I would like to welcome any new readers to the makeabigdifference newsletter and take this opportunity to thank regular readers for your kind comments and feedback, as always it is much appreciated.
May and June has been such a busy period for the team with preparations for the forthcoming Charity Ball (which we are very excited about!).
The eagerly-awaited event is now less than 2 weeks away and will certainly be a night to remember! Maximum ticket sales and proceeds from the charity auction on the night will mean that we can support more young people who are affected by cancer and life threatening illness.
Just think, by attending the ball and enjoying the champagne reception, the luxury 4 course meal and a whole evening of brilliant entertainment, you will be participating in such a wonderful act of kindness to a young person living with cancer, a young person who is somebody’s daughter or son, a child’s mother or father, a sister or brother.
You really can make a big difference just by having a great evening, so come along and join us!!! Don’t forget there’s still time to purchase your tickets online, by cash or by cheque. For further details please read the Charity Ball Update towards the end of the newsletter.
Kind Regards and until next month,
Kim Tetlaw
Editor
Adam enjoys relaxing break
Adam Barrett is a 26 year old young man who recently enjoyed a Young Heroes respite break. He is from Clone in Lancashire and was referred to Young Heroes by Christie Hospital in Manchester.
Here Adam tells us about his relaxing break away and why he has returned home with a fresh outlook and is ready to get on with the rest of his life.
I was initially diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in September 2004, and since then, have suffered several relapses, each requiring further bouts of treatment. Most recently, a bone marrow transplant in 2007 has left me almost 2 years in remission, and now finally all is looking well for my future.
Having the promise of a week away in Lanzarote has been something special to look forward to ever since Young Heroes contacted me some time ago. Just last week, it finally happened, and it has to be the most relaxing holiday I have ever had.
The swanky 3 bedroom villa with swimming pool was the perfect place to enjoy the sun during the day, and chill out in the evening. The 2 charity members just around the corner went out of their way to provide us with everything we could have wished for; including lifts to the beach or even into town in the evening and croissants in the morning! Equally, we were given freedom to do whatever a group of twenty-something year old guys would wish to do on a lad’s holiday. We did not feel in any way like we were under supervision, although we knew that a helping hand was there whenever we needed one.
One of my best memories has to be the delightful barbeque on the patio organised entirely by the charity members having happily invited them to join us; So much food, plenty to drink, and much laughter was had by all. Summing up the entire holiday I have come home feeling refreshed and ready to get on with the rest of my life.
I am eternally grateful for what was a fantastic highlight in my life that I will never forget, and for the endless thoughtfulness of the charity members we were in contact with, and a fantastic charity overall.
Cheers Young Heroes!
Mark’s Bungee Jump Success
A very brave Mark ‘Sparky’ Mitchell from Manchester went down to the Salford Quays on Saturday 13th June, to undertake a Bungee Jump ‘over water’ to raise funds for Young Heroes.
Mark, who has a fear of heights, was cheered on by a number of Young Heroes staff who where astounded by Mark’s bravery, especially considering it was his first time in doing such an extreme sport and of course facing his fear. He did his jump like a true pro and not once did he show his nerves, determined to raise as much money as possible for young people living with cancer.
Mark is still collecting sponsor money but has raised over £400.00 to date. There is still time to sponsor his ‘jump’ by visiting www.justgiving.co.uk/mkmitchell
On behalf of everyone at Young Heroes, we would like to say a huge thank you to Mark for his bravery and support, well done!! And a big thank you to everyone who has sponsored/supported Mark.
Transporter Bridge Jump
In less than 4 weeks time, Young Heroes’ very own Aaron Clark will be leaping from the Middlesbrough Transporter Bridge to help raise funds for the charity.
Aaron is hoping to raise £500. This will allow Young Heroes to provide respite breaks for a young person with cancer from the North East, at a time when they most need it.
Along with raising awareness and vital funds for the charity, Aaron will be facing his huge fear of heights –
“I have a huge fear of heights so when I accomplish the jump, it will feel as if I have given much more because I have had to face my fear in order to raise the money for the charity I am so passionate about” Aaron says. “Please donate as much as you can, even if it is a small amount, it still adds up and will make a huge difference!”
