Newsletter Issue 2 • 2009 - Cancer Fund for Children
Transcription
Newsletter Issue 2 • 2009 - Cancer Fund for Children
WINTER Newsletter Published for and on behalf of the Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children Families welcome Family Support Service Full story page 3 Round Britain Voyage of Discovery with Ellen MacArthur Trust – page 5 Shimna Valley News – page 10 Grand Canyon Challenge – page 26 Issue 2 • 2009 2 A Message from the Chief Executive Welcome to the Autumn Edition of the NI Cancer Fund for Children Newsletter – after a very busy spring and summer period for the charity, as ever! One of the major changes that has taken place since the last edition is that the Family Support Service, formerly delivered by CLIC Sargent, has been withdrawn from Northern Ireland. This practical and vital service, offered to families who are experiencing the trauma of nursing a child with cancer, was withdrawn by CLIC on 15th May 2009 and we were determined to offer a lifeline to ensure that families would not be let down. We have re-employed the 4 Family Support Workers and have ensured that the families for whom our support is vital, can continue to access all the help they so desperately need. With your help and support we will ensure that this service, now absorbed into the NI Cancer Fund for Children portfolio, will be secured and enhanced! Since the last edition, our Community Fundraiser Dawn Weir headed off to the Grand Canyon in May, along with 20 of our supporters who challenged themselves to make the event not only a once in a lifetime personal experience, but an opportunity to raise vital funding through sponsorship. My congratulations to them all and our thanks for the great results – more than £70k raised! Having been on the trek last year with Angela Rodgers our Senior Family Co-ordinator and Joan Burden and Bronach Maginn from Shimna Valley, I can truly say it was an exhilarating experience – one we will never forget! In June 2010 the Kilimanjaro Trek will be high on the agenda for many of our intrepid supporters, and if you care to join them, I am positive that you would have a holiday and experience of your life. The Ellen McArthur Trust again welcomed our young people to the high seas during the summer. This year the sailing experience at Cowes and dingy school in Essex was on offer as well as the opportunity to join two legs on the Round Britain Sailing Trip aboard the beautiful 48ft. Scarlet Oyster. As you read this, I will be walking the West Highland Way in bonnie Scotland: with the beautiful autumn air in my lungs – or perhaps squelching through a downpour – either way, 5 days of making new friends and walking alongside our supporters and volunteers whilst raising funds for the NI Cancer Fund for Children. Finally, as ever, to everyone, old friends and new, thank you for the wonderful vibrancy you bring to the organisation. Please feel free to contact me about anything you read in these pages, your feedback is always great! Thank you! And last but not by no means least, I want to offer an enormous ‘thank you’ and sad farewell to Chairman and friend Margaret McAlpine MBE who will leave the Board at the 2009 AGM. Margaret founded the charity in 1972 and has firmly held together the core values of our work as the organisation has grown, changed and strengthened into the dominant position it holds today. Contents A new era is about to begin for the NI Cancer Fund for Children and I extend a warm welcome to new Chairman, John Barrett who brings with him a wealth of experience, ideas and energy and who has been a great support to me over the last few months. Corporate News.................................. 12-16 Message from the Chief Executive .......... 2 Family Support Service.............................. 3 NICFC Board Members .............................. 4 Youth Programme News ........................ 5-9 Shimna Valley Update ........................ 10-11 Family Programme News .................. 17-18 Schools Report .................................. 19-25 Community Fundraising ......................26-30 NI Cancer Fund for Children Contacts PRESIDENT The Lady Moyra Campbell Susan Craig, Asst. to Chief Executive TREASURER David Edwards Joanne Steele Senior & Corporate Fundraiser CHAIRMAN John Barrett HON. SECRETARY Maureen Burns BOARD MEMBERS Leonard Pugh O.B.E. Paul McCabe Ken Brundle Laura Harvey Trevor Hollinger Walter Murphy STAFF Gillian Creevy, Chief Executive Teresa Morris, Business Dev. Manager Rachel Burgoyne Schools & Yth Fundraiser Dawn Weir Community Fundraiser Jane Hoare Fundraising Administrator Roberta McNeill Finance Manager Ashleigh Patterson Finance Officer Jude Austin Communications Officer Jill Black Family Co-ordinator Pauline McGuigan Administrator Liz Osbourne Services Manager Carol Burns Anne Gordon Alexis Beggs Lynn Wilson Family Support Workers Angela Fee Jacqui Clancy Youth Prgm Co-ordinators SHIMNA VALLEY STAFF Patricia Kidd, Shimna Valley Complex Manager Corinna Kennedy E-Communications Officer Peter Topping Yth Programme Manager Gareth Beattie Young Shoulders Co-ordinator Angela Rodgers Sen. Family Co-ordinator Sonia Black Family / Yth Administrator Joan Burden Dep. Shimna Valley Complex Manager Juanita Graham Bronach Maginn Susan McCusker Millie Wallace Mary McEvoy SUPPORT GROUP CHAIRMEN Celia Bodel Armagh Ann McConville Ballymoney Elaine Moore Coleraine Pauline McGuigan Friends Maureen Davidson Holywood Muriel Witherow Limavady Eddie Marcus Maysfield Claire Hassall Mourne Caroline Mageean Peninsula Friends Johnny Hewitt South Down NEWSLETTER Jude Austin, Editor Media Marketing, Publisher CONTACT INFORMATION Tel: 028 9080 5599 Email: info@nicfc.com Web: www.nicfc.com 3 Family Support Service In July 2009, the Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children adopted the Family Support Service previously delivered by CLIC Sargent. This responsive and flexible service offers practical, social and emotional support to families caring for a child with cancer particularly childcare, domestic and household management tasks ensuring that the stress and demands of care within the family can be reduced to a minimum. Four Family Support Workers have joined the Family Programme team to deliver the Family Support Service and each worker will be supporting up to five families each across Northern Ireland.The workers will visit with each family on a weekly basis for approximately two hours and offer a range of support.This could consist of structured oneto-one play time with a sick child or sibling, help with homework or travelling to and from school, domestic tasks, or whatever assistance a family might need.The service is flexible and will be tailored to meet families’ individual requirements. To date the Family Support Workers have been working with numerous children, doing activities such as arts and crafts, baking and much more! The feedback so far has been excellent - the children really enjoy the one to one time and attention, while parents benefit from a little time to themselves. Although the Family Support Workers are providing a professional service, they also become a friend to the family. Claire Kettyles from Belfast is a parent who has previously accessed the service commented “Our youngest child Aaron (now aged 5) was diagnosed with a very rare form of cancer when he was just 2 and a half. All normal family life was immediately suspended as Aaron spent the next 2 years or so constantly in and out of hospital.We were delighted to hear that NI Cancer Fund for Children has recognised the gap left by the withdrawal of the Family Support Service. It is wonderful to see that NICFC have stepped in so quickly. This means that families who currently have children undergoing treatment will receive the same practical assistance that helped carry us through the very worst of times.” Plans are also in place for the Family Support Workers to work in the outpatients clinics, providing some much needed distraction and one-to-one time for children waiting for appointments. Commenting on the decision to absorb the service, Gillian Creevy, Chief Executive of the charity said. “At the NICFC, our first priority is to the children and families we support.The Family Support Service dovetails with our existing professionally-led range of services providing a unique and comprehensive package of care to families at a time when they need it most.We recognise the value of this service and are pleased to adopt it to guarantee that families will continue to receive this lifeline. The Family Programme Team. If you would like to avail of our Family Support Service, please contact Angela Rodgers on 07900 285765 or Sonia Black at the regional office 028 9080 5599 for further information D.J. MAGUIRE BDS & ASSOCIATES DENTAL SURGEONS • CREDIT CARD FACILITIES • Hygienist Service Available • NHS - Private - Cosmetic • Pain-Free Ozone Treatment • Ground Floor Facilities Available • Home Visits Available • Ample Parking • Orthodontic Specialist Surgery Hours: Mon 