walk takes you 1.5 miles around the park, through some beautiful scenery. A mixture of woodland, grass and water areas within the park ensures that there will be a wide variety of wildlife present, from towering willows to dancing butterflies. It’s the perfect summer event that all the whole family can take part in.

Registration costs just £5 per person and whatever you can raise in sponsorship will all go towards our campaign to build our new ‘Home from Home’ at the Rosie hospital in Cambridge.
All walkers receive entry into the Garden in the registration fee, an official t-shirt to identify you as a sponsored walker, and refreshments after the walk. Plus all children taking part will be awarded with a medal to show their achievement.

You must be registered to participate with The Sick Children’s Trust.

To register for the walk please click here: or for more information please contact Sophie on 020 7931 8695 or email sophie@sickchildrenstrust.org

Press contact: Sarah Wallace on 020 79318695 or email sarah@sickchildrenstrust.org

About The Sick Children’s Trust

The Sick Children’s Trust is celebrating 30 years of supporting families in need. It was founded in 1982 by two paediatric specialists, Dr Jon Pritchard and Professor James Malpas, who believed that having parents on hand during hospital treatment benefited a child’s recovery.

Today we have seven ‘Homes from Home’ at major hospitals around the country where families can stay free of charge, for as long as they need whilst their child is undergoing treatment. There is a growing demand for our ‘Homes from Home’ as children must increasingly travel long distances to get the specialist treatment they need. In the last 30 years we have supported more than 40,000 families

Photography Studio Launches a Snappy Appeal

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A photography studio in Thurston, Bury St Edmunds, spent last weekend clicking away to raise money so that families can stay close by to their child when they are being treated in hospital – and has already raised a brilliant £110.

Suffolk based Lighthouse Studios kick started their fundraising efforts recently to support The Sick Children’s Trust’s Appeal to raise money to build a new ‘Home from Home’ at the Rosie hospital in Cambridge.

The studio is offering to donate £25 from each family photography session booked between now and when the new house opens to the charity’s “Buy a Brick” campaign, helping the charity to edge ever closer to its target of opening its eighth ‘Home from Home’ in September 2012.

Colleen Howe, from Lighthouse Studio said: “I wanted to support the charity as I know how wonderful they were to my friend Holly when her daughter, Evie, was rushed into Addenbrooke’s Hospital with respiratory failure in 2010. Holly and her partner, Kevin Rumbelow, stayed at the charity’s Acorn House for more than eight days and they always told me how much of a difference just having a place where they could stay close by to Evie made to them during this stressful time.

“The launch party was a wonderful family event and we had lots of people stop by to support the charity. Best of all though was the fact that little Evie could join us and she is now running around like a normal toddler.”

The Sick Children’s Trust’s new ‘Home from Home’ is [art of Cambridge University Hospitals extension of the Rosie Hospital and the will support the parents of the most vulnerable babies from across the East of England and occasionally beyond. It will provide a comfortable, calming facility for families. With eight en-suite bedrooms, a communal living area and cooking and laundry facilities, helping more than 250 families every year.

Lydia Solomon, Community Fundraiser for The Sick Children’s Trust added: “This is a great start to the studio’s appeal and it’s wonderful to see Holly and her family get back to a sense of normality after everything they have been through. We are really grateful to the Lighthouse Studio for supporting our appeal. We still have to raise more than £240,000 so appreciate all the help we can get.”

Family shoots are offered at the Lighthouse Studio, Thurston, Bury St.Edmunds or on location at a venue chosen by the family. Each photo shoot costs just £40 for which the family will get a 6×4 photograph of their favourite image and the Lighthouse Studio will donate £25 towards the Rosie Hospital “Buy a Brick” campaign.

For more information or to attend the launch party: Please contact Sarah Wallace on 020 7931 8695 or email sarah@sickchildrenstrust.org

Image reproduced from http://www.oeconline.org

Councillor Tony Orgee Backs Alzheimer’s Research UK’s Big Walk

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The Chairman of South Cambridgeshire District Council, Cllr Tony Orgee, is urging everyone to take part in Alzheimer’s Research UK’s Big Walk in the county on Sunday 13 May. The UK’s leading dementia research charity, based in Great Shelford, aims to raise £50,000 for pioneering dementia research.