You can sponsor Aaron online through Just Giving; the UK’s largest online fundraising platform. It’s quick, easy and totally secure and your donation goes straight to Young Heroes. Just Giving also automatically reclaims Gift Aid if you’re a UK taxpayer, so your donation is worth even more!
Please give as much as you can afford no matter how little you think it is – every penny helps.
Please visit www.justgiving.com/aaronclark.
Watch out for next month’s newsletter when you can read all about Aarons jump and how he managed to overcome those nerves in aid of young people with cancer.
Lanzarote Church donate £500
Young Heroes wish to extend their gratitude to Nuestra Senora Del Carmen, a beautiful church located on the main street in Playa Blanca for their kind donation of £500, bringing the total raised by the church to a total of £1000 to date.
Young Heroes volunteer Rob Law, pictured on the left, received the cheque which was presented by Idris Vaughan, the Anglican Chaplain for the Parish of St. Lawrence, Lanzarote.
From Left to Right, Rob Law, The Anglican Chaplain for the Parish of St. Lawrence Lanzarote, Idris Vaughan, Sheila Lewis member of the Church council and Mother’s Union representative, and Retired Priest, Father John.
Many thanks for your extremely kind donation and your continued support.
Island Mobility donates wheelchair to Young Heroes
In last month’s newsletter, we featured a brief article regarding the pending donation of a wheelchair from Lanzarote based company, Island Mobility.
Young Heroes were delighted when earlier this month; the kind donation was received and came in useful almost immediately by 16 year old Jack Peters, (pictured below) receiving the chair on behalf of all other Young Heroes.
Jack developed Osteosarcoma in his right leg in 2007. Following extensive pioneering surgery involving a bone donation, months of chemotherapy, physiotherapy and most importantly a very positive attitude from Jack, he is now beginning to enjoy life fully mobile as an outgoing young man planning his future career, and beginning to enjoy life as a 16 year old. Jack is unable to walk for long distances but with the help of the donated wheelchair he was able to enjoy the sights of the island.
Island Mobility became involved with Impact Young Heroes in April 2008 when Bev and Rob hired a wheelchair for a 23 year old young lady, who had not anticipated requiring further aids, until she discovered she had difficulties in the bathroom. Mike urgently brought out the necessary aid and gave it without charge for her use.
Young Heroes were so grateful for his support and following further discussions, he offered to donate a wheelchair and this is obviously a great financial help to the charity.
http://www.islandmobility.com/
LEFT to RIGHT: Mike (of Island Mobility) donating a wheelchair to Impact Young Heroes (received by Jack Peters).
Young Heroes would like to thank Ilkley based company NG Bailey for their assistance in moving a portocabin to the charities Purbeck Court Project; their continued support is very much appreciated.
NG Bailey is among the UK’s leading providers of building services, mechanical, electrical, ICT, off-site manufacture, interiors, systems integration and maintenance solutions.
For further information about NG Bailey you can telephone them on 01943 601933 or visit www.ngbailey.com
Toy Donations
Last month we featured an article about the Lanzarote Mothers Union and their commitment to donating special gift packs, to each and every young hero, who visits Casa Nissar.
Sheila Lewis, the branch leader, expressed a further wish to donate toys and games for use in the villa to keep the guests children entertained.
In less than 4 weeks, these amazing ladies have gathered together a large amount toys, books and board games. These items were donated by the ladies and various individuals on the island, with a further promise to donate a toy box to store them in.
The first children to benefit from the donated toys were Conor, Leah and Cain Macurrie, pictured below with dad Andrew and Sheila Lewis who presented them.
We would like to thank all the ladies of the Lanzarote Mothers Union for their amazing generosity and their continued support to the charity.
Miss Whiplash gets in training
Charlie Massey aka ‘Miss Whiplash’ has taken up the challenge to complete a gruelling 26 mile walk donned in a full bondage inspired costume.
Charlie, from Willington in Bedfordshire will begin her challenge from the Old Hunstanton in Norfolk on Saturday 5th September destined for Kings Lynn.
She was inspired to support the charity after meeting some of the young heroes whilst on holiday in Lanzarote “I had the pleasure of meeting some of the young people whilst they were enjoying their respite breaks in Playa Blanca” she says “As my holiday went on I learned more about the charity through talking to Bev and Rob Law and was deeply touched by some of the stories and the wonderful way Young Heroes wanted to help these deserving young individuals”.