9am-7.30pm, Tues-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-12noon 4 NICFC Board Members Margaret McAlpine MBE In September 2009, it was truly an end of an era when Margaret McAlpine MBE announced her retirement as the charity’s Chairman. We would like to thank Margaret for her outstanding contribution and commitment to the Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children. Margaret has been the lynchpin of this Charity since its inception in 1972 when as the children’s teacher at the N. I. Radiotherapy Centre, Belvoir Park Hospital, along with the late Dr. George Edelstyn she laid the foundation stone of “Child Cancer Care”,. Subsequently when we became affiliated to the then Malcolm Sargent Cancer Fund for Children, Margaret represented us on the London Committee, and later when we once again became autonomous as the N. I. Cancer Fund for Children, she steered us through tumultuous times, steadfastly at the helm ensuring that all revenue collected in N. I. remained here for the benefit of our children. In the early days the Charity did not have the staff nor the infrastructure we have today. We ran bring & buy sales, anything in fact to raise funds. Margaret’s marketing skills soon emerged as she would visit local wholesalers and literally buy anything that she thought we could sell at a profit. With her vision Margaret continued to take the Charity forward to what it has become today – Northern Ireland’s leading children’s cancer charity. She never let us forget our core values, of providing support – social, emotional, and practical - to the children affected by cancer, their parents and siblings, and more recently to children who have a parent diagnosed with cancer. The Youth Programme, The Family Programme and finally financial support in the form of Road Miles, Home Heating and Travel for Treatment grants are all a testimony to this. Margaret was instrumental in finding Shimna Valley, our holiday house in Newcastle which provides an oasis of support and comfort to the children, their parents and siblings. Narnia our log cabin was the brain-child of Trevor, her late husband, and a sadly missed member of our Board. In 2003 all of Margaret’s hard work and contribution to the charity was recognised when she was awarded MBE in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list for services to Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children. Everyone associated with the Charity, would like to thank Margaret for her enormous, unselfish commitment to the Charity, which included 3 long-standing periods as Chairman. We wish Margaret a long and happy retirement knowing that she will be able to spend more time with her daughter Jane and her two grandchildren and to pursue her love of opera and travel. On behalf of our children, their parents and families, we thank you. Maureen Burns, Honorary Secretary John Barrett After being associated with the NI Cancer Fund for Children for several years, John Barrett takes up the post of Chairman of the charity’s Board. Formerly Chief Executive of Coca-Cola Bottlers (Ulster) Ltd for 10 years, John holds Directorships in a number of Northern Ireland organizations and is a member of the Institute of Directors. John lives in Co Antrim and is married with a grown up son and daughter, and two grandsons. Laura Harvey Laura Harvey is currently the Director of Corporate Development at the Northern Ireland Tourist Board where she oversees the key corporate functions that inform and drive tourism development and strategic planning within NITB. She previously lived in the United States and held business development roles in healthcare related industries. Laura plans to marry her fiancée at the end of the year and they will live near Glenavy in Co Antrim. Ken Brundle Ken Brundle has also joined the Board of the NI Cancer Fund for Children. Ken has 35 years’ experience within the Aerospace industry, and currently holds Directorships of several companies, both locally and internationally. He is an experienced Trustee on voluntary and pension boards. Ken lives in Co Down with his wife and has three grown up children. Walter Murphy Walter Murphy joins the Board after managing the business aspects of a large Private Security Company in Northern Ireland; he was also in the Civil Service for nineteen years before this. His many years working within the security industry allow him to bring a wealth of experience to our expanding Board. Walter currently manages The Old Campbellian Society and is married and living in County Antrim with his wife and three children. Trevor Hollinger Trevor Hollinger has been an enthusiastic volunteer with the NI Cancer Fund for Children for past 5 years and also joins the Board. He is Joint Owner/Director of Architects Practice and Design Build Management Company and has over 30 years of significant experience in Youth work with the Army Cadet Force.Trevor has also been awarded Lord Lieutenant’s Award for Youth Service and is a committed Sports and fitness enthusiast, still training and coaching a local soccer team.Trevor is married and lives in County Down with his wife and two children. YOUTH PROGRAMME NEWS Ellen MacArthur Trust Skandia Round Britain Voyage of Discovery Two groups of young people from the NI Cancer Fund for Children were crew members on the Ellen MacArthur Trust Skandia Round Britain Voyage of Discovery that sailed 2000 nautical miles around Britain this summer.The first group of teenagers sailed the eleventh leg of the voyage on the 48 foot ‘Scarlet Oyster’ from Largs in Glasgow to Belfast in early August with the second group of young people picking up the twelfth leg from Bangor to Liverpool I was lucky to accompany the first group who flew to Glasgow, here we met Simon the event co-ordinator, skipper Cath, first mate Karen and John a volunteer from Skandia. Our first day was an early start as we went through the safety procedures at sea and also learnt how to use the equipment to sail the Scarlet Oyster, we then set sail and quickly had to get used to sailing in choppy waters. It was very exciting sailing, as the waves were so high, everyone got splashed on several occasions. The weather was on our side as we sailed at around 8 knots for a good part of the day. It was tricky getting meals ready as the yacht was sailing at a 45 degree angle! Brilliant and messy.We all took turns to steer and mastered how to keep the wind at a certain angle to get the maximum speed. Clodagh was able to get it up to 9 knots as we were getting closer to Carrickfergus. During the trip we experienced some night sailing, you couldn’t see much, but the sound of the waves splashing against the yacht was calming. Luckily the skies were clear and we had fun trying to identify the constellations. The happy crew! were the young people made their presentations and played the video they had made during the trip. It was very good and it was great to show everyone what we had been doing during the week. Throughout the week the young people twittered, updating everyone as to what they had been up to each day, which soon got really competitive, with constant updates on the number of followers they each had. The young people prepared a video presentation on Saturday night for the next day and we all had great fun looking at the pictures that had been taken during the trip. Early Sunday morning we began a massive clean up to get the Scarlet Oyster ready to sail. We set off early as it was still pretty windy and took us a while getting into Belfast Harbour. As we sailed up the harbour we were greeted by a massive tug boat which followed us in. As we got closer to the Odyssey Marina, it began spouting out sprays of water. A ripper with the Specialist Rescue Team of the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service and the charity’s Chairperson John Barrett and Chief Executive Gillian Creevy sailed out to meet us. As we got closer to the Odyssey Marina we could hear bag pipes, it was pretty emotional as all our families were there to greet us. After a lot of pictures and interviews by the press we made our way to the Holywood Yacht Club It was quite emotional saying our goodbyes as we all had a brilliant time sailing; it was such an incredible experience! Thank you everyone at the Ellen MacArthur Trust we had an amazing time.Thanks also to the Lord Mayor of Belfast Cllr Naomi Long, Robert Green who was our piper for the day,The Bourbon Swing Jazz Band, the Commodore Michael McDowell, Captain Richard Woods and all others at Holywood Yacht Club. If you would like to see the Video presentation the young people made take a look at this link http://www.youtube.com/ellenmacarthurtrust and search for Leg 11 Largs to Belfast with the NICFC. If you are interested in sailing next year then please get in touch, you are guaranteed a wonderful time! Angela Fee 5 6 YOUTH PROGRAMME NEWS Sibling Family Fun Day A Sibling Family Day was held at Tollymore Forest Park which included a full range of activities from laser clay pigeon shooting, archery, team