Hundreds of people are expected to join in the nine mile circular Big Walk, which starts in the picturesque village of Comberton. Walkers will enjoy exploring peaceful country lanes and an off-road ramble, following tracks through fields and country paths, alongside beautiful woodland areas.

Cllr Orgee talked about his motivation for supporting Alzheimer’s Research UK’s Big Walk:

“This is a Big Walk with a very important focus – to raise desperately needed funds for research into Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Dementia is a devastating condition affecting not just the individual but their families and a far wider network of people.

“We are fortunate to have the UK’s leading dementia research charity based here in Cambridgeshire. It is essential that new treatments are found and Alzheimer’s Research UK is working hard to achieve that goal.

“The route for the Big Walk passes through beautiful countryside in South Cambridgeshire. I would encourage everyone to join in to help Alzheimer’s Research UK raise money to progress its crucial research.”

Miranda Mays, Community Fundraising Manager for Alzheimer’s Research UK, added:

“It’s brilliant to have Cllr Orgee’s backing for our Big Walk, helping us achieve our aim of raising £50,000. This amount will pay for an entire pilot research project, bringing us closer to finding ways to diagnose, prevent, treat and cure dementia.

“We’re delighted with the support we’ve received so far and there’s still time for people to sign up to take part or come along as a volunteer. We rely entirely on our wonderful supporters to fund our vital research and we hope everyone in Cambridgeshire and beyond will join us to help defeat dementia.

“There are 820,000 people across the UK living with dementia today, including over 6,000 people in Cambridgeshire alone. Numbers are forecast to rise substantially in the next generation and research is the only answer.”

Alzheimer’s Research UK’s Big Walk starts at 10am on Sunday 13 May, at Comberton Village College, West Street, Comberton CB23 7DU. To take up the challenge telephone 01223 843899 or email bigwalk@alzheimersresearchuk.org. Registration is £15 for adults and £7.50 for under 18s. More information is also available online at www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/big-walk

Local Man Goes to the Summit for Charity!

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At the respectable age of 48, Property Consultant from Cambridgeshire, John Bowles, longed for some adventure. There was no better way to satisfy his desire than to trek to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro with six friends, while at the same time raising money for three different charities.

The group of men began their seven day journey on 28 January 2011 and to date have raised over £13,500 for The Sick Children’s Trust, TearFund, and the Arthur Rank Hospice in Cambridge. At first, all the men wanted to climb the mountain for different reasons, many being age-related, but with time saw the fundraising potential for their trip.

“We planned the trip as one we would organise and pay for ourselves, but it soon became apparent that the support we were getting was too good an opportunity for us not to do some good by raising money for a few charities special to us,” John said. “I had no hesitation in suggesting The Sick Children’s Trust given the tremendous support they had given my family. It was simply a blessing to have had their help during this period, and we can’t thank them enough for making a horrendous experience just a little easier.”

The Sick Children’s Trust is a charity that provides free, high quality accommodation to families who have children being treated at hospitals. The charity’s Guilford House supported John and his wife Ali when their daughter Kitty spent 10 days in Cardiac Intensive Care Unity at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH). On Christmas day at five weeks old she suffered a severe case of neonatal myocarditis causing her heart to fail.

Arriving at GOSH on Christmas day 1999, with large parts of the hospital on shutdown in preparation for the ‘Millennium’, John and Ali spent the first three nights sleeping on the floor while Kitty’s condition remained critical. On the fourth day they found out about The Sick Children’s Trust which was able to accommodate the family, allowing them to be reunited with their two and a half daughter Hannah.

“It was because of The Sick Children’s Trust that we were able to spend the Millennium New Year’s Eve as a whole family. It meant the world to us to be together during the holiday. Two days later we received news of Kitty’s miraculous recovery. We were able to be at her bedside and welcome the good news as a family,” John added.