As we all know, walking is so good for you but to take on such a demanding challenge like Charlie has, it needs a lot of both mental and physical training. “Training is going really well” says Charlie “I have been walking about 5 miles a night and try to do lots of swimming in between”
Early next month, she is also planning to ‘suss out’ her walk by completing a 9 mile walk on the actual route she will be taking on her challenge.
Charlie has a Just Giving page to allow sponsors to donate direct to Young Heroes. She is hoping to raise a minimum of £2,200 which will provide a young person living with cancer, a luxury respite break for them and their carer.
Don’t forget theirs still plenty of time to sponsor Charlie so please dig deep and give what you can; please follow the link below.
http://www.justgiving.com/charliedowen
Fundraising idea of the month
Cake Selling
Everyone loves fresh homemade baked goods so why not gather a team, bake to your hearts content and sell them in support of Young Heroes.
Recruit a few members of your friends, family, church or company to donate some of their time to preparing their favourite cakes, cookies and pies. Delicious treats at moderate prices can ensure a very successful sale!
Cost
If you’re doing a small, one-off cake sale, you might be prepared to cover the cost yourself. If you’re planning to have a bigger sale you might want to consider another option, such as asking a local business for sponsorship or donation of ingredients. Supermarkets are often happy to do this, but you will need to approach the manager in writing, well in advance of your event.
If you’re fundraising at work, you could always ask your employer to cover the cost of your ingredients.
You could also ask friends and family if they’d be prepared to help launch your fundraising efforts by donating one of more of the ingredients needed.
Making
What kind of cakes will you be selling? Are you thinking of buns, sponge cakes or lovingly hand-crafting three-tiered wonders made to order for special occasions?
Have some fun thinking creatively about this:
Could you make cakes iced in the colours of Young Heroes?
How about baking a batch of plain fairy cakes and hosting a “decorate your own cake” stand for smaller children?
A summer fete could call for scones with jam and cream, while mince pies and Christmas pudding are more appropriate to a Christmas Fair.
Remember, this isn’t just cake you’re selling – it’s “cake-in-aid-of!” Letting people know that your cakes are being sold to support a cause doesn’t just raise awareness – it also gives people a legitimate excuse to buy more cake!
Saxophony fundraiser
Back in the November 2008 edition of the newsletter, we featured an article about a group of talented young musicians called Saxophony.
The thriving groups, which are based at Solihull School, West Midlands have currently raised over £1000 for Young Heroes through various fundraising events and have even played before Prince Edward.
The group has recently announced details of their forthcoming fundraising concert with all proceeds donated to Young Heroes.
The concert will begin at midday on Saturday 27th June 2009 at The Navigation Inn, Lapworth, Solihull where they will perform for approximately an hour before travelling by barge to The Black Boy, Lapworth, where they will play for a further hour. The afternoon promises to be a great success and fun for all.
From everyone at Young Heroes, we wish them the very best of luck.
http://www.myspace.com/saxophony
Charity ball update – Its Here!
In less than 2 weeks time, supporters of the charity attending the summer ball will be enjoying a champagne reception, fine dining, music and entertainment and dancing, whilst also bidding on some AMAZING prizes in the luxurious auction Including; His and Hers Paul Smith Watches, Silver Cross Heritage Pram (worth £850), a holiday in the canaries, Selfridges’ beauty hamper, and a designer travel holdall.
The ‘Mid-summer Night Soul’ Charity Ball is to be held at The Cedar Court Hotel, Bradford on Saturday 27th June 2009 and this will be a truly unforgettable night of brilliant entertainment and fabulous fundraising, in order to support young people living with life-threatening illnesses.
Sponsorship opportunities
Sponsorship opportunities are still available. The elevated profile of this event along with recognition on the Young Heroes website and newsletter ensures that all contributors will strengthen business networks and build brand awareness through their donations.
To discuss a sponsorship opportunity, please contact Sharon Brown on01142 43 18 50.
or email: sharon.brown@impactliving.org
Tickets
Limited tickets are still available and can be purchased online. For further information please contact Sharon Brown on the number given above or Heather Irvine on 07876 467675