games, sports day events, face painting and balloon making. All the young people had a really good day enjoying the activities with their family and friends. Mums and dads got involved in most activities too! We were very lucky with the weather as it was really good and everyone enjoyed tucking into a lovely BBQ prepared by our wonderful Shimna Valley staff. Enjoying the Fun Day! Angela Fee Sibling Fun Activity Days Throughout spring/summer 09 there were numerous Sibling Fun Activity Days held for young people aged between 8-22yrs. at caving which was a new and exciting experience for some and one everyone is very keen to try again. The activities started with a go-karting trip in May were the young people unleashed their natural driving talent at the Eddie Irvine Centre in Bangor! There was also an activity day at Craigavon Watersports Centre were some young people went canoeing on Lough Neagh and enjoyed jumping into the water at every opportunity. Even the rainy weather couldn’t dampen our spirits. The best thing of the day was definitely the banana boating, it was excellent fun trying to hold on for as long as you could before falling off. The young people actually found it warmer being in the water rather than on the banana boat! This activity is definitely a must if you haven’t tried it. This was followed up in July with a series of activities including a brilliant trip to the Belfast Activity Centre were we tried our skills at a climbing wall, completed a tricky and challenging assault course before jumping the leap of faith which is ok if you don’t mind being 50ft high on a small platform, it didn’t fizz several of our young people. We also had a go The Kactus Siblings enjoyed a busy morning at Lagan Valley Leisure Complex and had great fun on all the different slides racing each other. Some of the slides aren’t for the faint hearted but our young people had a ball. If you are interested in participating in an Sibling Fun Activity Day please contact Angela Fee on M: 07967144836 and book your place now! Angela Fee YOUTH PROGRAMME NEWS Volunteer Rescue Emergency Care Training Congratulations to our volunteers who took part in the Rescue Emergency Care First Aid training. This is an important and useful qualification for volunteers who work with young people and is valid for the next 3 years, it is good to know we will be in safe hands. Well done to everyone! Angela Fee Now we know who to turn to in an emergency! 18+ Communication Residential The topic for the 18+residential was “Communication” and to help us develop different communication methods we embarked on a serious of team building activities which included a noisy but fun drumming workshop at ‘Funny Farm Adventures’ in Castlewellan. In the evening, the group prepared a sumptuous three course meal and then settled in for a Buzz & Singstar session on the Playstation! Some renditions of the Scissor Sisters classic ‘I don’t feel like dancing’ had to be heard to be believed. The weekend was also a farewell to Maria and Judith as they have recently turned 22; they will still be in close contact with the charity as the girls are now fully fledged volunteers, no getting away from us! Jacqui GROUP EVENTS TACT ‘Identity’ Residential The theme of the TACT (Teens Against Cancer Together) residential held at Narnia Log Cabin in Newcastle was ‘Identity’. From testing our strength and stamina at ‘Hot Rock’ to an afternoon swimming and sliding in the fun Lisburn Swimming Pool, were able to learn a lot about ourselves and each other. To celebrate all of our hard work and our identity, we enjoyed a group meal out and followed by a trip to the cinema. Jacqui The NICFC are happy to announce we will be running a number of group events specifically for the North West and West areas of the province. Over the summer we have held a number of successfully events including a cinema trip in Cookstown and a visit to Creggan Country Park. These events are open to anyone who is either a member of the diagnosed or sibling programmes in all age groups, KACTUS (8 – 11 years), TACT (12 – 17 years) or those in the 18+. For further information about these events please contact Jacqui on 07917732736 or email at jacqui@nicfc.com. 7 8 YOUTH PROGRAMME NEWS YOUTH Work Training Earlier this year, the Youth Programme of the NI Cancer Fund for Children ran a training programme for the over 16’s. The course entitled ‘Leadership in Youth Work Programme for Young People’’ (level one) is provided by the Open College Network in conjunction with Youth Link. To qualify the young people were required to complete a placement within a youth work setting and also to present a portfolio of training which was to be internally and externally assessed. All nine of our young people thoroughly enjoyed the training however, five of them enjoyed the course so much that they wanted to personally give something back to our charity and are now Young Youth Volunteers and have assisted in our KACTUS and TACT Lifeskills residentials. They continue to show the same drive and enthusiasm in volunteering as did during the training. Their individual motivation and group friendship is an inspiration to us all. Well done. Jacqui TACT Cancer Trust ‘Kasabian’ Concert Two members from the TACT group and the 18+ group jumped at the chance to a trip to London to attend the Teenage Cancer Trust (TCT) workshops and Kasabian concert. The venue for the event was the Royal Albert Hall, here we were invited to attend a series of music workshops where we got to write, sing and play instruments. At the end of the session, we had the chance to either record our master piece or attend an art workshop where we the opportunity to be Van Gogh for the day. The young people received enormous goodie bags packed with various musical goodies, t-shirts and toiletries inside. After this we eagerly took our seats and waited for the real reason we were there, to hear Kasabian play!! Backstage in the green room, the young people hob knobbed with stars such as Jersey Budd, Danny Dyer, Noel Fielding of the Mighty Boosh and Kasabian. When we returned to the hotel it was an early night for most as we were heading home the next day and we wanted to fit some shopping in before we went home! . It had been a long day, but we had a fantastic time. Kactus Lifeskills Residential 8-11 Youth Group In July a new group of Kactus young people enjoyed their first ever Lifeskills Residential at Narnia. Over the course of four days the young people enjoyed a range of activities all themed to help them interact with each other whilst increasing their own personal esteem and confidence including passing a First Aid course. The week kicked off with a cinema visit. This was followed up by an an arts and crafts session designed to unleash their creative side as everyone painted, glittered and feathered little pottery cats and owls. The next day, we enjoyed a trip to the Funny Farm and saw a collection of lama’s, goats, pony’s and a pig! The young people were also tasked with building their own monsters using some basic household materials; the outcome was very scary indeed. This was followed by an activity session which included a ride on a quad bike train, archery and a go on a bouncy castle. Everyone really enjoyed the day, but well and truly exhausted at the end of the day! The residential finished with a very special visit from the World of Owls and the young people had a chance to stroke a barn owl and a tawny owl. There were some scary creatures like a snake, tarantula spider and a lizard too, these exotic creature didn’t prove as popular, not many young people queued up to stroke them! Angela Fee YOUTH PROGRAMME NEWS Ocean Youth Trust Sailing Weekend Twelve of our lucky TACT Siblings had the opportunity to spend a weekend learning to sail on the Lord Rank, a 70ft yacht with the Ocean Youth Trust. Our sailing lesson started as we sailed from Bangor on the Saturday morning and made our way over to Brown’s Bay, Islandmagee. The waves were high and it was tricky finding our sea legs and make our way around the yacht as it was rocking so much. The sails were also really big and heavy, it really took everyone working together as a team to get things moving. At Brown’s Bay, we dropped Anchor and took a dingy across to the beach were we spent a couple of hours playing rounders and different team games. It turned out to be a really competitive day! The next adventure was getting back to the Lord Rank yacht, as much to the young people’s delight, the waves kept setting off their life jackets. After a quick change into dry clothes, we sailed round to Larne where we moored up for the night and played endless card games. On the Sunday morning we sailed from Young Shoulders Weekend Supporting children and young people living with a parent diagnosed with cancer.This weekend was organised especially for the Kactus group (8-11 year olds) of Young Shoulders and it proved to be pretty exhausting for everyone! Our first stop on Friday night was Coco’s Adventure Playground in Newcastle, the