In order to give back to The Sick Children’s Trust, John and his friends, all between the ages 48-52, planned a seven day climb of Mount Kilimanjaro via the “Machame Route,” one of the six recognised routes to the summit. The men started their journey on 28 January 2012 and all seven reached the summit at sunrise on 2 February 2011.

Currently the group has raised over £14,300, allocating £2,400 of it for The Sick Children’s Trust. However, money is still being raised and John hopes to receive over £2,500 for the charity.

“It was truly memorable and rewarding to have reached the summit, as well as raised money for a charity that had such a significant impact on my life. My family and I will be forever grateful to The Sick Children’s Trust for what they did to save Kitty’s life. We’re so happy to help out the dedicated people who make these ‘Homes from Home’ possible.”

If you would like to make a donation, please visit John’s individual page at www.JustGiving.com/john-c-bowles or the team page athttp://www.justgiving.com/teams/climbing-kilimanjaro-2012.

Cambs Charity Receives Grant From Million Dollar Round Table Foundation

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Great Shelford-based charity, Alzheimer’s Research UK, has received a boost of $10,000 (equivalent to £6,100) from the Million Dollar Round Table Foundation (MDRT) in America. This grant is thanks to Simon Gibson, a Cambridgeshire supporter of the UK’s leading dementia research charity. He attended the cheque presentation, which took place at MDRT’s conference in London on 21 February at Kensington Town Hall.

Simon Gibson, who lives in Burwell, is a director of financial planning specialists Atkinson Bolton Consulting. For the past thirteenyears he has been a member of the MDRT, an international association which represents the top 40,000 financial advisors worldwide.

Simon talked about the MDRT Foundation’s generous grant and his inspiration for supporting Alzheimer’s Research UK:

“The MDRT Foundation invites its members to submit applications for charitable grants. As I am acutely aware that dementia research is desperately underfunded, and have been personally touched by this devastating disease,I nominated Alzheimer’s Research UK. This proactive charity is working hard to defeat Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia and relies entirely on donations to fund its pioneering research.

“Dementia poses one of the greatest threats to public health now and in the future and so many people I speak to these days know someone affected by it. New treatments and a cure are desperately needed and research is the only answer. Not only do I have clients and personal friends who have or are suffering, my father was diagnosed over two years ago. He was a professional man for 51 years, famed among other things for his memory. It is so encouraging to see the progress that research is making and, while it may not be in time for his generation, it offers hope for mine.”

Presenting the cheque, Jennifer Borislow, President of the MDRT Foundation, said:

“The MDRT Foundation was created in 1959 and provides it members with a means to give back to their communities. We provide grants to organisations around the world and we are pleased to be able to make a contribution to Alzheimer’s Research UK. This charity’s innovative research offers new hope to those people living with the daily reality of dementia.”

Dr Marie Janson, Director of Development for Alzheimer’s Research UK, attended the cheque presentation and added:

“We are very grateful to the MDRT Foundation and Simon Gibson for this generous grant and their much valued support of our work. This money will pay for hundreds of hours of world-class dementia research and fund vital equipment for our scientists, bringing us closer to finding ways to diagnose, prevent, treat and cure dementia.

“There are 820,000 people in the UK living with dementia today, including 6,000 in Cambridgeshire. Numbers are forecast to rise substantially in the next generation and we need to fund more research urgently in order to beat this dreadful condition.”

UK’s Largest Dementia Research Conference Comes to Birmingham in 2012

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Over 250 leading dementia scientists from across the globe will gather in Birmingham this week for Alzheimer’s Research UK Conference 2012, the country’s largest dedicated dementia research conference. The event, which takes place on 27 and 28 March, will share the latest evidence on a wide range of research topics, including talks from UK-based scientists on midlife risk reduction, and the importance of early life cognition in understanding cognitive ageing.