young people were having so much fun that they had to be prised from the ball pit! We finshed the session off with races around coco’s until closing time, which the boys won! The next morning, we went to ? for a raft building exercise. This group of young people have definitely set the standard as they were the first group I have taken raft building and the rafts haven’t fallen apart! A few of the brave ones went for a (very) quick swim in the lake afterwards. In the afternoon we had a BBQ at Narnia followed by games and in the evening a girls vs boys vs staff/volunteers waterfight. It was great fun and went on until nearly 1am! Gareth Larne around the coastal line to Bangor, from this advantage point, we were able to see some of the remains of the Gobbins footpath, here the skipper of the Lord Rank was able explain to the group some of the history of the area. It was a nice gentle sail back to Bangor and after a tidy up the young people were saying their goodbyes to the crew and asking to be signed up for next year’s trip! If you think you might like to go sailing please get in touch! Email: angelafee@nicfc.com Angela Fee Young Shoulders TACT Residential Narnia log cabin was again the location for an action packed Young Shoulders residential with a fantastic mix of activities ranging from cooking lessons, boxercise, DJ workshops to life coaching.The boxercise was great fun and as we used up so much energy everyone finished the session absolutely famished. Part of the weekend’s activities was to develop our cooking skills, so for lunch we made a three course meal; it all tasted great even if the apple crumble was only 1cm high!! Everyone got on really well at the DJ workshop with some of the young people showcasing their outstanding talent. How to make the flattest apple crumble in the world! Gareth 9 10 SHIMNA VALLEY COMPLEX NEWS This summer Shimna Valley House was once again the setting for countless fun filled family holidays. From across Northern Ireland families who have experienced months of hospital appointments and significant upheaval to family life were able to spend time together as a family. During their trip to Shimna Valley, families experienced a wonderful sense of peace and tranquillity, had time to relax, all with the knowledge that their children were in a safe environment. For those visting for the first time they were delighted with the range of outdoor activities, catering for the needs of the whole family. Mums and dads had a rare opportunity to relax with a series of pampering sessions including seaweed baths.The holiday was also a chance for families to meet other families living with cancer, with lots of great friends made and countless promises to keep in touch. Narina Log Cabin has also been a hive of activity throughout the summer with the different youth groups coming and going, having lots of fun as they camped on the lawn and tucked into tasty BBQs. Shimna Valley’s annual coffee morning was as usual a fantastic success, a huge thank you to everyone who attended, give items for the raffle, baked cakes, made jam and donated plants for sale. To to the local community and the people of Northern Ireland, thanks again for your continuous generosity over the years, your support has made it possible for us to continue providing a warm welcome and a much needed break to our local families caring for their children with cancer. Patricia Kidd Rita Ross secretary and Helena Henning treasurer of Tear presents a cheque for £265.00, money was raised through a remembrance service held in memory of those who were affected by the troubles. Mona Owens and grandson Brendan presents a cheque for £688.00 to Patricia. Funds were raised by a live show from her guitar students. A Big thanks to everyone who supported this event. Patricia receives a cheque for £2643.20 from Heather Peters, Laura McCrickard, Jacqueline McCardle and Anne Sloan members of the Down and Armagh Weight watchers Ass money was raised by a fashion show which was held in the Canal Court Newry. Offload Ireland chairman and Liam Smith organiser presents a cheque of £2000.00 to Patricia this amount was raised through the Narina 4x4 Challenge in the Mournes in May. Liam would like to thank everyone who supported this very successful event. SHIMNA VALLEY SUPPORT Party Time at Shimna Valley. Joe Barr event organiser and Maurice McAllister secretary from the Bann Wheelers Cycling Club present a number of rehabilitation bikes and a storage shed to Patricia and Gillian Creevy. Joe and Bann Wheelers Cycling Club donated the bikes from £2000 raised through their cycle Into the West event. Joe, Patricia, and Gillian would like to thank everyone who contributed in anyway to this event. Volunteers take a break for a photo, thanks to all those who helped with catering and to St. Mary’s Gac Slaughtmanus for the provision of the building during the “Cycle into the West” event. The Rice family Martin, Damian, mum Clare, and dad Seamus presents a cheque of £935.00 to Patricia this amount was raised by taking part in the fun run at the Belfast Marathon, I would like thank you all for your continuous support. Patricia receives a cheque for £225.00 from Stephanie Mc Keating Money raised by family and friends who took part in a sponsored walk, thanks to everyone and to Robert Mc Keating. 11 12 CORPORATE NEWS Banking on another successful year! As always our friends at Northern Bank have got their fundraising off to an amazing start in 2009! Already staff have helped raise over £66,000 for NICFC in just 6 months! This includes a £20,000 donation from Northern Bank’s Charity Bond. Thank you to all Northern Bank staff and customers who have held a coffee morning, bought a pen, wore yellow for the day, held a curry night, ran, walk, swam for NICFC! The first six months have been so packed full of fundraising events that we simply can’t mention them all but here are some highlights… A mountainous challenge! In June twelve staff from the Enniskillen branch took part in their annual sponsored walk up Cuilcagh mountain. The team climbed 665 metres to the summit and raised over £2,200 for NI Cancer Fund for Children. Speaking after the challenging trek, Branch Manager Denise Ferguson said, “We are delighted to have raised over £2,200 for NICFC. We had a fantastic time encouraging each other to reach the summit and we would like to express our thanks to all of the customers who donated funds in the branch. NICFC helps both children who are diagnosed with cancer and the families who are affected by the diagnoses, so we are proud to be able to show our support.” Fun Running in Skea! Nine staff from Lisnaskea branch took part in the first Lisnaskea 10k run since 1990. The fun run raised £1,100 for NICFC, which the bank will generously match. Northern Bank sponsored the fun run which took place at the end of June and Lisnaskea Branch Manager, Janet Hetherington said “The Quality Beds and Bedroom Furniture Manufacturer • Guaranteed Lowest Prices • Northern Ireland’s Largest Bedroom Furniture Manufacturer • Selling Direct To You At Factory Prices That No One Can Beat • Branches at: Abbey Centre; Mill Street, Ballymena; Killyman Road, Dungannon and Clandeboye Road, Bangor day before the fun run the fundraising kicked off with the branch staff serving coffee and cake to our customers and we also held a raffle. “About 300 people took part in the run and the atmosphere was electric. We are delighted to have raised £1,100 for NICFC. This was an exciting event for us to be involved in and all of the staff and participants did really well. NICFC is a great charity for both children who are diagnosed with cancer and for the families who are affected by the diagnoses - so we are proud to be able to show our support.” Going the extra mile! Mary O’Rourke, Glenn Charles, Janet Hetherington and Tracy Mulholland limber up for the start of the Lisnaskea 10k run. Just like last year May’s Belfast City Marathon was extremely well supported by Northern Bank raising several thousands pounds. But Sheila McConnell from the Newcastle branch is really going the extra mile this year…. By the end of 2009 Sheila will have run 91 miles to raise money for NICFC. Sheila ran the Belfast City Marathon, followed by ‘Ards Half Marathon, Longford Marathon One of many Northern Bank relay teams taking part in the Belfast City Marathon. CORPORATE NEWS and finishing off later in the year with the Dublin Marathon. Sheila says, “Having visited Shimna and witnessed the atmosphere and services provided there and knowing people who have been diagnosed with cancer my opinion is if Sheila McConnell running the you’re fit and extra 91 miles for NICFC. able just do ‘it’, whatever ‘it’ is to help raise money for NICFC.” Jenni’s Wild West Adventure! Last year Jenni Murphy, Internal Communications Manager, ran the Belfast City Marathon but this year went a bit further to do her bit for NICFC taking part in our Grand Canyon Trek in May with seventeen other brave and fit trekkers! Jenni trekked along two main corridor trails, South Kaibab and Bright Angel, descending several thousands feet each time and returning to camp on the South Rim every evening exhausted but very happy! Jenni describes the trek as ‘awe-inspiring’ and apparently can’t wait to return! I would like to say a personal thanks to Jenni not only for raising over £5,000 from the trek but also for her unfaltering commitment to NICFC over the last eighteen months, so thank you from all at NICFC! Cooking up a Treat! Ever wondered what elephant stew tasted like? Trevor Johnston from Enniskillen branch has the answer and now you can too! A collection of mouth watering recipes submitted by Northern Bank staff from across the province has been collated by Catherine Robinson and is now on sale in Northern Bank branches. You can pick up this eclectic mix of recipes for just £5 and for every one sold Northern Bank will also donate £5 to NICFC. Staff of several Northern Bank branches volunteer at one of NICFC’s School Fun Days in Larne on 15th May. Starbucks raise bucks! For the first time ever Starbucks (NI) have decided to raise funds for one local charity and their staff have decided the charity to benefit should be NICFC. The year long partnership started in July and already their staff have raised over £3,000! Events have included coffee tasting, sponsored walks, staff nights out and selling NICFC daisy pins instore. Paula Galloway, Starbucks (NI) District Manager said, “As a company we support a national charity however as a district we were very keen to get involved in something local that would really make a difference to the customers we serve and our partners.” (continued overleaf) Cheers! A caffeine toast to a year long partnership with Starbucks (NI). Pictured are managers of Starbucks (NI) and Joanne Steele, Corporate Fundraiser NICFC. 13 14 CORPORATE NEWS (continued from previous page) “We set about finding a charity that all partners wanted to support and the overwhelming decision was NICFC. Since then we have spent time at the wonderful log cabin Narnia and this really inspired us to fundraise, so far this has involved partners abseiling/running marathons/cycling 100km a summer BBQ arranged for end of August and much much more! We have also involved many of our customers who have been extremely generous is supporting through buying pins and pens.” Not only have Starbucks been fundraising but they’ve also taken to volunteering including serving tea and wonderful coffee at our North West Schools Fun Day! A massive thank you to all at Starbucks and we look forward to the rest of the year! Sainsbury’s Make a Difference! Staff of Sainsbury’s in Ballymena are making a real difference to their local community as they have chosen to fundraise for NICFC throughout 2009. They aim to raise at least £5,000 from holding a range of different events instore. Events include bag packs, ‘Make a Difference’ week, raffles, coffee mornings, fashion shows and much much more! A massive thank you to Angus, Susan, Sadie and all the staff for their hard work and enthusiasm! Fold Get Masked Up! The Business Development Team at Fold has been busy fundraising for us this year! In March they had a team abseil down the Invest NI building raising £2,131. But in June they really surpassed themselves and planned a stunning Masked Ball at the Stormont Hotel in Belfast. Over two hundred people were treated to a sumptuous meal, great entertainment and even a rendition of Happy Birthday to the chief organiser Dessie Gray! dressed as ‘Jamaica’ at Bonnmarche Connswater fundraing day! Each member of staff had to come dressed as a different holiday destination. Big thanks to all the girls at Bonnmarche for their continued support. Ellen McCormick We would like to thank Moyra, Dessie and Katie for all their efforts on the night and also all the guests who were so generous and helped raise £3,000 for NICFC. There’s no rest for the team either as October sees their now annual Golf Day at Holywood Golf Club. Above: Staff of NICFC help Fold Housing Association fundraise at their Gala Ball, Stormont Hotel, Belfast. CORPORATE NEWS Cafe 2U Based in Belfast Harbour presented Joanne Steele, Corporate Fundraiser, Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children with a cheque for £500. Jeff Peters and Ron Woodside from Cafe2U raised the amount from a ballot generously supported by their customers. Jeff Peters said, “We are delighted to raise £500 for the NICFC, as a local charity they will be making a difference to the lives of local children and families, I would like to thank all of our customers for their support.” EMO Get Energised! Our long time friends at Emo have really been getting stuck into their fundraising this year! Not only have they made their very generous corporate donation to help fund our Home Heating Scheme for families, but they’ve also held raffles, coffee mornings, quizzes and sponsored our Flippin Barbeque campaign.There is no stopping Emo Charity Champion, Raymond McGee and his dedication to NICFC as a few months ago he fulfilled a life long ambition and sky dived from 13,000 feet and donated his sponsorship to NICFC. Big thanks to all the staff and management of Emo for their continued dedication. BOSI donate over £10k Joanne Steele receives a cheque for £10,000 from Bank of Scotland Ireland’s Staff Charity Scheme, presented by Charity Manager Rhona O’Connor and Belfast’s Charity Champion Stephanie McCoubrey. Bank of Scotland Ireland decided to donate money to NICFC after one of their staff’s family members lost a child to cancer. Stephanie explains: “Ben unfortunately passed away last August however Ben and the family had received amazing help and support from NICFC throughout. On finding out more about the excellent work that NICFC does, we wanted to further support the charity and entered two teams in the Belfast Marathon fundraising for NICFC. The two teams raised £640 which was then matched by Bank of Scotland Ireland Ltd. On visiting Narnia and meeting with several NICFC staff, this has only strengthened our wish to continue to support the charity in whatever way we can and granted the charity £10,000 to help them continue their amazing work for children like Ben and his family.” Raymond McGee of Emo gets ready to take a 13,000 feet leap of faith for local children living with cancer. Pub Quizzing Emo Style! Joanne Steele, NICFC pictured with the Emo charity committee: Suzanne Waddell, Raymond McGee & Chrsitine Stewart along with Nicky from Whitecat Entertainment. Superb deals throughout our extensive showrooms Tables & Chairs • Bedroom Suites • Occasional Furniture • Carpets • Vinyls • Wooden Flooring FREE NATIONWIDE DELIVERY 0% FINANCE DEALS ON ALL STOCK 15 16 CORPORATE NEWS Over £31,000 raised by generous Rockmount Golfers for local children’s charity The NI Cancer Fund for Children has received over £31,000 from the members of the Wednesday Club at Rockmount Golf Club over the last 6 years. The money was raised throughout the year at weekly games and from various events including a charity night. Camelot also supported this year’s donation with a cheque for £1,500. Jackie Bloomer, a member of Rockmount Golf Club and the Wednesday Club said; "We keep supporting the NI Cancer Fund for Children because they make a real difference to families who have a child diagnosed with cancer. We have seen the facilities at Shimna Valley and Narnia in Newcastle and it is great that families can benefit from taking a break and meeting other families who know exactly what it is like to nurse a child with cancer. The charity is there to help families with financial support immediately after their child has been diagnosed. It is because of this sort of hands on help that we feel our members, friends and supporters get behind our fundraising.” Rockmount’s donation will help NICFC to continue to provide practical, emotional and financial support to the two children every week in NI who are diagnosed with cancer and their families at a time when it is most desperately needed. Teresa Morris, Business Development Manager with the charity, said; “The members of the Wednesday Club at Rockmount Golf Club have been enthusiastic and committed supporters of our services for the last six years. Their loyalty and continued support has meant a great deal to the charity and on behalf of all the families who have benefited from their support I thank them and everyone who made this donation possible.” If you would like more information on The Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children, or if are interested in helping fundraise please contact Joanne on 028 90805599 or email joanne@nicfc.com Christmas is coming... Send some Christmas cheer to your friends and family this year by sending them a Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children Christmas card. To order your Christmas cards please go online to www.nicfc.com/shop or call us on 028 9080 5599. FAMILY PROGRAMME NEWS There have been many highlights in the Family Programme over the last few months, not least