Alzheimer’s Research UK is the UK’s leading dementia research charity and one of the top three charity funders of dementia research in the world. It holds its annual conference in a different city each year and the 2012 Birmingham event will cover a range of topics, including:

· Prof Eef Hogervorst, of Loughborough University, who will describe how people could reduce their risk of developing dementia from midlife through simple lifestyle choices;
· Prof John Starr of University of Edinburgh on the importance of early life cognition in understanding cognitive ageing.
· Dr Ottavio Arancio, of Columbia University in New York, who will talk about new approaches to developing treatments for Alzheimer’s disease, the most common cause of dementia;
· Prof Patrizia Mecocci, of the University of Perugia in Italy, who will describe the role of antioxidants in brain ageing;

Dr Eric Karran, Research Director at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said:
“UK dementia researchers punch above their weight in the global battle to defeat Alzheimer’s disease and other causes of dementia, and this conference is a crucial way for the field to collaborate. Dementia is complex, and requires scientists from many different disciplines to defeat it, so it’s important to keep this multifaceted field talking.

“Dementia is now the greatest health challenge our society faces – with 820,000 people in the UK affected, including 9,000 people in Birmingham alone, and the condition already costs our economy £23bn a year. The need for effective treatments for dementia has never been more urgent, but if we are to achieve this, it will take a huge research effort.”

Jamie and Vicki Graham, of Dauntsey near Chippenham, know only too well the devastating effects of dementia, as Jamie was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease in 2007 when he was just 59. The pair have since raised thousands for dementia research, and have been made Champions of Alzheimer’s Research UK in recognition of their support for the charity.

Vicki said:
“When Jamie was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s our whole world changed. Jamie has enormous courage and still has his sense of humour, but seeing him slowly deteriorate is incredibly difficult.

“We chose to raise money for Alzheimer’s Research UK because we believe that research is the only way to beat this devastating disease, yet dementia research is desperately underfunded. It’s great to see this important event bringing researchers together, and to know that scientists are making such good progress.”

Dr Sarah Aldred, of the University of Birmingham, co-ordinates Alzheimer’s Research UK’s Midlands Research Network, which will host this year’s conference. She said:
“We’re thrilled to be hosting this conference, which is a great way of bringing together scientists from a range of research backgrounds who all have a common mission – defeating dementia. We urgently need better ways to diagnose, treat and prevent dementia, and scientists must work together if we are to achieve those goals. This annual event is a fantastic chance for researchers to share their knowledge, and helps foster a collaborative spirit that can be a real boost to research.”

Image reproduced from http://arrangeyourtravel.com

More White Coats: Capacity Boost the Only Answer to Uk Dementia Crisis

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Alzheimer’s Research UK has challenged Government to avoid flash in the pan tactics on dementia research and commit to a national dementia research strategy. In a new report – Defeating Dementia – the UK’s leading dementia research charity warns that the UK’s world-renowned dementia knowledge base could be lost unless scientists have better opportunities to enter and remain in the field.

The Defeating Dementia report will be launched at a House of Commons event, chaired by BBC 5 Live’s Shelagh Fogarty, on Wednesday 25th January. The event will also feature Alzheimer’s Research UK patron Sir Terry Pratchett, the Department of Health’s National Clinical Director for Dementia Prof Alistair Burns, and 50 leading dementia scientists. It is sponsored by Cambridge MP Julian Huppert.
Numbers of people living with dementia are spiralling towards one million as the population ages, costing the economy over £23billion. With the limited treatments available only alleviating some symptoms, pressure remains on research to deliver new drugs, preventions and improved diagnosis. However, a history of underinvestment has left dementia research undermanned and underfunded.

Recent initiatives from Government and other research funders have helped, with one-off themed calls for dementia research and some increases in investment. However, the field is still dwarfed by provision for research into cancer and heart disease both of which do not pose the same degree of challenge to society and the economy. For every dementia scientist, over six work in cancer.

The Defeating Dementia report outlines 14 recommendations to the Government and all research funders to help boost capacity and create a research environment better suited to the challenge posed by dementia.