the Parental Support Weekend that took place at Shimna Valley. Parents enjoyed a chilled out weekend with massages, walks and even a French style evening! Continuing with the Mediteranean theme, they also took to the dance floor for a salsa class.Angela and Gerard Loney were definitely the stars of the class and gave us plenty of laughs…Our next Parental Support Weekends are on 25th to 27th of September and 20th to 22nd November. If you are interested in attending either of these weekends please contact Angela 07900 285765 or Jill on 07973 632741. Another popular event was Dreamnight at Belfast Zoo. Julian Simmons greeted the families as they arrived and children got to meet giraffes, see a three day-old sea lion pup and feed the chimps and gorillas.There was also veterinary surgery for cuddly toys and face painting. It was a truly magical evening for the whole family and we are very grateful to Belfast Zoo for organising the event. Our Bereavement Weekend at Shimna in June gave parents the chance to come together and share their experiences. Parents took part in a music workshop, walks, enjoyed massage treatments and generally found the weekend to be a therapeutic experience. If you are interested in our programme for bereaved parents please contact Angela 07900 285765 or Jill on 07973 632741. Finally, our mums showed off their creative talents at a special coffee morning event. Ruth Black ran a craft workshop and showed the mums how to make fabric notice boards. na. rkshop at Shim s enjoy music wo nt re pa d an la Ange Our coffee morning events take place on the last Friday of every month. These mornings give parents a chance to meet up and take part in different activities. Pine Cottage - our self-catering facility in the North West availability is now displayed on www.nicfc/pinecottage.html For more information on our coffee mornings please contact Angela on 07900 285765 or Jill on 07973 632741. e view above. Dads take in th 17 18 FAMILY PROGRAMME NEWS Parents enjoy a French-themed soiree at Shimna. The ladies show off their creative side! Family co-ordinator Jill makes a new friend at the zoo! Parents get ready to salsa! FACEBOOK! The NI Cancer Fund for Children now has a group on Facebook. If you want to keep up to date on the latest events and charity news please join our group online. If you have any difficulties or would like to find out more information please contact Corinna on 028 9080 5599 or email corinna@nicfc.com Kearns family enjoy Dreamnight at Belfast Zoo. SCHOOLS REPORT Hats the way to do it! Children get sun smart and raise thousands for local children with cancer As the sun began to shine on school playgrounds this summer term, schools across Northern Ireland took part in the NICFC’s annual Hats and Shades campaign. for the day, raising £12,000 to support local children and young people living with cancer, making this years Hats and Shades campaign the charity’s most successful yet! Hats and Shades Day, which is supported by Clarins, is part of the Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children’s sun smart campaign which is devised for primary and nursery school children to explain the risks posed by the sun in a fun and interactive way, whilst raising much needed funds for the charity. For a small donation to the charity each participating pupil received a sample of Clarins sun protection cream, a bookmark highlighting the key sun safety facts and a sun safety worksheet to complete in class. Throughout summer term over 6000 children wore their favourite hats and shades to school Hats the way to do it! Young Daire Austin helps NICFC and Clarins launch their annual Hats and Shades sun safety campaign. Rachel Burgoyne from the NICFC, commented on the concept behind the Sun Smart campaign. “The summer months in Northern Ireland may not always conjure up images of hot sunny days, yet it is important to remember that even on a cloudy day, the sun can still be strong and care must be taken. Clouds block only 50% of UV light, so the risk of burning is only slightly reduced. We want to equip children with sun safety facts so that when the sun does appear or while holidaying abroad, they can enjoy playing in the sunshine without the worry of sun damage.” Lynne Hanna Head of Clarins NI agrees: “This is the third consecutive year that Clarins has supported the NICFC’s Hats and Shades campaign and we are delighted that since the campaign was launched in 2006 over 15,000 children and their parents have benefited from the sun safety message.” She continues “Countless reports have clearly made the causal link between early sun exposure in childhood and the development of melanomas in later life. Far from being a spoil-sport about the sun, this initiative is a great way to instil lifelong safe sun habits – hats, shades, covering up, and sun creams - in a way that is fun for kids – and that they will learn to adopt without thinking.” How to get involved in Hats and Shades 2010 The charity is inviting teachers and parents to contact them for a Hats and Shades registration pack. Anyone who would like to know more about Hats & Day 2010 should contact Rachel at NICFC on 028 9080 5599 or email rachel@nicfc.com Michael wears the “Yellow Jersey’ for NICFC On 20th July 2009, Michael McClughin took part in THE ETAPE DU TOUR CYCLE RACE, which is a 107 mile cycle race, covering one mountain stage of the 2009 Tour de France, to raise money for NICFC. Michael’s motivation for supporting the NI Cancer Fund for Children is the fact that he has seen first hand, over the last 10 years, the marvellous work that they do, after his niece Molly Swan (now 14) was diagnosed with cancer. She continues to receive marvellous support from NICFC, and is an active member in their TACT (Teens Against Cancer Together) programme. Michael gets on his bike to raise funds for NI Cancer Fund for Children, and is spurred on by his brother in law and niece Molly Swan, who is involved in the charity’s youth programme All at NICFC are extremely grateful for the support, energy and enthusiasm Michael put into this challenge. Starting with a fundraising target of £1000, Michael swiftly upped this to £5000, and to date has raised a fabulous £4938! Michael gave everything on this cycle completing over ¾ of the gruelling course. We are very proud and grateful for the hard work and fantastic fundraising Michael has completed for NICFC. Michael and NICFC would like to thank Halfords, Radiocontact Ltd and Sumetzberger Ireland/PHIL-TEC for their kind support and sponsorship. 19 20 SCHOOLS REPORT Get into the reading habit this term and support local children with cancer! As Children’s Book Week fast approaches primary and post primary schools will get into the reading habit with ReadOn, the Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children’s popular sponsored reading initiative. First introduced to schools over 10 years ago, and growing in strength ever since, ReadOn encourages pupils to read for pleasure, in the knowledge that they are actively supporting local children in their fight against cancer. Teachers and librarians have found participation in ReadOn motivates pupils, particularly reluctant readers, to visit the school library more frequently and to read for fun. Angela Campbell, Librarian at Larne Grammar School says; “This is the second year that Year 8 pupils Ashfield Girls High School raised £2,790 during their ReadOn week, bringing the total raised by the school to a staggering £8,141.33! at LGS have participated in ReadOn and I am keen to hold it as an annual school event. The sponsored read was run over a one week period and pupils came to the library during their English classes to read. The library remained open all day, all week.” She adds further, “We have found ReadOn a really positive experience and the pupils thoroughly enjoyed taking part. Pupils who had never used the library before are now regular users and lending figures have increased significantly. The whole exercise raised the profile of the school library and also, more importantly helped to raise a lot of money for very ill children.” Schools are invited to dedicate one week out of the academic year to ReadOn and national and international events like World Book Day, on Thursday 4th March 2010, and Children’s Book in October provide the ideal opportunity to take part in this novel fundraiser! A charity representative can visit your school to launch ReadOn and explain to pupils how the money they raise will help children and families coming to terms with a childhood cancer diagnosis. If you would like to request a copy of the teacher’s information pack please contact Rachel on 028 9080 5599 or email rachel@nicfc.com. You can also download a registration form from the charity’s website www.nicfc.com/fundraising. Year 8 pupils at Newtownbreda High School, with the school’s librarian Mr Baptiste, ReadOn for NICFC! ‘Wizard’ Prize for Joe! Joe, a P6 pupil at Castle Gardens Primary School, Newtownards is the proud winner of a Harry Potter book, signed by author JK Rowling. SCHOOLS REPORT Ligoniel Primary School held its first ReadOn week this year and raised a whopping £1,110.32 for NICFC! ReadOn readers from Ballycastle High School present a cheque for £1,293.53 to NICFC! The winners of the bookmark competition at St Mark’s High School’s,Warrenpoint display their winning bookmarks. Summer Ballot Winners 2009 1st A McAuley, Belfast £500 2nd E Clarke, Belfast £250 3rd A Grant, L’derry £100 Tickets are available for the Christmas Ballot, for more information contact Jane on 028 9080 5599 or email. Strabane Grammar School took part in their fourth ReadOn this year and raised a fantastic £1,070.50. Enthusiastic readers from Lisnaskea High School raised £1,450.00 by holding a ReadOn week to celebrate World Book Day in March. 