Alzheimer’s Research UK believes a national dementia research strategy should encourage ring-fencing of funding for dementia research; greater flexibility and calculated risk taking to foster innovation; boost research to improve disease understanding and accelerate treatment development. The charity is also calling for a simplification of funding applications, and the removal of unnecessary bureaucracy which comes at the expense of productive research time.

Rebecca Wood, Chief Executive of Alzheimer’s Research UK, said:

“It is right that we pay serious attention to the care challenge that dementia poses today and tomorrow, but we can’t just paper over the cracks. The only answer to dementia lies in research that will deliver new treatments and preventions.

“Government and other funders have taken some positive steps towards boosting research efforts in the UK, but we can’t rely on flash in the pan tactics. Through our recommendations, we are challenging all funders to take an essential long term view on dementia research. If we can’t boost the number of scientists working on dementia, then we will fail the 820,000 living with dementia today, and we will be powerless to avert the looming increases in prevalence.”

Prof Julie Williams, Chief Scientific Adviser to Alzheimer’s Research, said:

“Investing in our high-achieving UK scientists is the only answer to dementia: our brains depend on theirs. It is clear from this report that we do not have enough scientists working in the dementia field to meet the colossal challenge it poses to society.

“We must not only support our current world-leading scientists, but also encourage new brains into the field, with new ideas and expertise to add to our armoury. We have to remove bureaucratic barriers to research so we can foster the right environment for scientists to thrive.”

Jamie and Vicki Graham, who are Champions of Alzheimer’s Research UK, are heading to Westminster to support the charity. This is a subject very close to the Chippenham couple’s hearts as Jamie was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s five years ago at just 59.

Vicki said:

“Watching Jamie slowly deteriorate in front of me is incredibly painful. But he has tremendous courage and he’s never lost his sense of humour. Our whole world was ripped apart when he received the diagnosis and we were shocked to discover the lack of investment into research.

“We have to face what’s happened and we’ve made it our mission to do everything we can to help Alzheimer’s Research UK. More scientists and support for their work are desperately needed to make strides towards defeating dementia. It’s devastating to think that existing dementia knowledge could be lost. If we can encourage more people to get behind our dementia scientists, to help them find new treatments and one day a cure, then Jamie’s experience won’t have been for nothing.”

The full Alzheimer’s Research UK Defeating Dementia report is available on www.alzheimersresearchuk.org.

Image reproduced from http://www.ucl.ac.uk

Can Music Save Your Life? – Part 2

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Jennifer Campbell continues her exploration of music and the powerful effect it can have on our lives. To read part 1 of Can Music Save Your Life, click here.

Music is featured almost everywhere, we can even go as far as saying that we each have our individual soundtracks to our lives. And as each year passes and we go through a little more we add to it and even when you’re dead, those songs that once helped you are playing as you make your exit from this world. We all remember the songs we listened to from our first to our last loves, the songs we listened to during our school years and of course those songs that remind you of a loved one who may still be with us or not. Music is like a fingerprint, each of us is different and unique in our particular styles and what gets our hearts pounding with an array of emotions.

In a recent online survey, one of the women who answered the question “what does music do for you?”, said:  “It gives me a rush and can completely change my mood. It also gives me confidence in life”. Another respondent said “Songs can hold strong memories, so even if the music seems to be in the background it makes a huge difference to the setting and mood of a situation or memory”.

It is evident to see from the above comments that music is helpful to many people in a variety of situations. It doesn’t just stop with helping people through emotional times in life but music can also be used as therapy to those who are disadvantaged in life. The work of one charity in particular is phenomenal, Nordoff Robbins. They work as a music therapy based charity who works with a wide range of people from all ages, disabilities and illnesses. They particularly work with people who are very isolated or cannot communicate verbally. As with everyone music therapy needs to be adapted to suit each individual, there isn’t just a one trick wonder that will cure everyone instantly. The charity begins by working with the individual and making music with them until they recognise what they respond to then build from that. Often they help people who used to be able and very independent but due to a sudden and unfortunate life event have suffered from isolation.