21 22 SCHOOLS REPORT Girls Brigade Northern Ireland lends a helping hand to children with cancer! Girls’ Brigade, Northern Ireland (GBNI) has accepted the challenge of fundraising for the Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children, to raise money for children and young adults diagnosed with cancer. GBNI is Northern Ireland’s largest Christian youth organisation with almost 300 companies meeting weekly from April to September. The GBNI programme actively encourages girls of all ages to engage in community service and fundraising. For the next three years companies across the province will unite to raise money to provide weekend breaks for young people with cancer at Narnia, the NI Cancer Fund for Children’s log cabin which is nestled at the foot of the Mourne Mountains in Newcastle. with such a highly regarded Christian led youth organisation.” clothes recycling there is something for everyone. She adds further, “Support from GBNI will ensure that more children and young adults will have the opportunity to visit the charity’s log cabin and benefit from youth and residential support there.” For more information about the Girls Brigade Charity partnership or to find out how your company can get involved in fundraising for NICFC please contact Rachel on 028 9080 5599, email rachel@nicfc.com or visit www.nicfc.com. NICFC has an exciting calendar of events that GBNI can take part in throughout the year. From sponsored walks, to coffee mornings and Please bear in mind your support is literally helping hundreds of children and young people, just like those in the Girls Brigade. Chloe Hemphill Director of Girls Brigade, Northern Ireland enthuses, “GBNI is delighted to be supporting NICFC which links in so well with our own Christian ethos, working with children and young people. The lives of so many of our girls will have been touched by cancer so it is fantastic we can give something back by partnering such a worthwhile charity. I find it very exciting to think of young people helping to raise money for other young people who have such a burden to bear and I am certain that all our GB companies will rise to the challenge and get involved in the many fantastic fundraising activities on offer.” Rachel Burgoyne, Schools and Youth Fundraiser for the NICFC says, “Every year we support hundreds of young people diagnosed with cancer and leukaemia and last year 44 residential weekends took place at Narnia. The NICFC is truly honoured to have the opportunity to work in partnership thevalleyhotel Girls Brigade, Northern Ireland hopes their support for NICFC will grow from strength to strength. President Morva Brown, Alex, Rachel Burgoyne, NICFC Schools & Youth Fundraiser, Lucy, Rebecca and President Elect Margaret Ming, GBNI Officer Bearers and girls from Newcastle Presbyterian GB visit the Narnia Log Cabin in Newcastle to launch the new charity partnership with GBNI which runs from Sept 2009 to Sept 2012. SCHOOLS REPORT Big hearted Primary School Children put their best foot forward for children with cancer Throughout May and June primary schools pupils from across Northern Ireland took part in the NICFC’s fun days and sponsored walk.Over 1,500 pupils, representing 24 primary schools, joined the charity at venues in Larne, Londonderry and Enniskillen to celebrate 2009’s Schools Fun Days. shoot outs and special guests including the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, PSNI, and local football players from Irvinestown Wanderers, the IFA and Maiden City Soccer Academy. At each event the local Mayor welcomed the children as they set off on an energetic one mile walk throughout Carnfunnock Country Park in Larne, St Columb’s Park in Derry and the Bawnacre in Irvinestown. Mrs Duffy, the principal from St Mary’s Primary School Gortnaghey, one of the fun days top fundraising schools said, “This is the third consecutive year our school has taken part in the North West Fun Day. Once again it was a great day out for both pupils and teachers. Whilst we were having great fun taking part in the different activities provided by NICFC, we did so in the knowledge that our school was also raising vital funds for a local charity that is close to our hearts having supported a family nursing a child with cancer in our community.” After their walk teachers and pupils enjoyed a morning of entertainment with face painting, balloon modelling, parachute games, penalty The NICFC would like to thank all the organisations, individuals and volunteers who supported both these events and made sure The theme of this year’s events was ‘helping hands’ and the schools have done exactly that raising a staggering £29,000 to support children and young people living with cancer! NW Funday! they ran like clockwork, in particular Smyths Toys, the event sponsor and Translink for providing free transport for all schools to and from each venue. Finally a huge thank you to the pupils and teachers who took part in both these fun days making 2009 the most successful year to date! The next fun day will take place in Ormeau Park, Belfast on Friday 25th September. To find out more about fun days happening in your area please contact Rachel on 028 9080 5599, email rachel@nicfc.com or visit www.nicfc.com. 2 1 3 1. Pupils and teachers from Oakgrove Integ. PS receive a certificate of from the Mayor of Derry City Cllr Paul Fleming for raising over £500 at the North West Fun Day. 2. Pupils from St Patrick’s PS receive a certificate of appreciation for raising over £900 for NICFC proceed of the NW fun day. 3. Chapel Road Primary School raised a staggering £1,005.45! All aboard at the North West Fun Day! 23 24 SCHOOLS REPORT Enniskillen Funday! 1 2 3 4 Jo Jingles is Here! Fun Music, Singing & Movement Classes for children aged 3 months to 5 years t Action songs & rhythm games t Fun weekly themes with an educational slant t Age specific classes NO JOINING FEE! Jo Jingles classes available throughout Northern Ireland For further details call 01494 778989 or visit our website www.jojingles.com Jo Jingles is proud to support The Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children 1. Pupils from St MacCartan’s PS, Omagh arrive at the Enniskillen Fun Day at the Bawnacre in Irvinestown 2. The Chairman of Fermanagh District Council, with the help of local primary school pupils lead off the sponsored walk at the NICFC’s Enniskillen Fun Day 3. Children from Belleek PS display the school’s winning banner! 4. Pupils put the fun into fundraising at the Enniskillen Fun Day! Swine Flu Protocol In response to the Swine Flu pandemic The NI Cancer Fund for Children has produced a protocol as advised by the Public Health Agency. We would urge parents/carers/young people who attend our activities and events to follow the guidelines which can be downloaded at the charity’s website www.nicfc.com or for further information please contact Liz Osborne, NICFC Services Manager on 028 9080 5599 25 SCHOOLS REPORT Larne Funday! es an Bugs Bunny mak e Larne Fun th at ce an appear Day! Law and order at the Larne Fun Day! Primary School pupils from Larne and Carrickfergus brave the wet weather at the Larne Fun Day. Life’s a Picnic: Merdyn Day Nursery in Holywood, raised £500 for the Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children by holding a teddy bear’s picnic for children and families in June. Enjoying the summer fun are Calum, Charlie and Pola along with Rachel Burgoyne, Schools and Youth Fundraiser for NICFC and Nicky Wakefield from Merdyn Day Nursery. Ryan Hollinger from Lagan College who helped to organise a Hats and Shades Day and sun safety talk for students presents a cheque for £1,236.56 to the Northern Ireland cancer Fund for Children. 