Speaking with the Director of Music she shared this story in confidence, so he is anonymous. One man in particular lost his receptive and expressive language abilities following a stroke. He felt isolated, cut off and extremely depressed. He began taking music therapy on his own then his wife started joining him in the sessions, there was something magical about what she was witnessing. It went from his wife taking care of him, to them becoming partners again through the power of music.

Another organisation you may be familiar with is Samaritans, the work with people in confidence who are in extremely low places emotionally. Just recently there was a CD release called ‘Songs to Save a Life’ in aid of Samaritans. It featured many artists including James Morrison, KT Tunstall, Sophie Ellis-Bextor and The Overtones who donated their time to a cause they feel strongly about and they each chose a song of significant meaning.

KT Tunstall, multi-platinum singer and songwriter, on recording the album: “I’ve always had huge admiration for Samaritans; their existence is so vital to aid those in desperate need of someone to talk to. And music too can be a route out of places too dark to stay.”

Catherine Johnstone, Samaritans Chief Executive, on the album itself: “All the profits from the album will fund our essential 24-hour helpline service to support anyone feeling suicidal or with nowhere else to turn. We’re extremely grateful to all the artists and to the Songs to Save a Life production team for helping to make it happen. By buying this album, you could help us to save lives.”

The Songs to Save a Life album was named after the production company behind the project. Two music-industry experts, Richard Cardwell, musician/producer and musical director and Phil Armorgie, who has 20 years’ experience in the music industry, approached the Samaritans out of a desire to ‘put something back’ from an industry that had served them both well over the years and their mutual respect for such an incredible organisation.

Every year, Samaritans receives 5 million calls for help – that’s one every 5 seconds and every 60 seconds, the charity answers a call from someone feeling suicidal. The Songs to Save a Life is an album that can help Samaritans help others.

It just goes to show us, that no matter what situation we are in, whether it is a break up or a life altering event such as a stroke, music can do wonders for us. It can save us and bring us back to the life we love.

Images reproduced from cleveland.com and samaritans.org

Tribute Paid to Charity Which Helped Local Family

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The Elsie Norman Fund for Acorn House has presented The Sick Children’s Trust with a cheque for £13,420.00 as a thank you for all its help over the last three years.

When Max and Charlotte Norman’s daughter, Elsie, was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia in June 2008, Charlotte and her family spent four months at the charity’s ‘Home from Home’ Acorn House at Addenbrooke’s Hospital whilst Elsie was undergoing treatment.


During this time, a friend of Charlotte’s, Sarah Vincent, set up the Elsie Norman Fund to raise money for The Sick Children’s Trust.

She said: “Charlotte wanted us to help the people that were helping her but fundraising was only part of it. It stopped us feeling so powerless and helped to channel our energy into something really positive.

“The events we organised gave Charlotte’s friends and family the opportunity to get in touch with each other and offer mutual support and showed her that people were still thinking about her and supporting her many months into Elsie’s treatment.”

Charlotte Norman added: “It’s hard to believe that it’s nearly three years since we landed at Acorn House for our four month stay. The place was a god send for my family, especially because I was seven months pregnant on arrival and Acorn House was baby Innes’ first home for those two months.

“Thankfully now Elsie is going from strength to strength but without the support of The Sick Children’s Trust I can’t begin to contemplate how we would have coped as being together was so fundamental to us getting through. I just hope this money can help it carry on with this very important work as before Elsie was ill I had never even considered the kind of scenario we found ourselves in.”

Over the last three years the Elsie Norman Fund has held a range of fundraising events including car boot and table top sales, coffee mornings, cake sales, teddy bear picnics, parties, marathons and donations instead of birthday presents. Elsie went on to have a donor bone marrow transplant late 2008, but has since recovered well.

Lydia Solomon, Community Fundraiser at The Sick Children’s Trust said: “We owe a big thank you to the amazing efforts and generosity of Charlotte and her friends and family members.  Every pound raised makes a real difference to Acorn House.”

For more information please contact: Sarah Wallace on 020 7791 2266 or email sarah@sickchildrenstrust.org