26 COMMUNITY FUNDRAISING Grand Canyon Trekkers raise Grand total for local children living with cancer On the 17th May 2009, 18 triumphant and proud individuals from Northern Ireland returned home from a challenging, exhilarating and life changing trek of the Grand Canyon, which raised a phenomenal £69,902.00 for the NI Cancer Fund for Children, (NICFC). heartedly took on this challenge, enabling us to help hundreds of families face their own personal challenge every day, as they nurse a child with cancer.” The completion of the trek marked the end of a year-long challenge for each of the participants, who not only took on the physical challenge of training to enable them to conquer the Canyon, but also took on the personal goal of fundraising to help the NICFC continue to supply a varied range of services to hundreds of families across NI. The group raised an amazing £69,902.00 to enable the NICFC to continue to provide practical, emotional and social support to children and young people. All at the charity would like to thank each participant who worked tirelessly to raise funds – Sonia Anderson, David Bowes, Julieanne Crothers, Andrene Donnelly, Davy Pennell, Debbie Reid, Paula MacFarlane, Jenni Murphy, Martina Millar, Christine Lindsay, Michael Lindsay, Angela and Paul Regan, Perry and Fiona Davis, Irene Hazel, Shauna McMullan and Linda Brown. A huge thank you to all our Grand Canyon Trekkers, who raised a fantastic amount of money to help local children living with cancer. Dawn Weir Community Fundraiser with NICFC, “We are so proud of all those who completed the Grand Canyon Trek, each person whole of arrival to the rim ts celebrate their ral tu an na cip y rti ar pa din on traor The Grand Cany mpse of this ex gli st fir eir th enjoy the Canyon and rld. wonder of the wo NICFC next challenge is Kilimanjaro June 2010. If you are inspired by our Grand Canyon trekkers and would like to take on your own personal challenge please contact Dawn on 028 9080 5599. 9,902 was An amazing £6 rticipants pa e th by d ise ra challenge e th on ok who to on! ny Ca of the Grand Josh, Stefan and Lobo – the guide s who kept us safe, well feed an d entertained! Sunset over the Canyon: Sunset over the Canyon 27 COMMUNITY FUNDRAISING of the Colorado Rewarding views rd days trek. River after a ha ‘THE CANYON EXPERIENCE’ Martina Millar from Downpatrick reveals what the challenge meant to her, “I did a lot of walking, as part of my training for the trek; I think I must have walked the length and breadth of Co Down! But it was all worth it. The Grand Canyon experience will stay with me the rest of my life. It was a challenge there is no doubt, some days more so than others, there were tears alongside the laughter but every moment of challenge I will treasure.” “I started out on this challenge as an individual, amongst 19 other fellow trekkers from Northern Ireland, but over the months of support meetings and group training treks we all got to know each other better. We all came through this experience together as a team, motivating each other, cheering each other on. It was amazing! Whenever I think back on the Grand Canyon I will always think of them with a warm heart. I made some really good friends on the trek and will carry those friendships with me forever.” The Grand Canyon Challenge was a life changing experience for me, from the moment I signed up until the last day of the trek. I did and experienced things I never thought I’d ever be capable of doing. So, if I can do it anyone can! I always say if your heart is singing out for you to do something then it’s the right thing to do, go for it!” , “I feel eant to him Challenge m on ny beyond Ca e d ac t the Gran derful pl reveals wha , a truly won es on w ny Bo s, and Ca d ue d vi ag an Da d the Gr ily, colle have trekke friends, fam to of d ge lp NICFC. ile r he iv e fo pr over £3000 And, with th . ed ns is io ra at ve ct and I ha all my expe orthern Irel people in N help and the generous ere to give . Always th nt ia ill affected br e es staff wer and famili ted charity for children do ey oney will th m k The dedica the wor ount. The ng witnessed ch a large am su ed work of is ra rd advice. Havi to have ugh the ha am delighted NICFC. Thro by d gether te to en d by cancer, I es implem ekkers pulle great servic of fellow tr most am a te t ek support the tr ea made the ising the gr ch ra hi nd w l fu el d w very training an yone bonded s for life.” other. Ever great friend e m co be l to help each e have al perience. W enjoyable ex Jenni Murphy: We were rewarded with an extraordinary series of challenging but very rewarding treks that revealed endless awe-inspiring views and experiences of one of the seven wonders of the natural world, which few people are ever privileged to enjoy. I loved every minute and can’t wait to return. I am now planning my next challenge event for NICFC.” Paula MacFa rlane on he comm r expe ents rience absolu , “It tely a was a m n azing Not o exper nly d ience. id I fear o o v ercom f flyin e my g and met s of heig ome r hts, I e a ll y love along ly peo the w ple ay a mone nd ra y for ised dedica an excell ted ch ent arity” 28 COMMUNITY FUNDRAISING Mary continues her invaluable work for NICFC! All at NICFC are delighted and extremely grateful for the continued support of Mary McGready. To date the grand total of monies raised by Mary is a fantastic £42,913.00! Mary’s next event will be a fabulous Country Music Concert, held in Queens Hall Newtownards, featuring Eugene Dorman, Kathy Durkin, Larry the Cowboy, Johnny Caroll and Kenny Archer. A huge thank you to Mary, Kenneth and their volunteers for their contined support and hard work at Comber Cancer Support and through the many events she organises. Interested in becoming Santa’sLittle Helper? December is Children’s Cancer Awareness Month, and we would be grateful if you would consider supporting us in the festive season. It is really easy to get involved and you can help by selling our Magic Reindeer Dust or helping promote our ‘A letter from Santa’ campaign. We are looking for individuals to help us sell our fantastic ‘Magic Reindeer Dust!’, priced at £1.00. You can help by purchasing Magic Reindeer Dust for family or friends or placing pre-merchandised units of Reindeer dust in local shops and businesses. To register to help please contact dawn@nicfc.com. Alternatively, why not surprise a loved one with their own personalised letter from Santa! For a minimum donation of £4.00. Or help us distribute the flyers in your local shops or businesses. If you can help please contact dawn@nicfc.com Limavady Support Group Annual Douglas Bar Cycle The annual Douglas’ Bar cycle in Limavady took on a fun fancy dress theme this year, with over 70 participants using their pedal power to raise money for NICFC. The cycle took place on 31st May and raised a fantastic £5406. All at NICFC would like to extend their thanks to Muriel Witherow of Limavady Support Group, for their continued support. A special thanks also to Barry McGuigan, who has raised a phenomenal £19,679 for NICFC over the last 5 years through this event. This community support is invaluable to NICFC and we extend our thanks to everyone who took part and to Douglas’ Bar Limavady for their valued support and hospitality. Dawn receives a cheque for £5406 from Barry McGuigan > SAVAGE ASSOCIATES CONSULTING STRUCTURAL/ CIVIL ENGINEERS Iveagh Court, 2a Railway Street, Newcastle BT33 0AL Tel: 028 4372 6162 Fax: 028 4372 4248 Email: Mail@pdsavage.co.uk 29 COMMUNITY FUNDRAISING Maysfield Support Group helping kids tackle cancer Maysfield Support Group held their first ever NI Supporters Club 7 aside Football competition on 28th March 2009, part sponsored by the IFA. A total of ten teams took part with Lough Shore N.I.S.C. becoming holders of the first NI Supporters Club Trophy. Maysfield Support Group where delighted to welcome along Kate Hoey MP, who presented the winning team with their trophies and The perfect finish to a fantastic event enjoyed by all. A medals. huge thank you to all the teams who took part and those who volunteered on the day helping raise over £2000! Drew Armstrong presents Dawn and Ashleigh with a cheque for £750 donated from Lightweight Motorcycle Club (Ulster) Ltd. John Lennon, Manager Cosgroves Bar with Stephen McGuigan, Seamus Thompson, Conan Keenan, Liam McKiernan, Kieran Gillen, Sean McCabe smiling for the camera before their gruelling 130 mile cycle from Belfast to Dublin. Well done lads almost £2.000 was raised. Not forgetting Hugh Conway who was their back up driver all the way. Winning seven-a-side tournament winners Lough Shore N.I.S.C. pictured with their trophy in the company of (l-r) Dawn Weir, N.I. Cancer Fund for Children, Kate Hoey M.P., Louise Eakin, Irish Football Association and Eddie Marcus, Maysfield Support Group of the N.I. Cancer Fund for Children who organised the fund raising event. Clive Faulkner and Anna Earls present a cheque for £870 to Pauline McGuigan NICFC.The funds were raised at Clive’s retirement party. THANK YOU! Thanks also to Harry McDonnell and the boys for their fundraising efforts in Pat’s Bar in Belfast, they raised over £7.000. Eddie McCabe (Maysfield Support Group) and Gillian Creevy (Chief Executive NICFC) receive accommodation vouchers from Suzanne Phillips courtesy of the McKeever Group. Maysfield Support Group’s annual May McFetteridge Golf Classic raised over £10,000 for NICFC. A huge thank you to all at Maysfield Support Group! Michael Hagan from Barrington Rangers Supporters Club and Linfield’s Glen Ferguson present Dawn Weir with a cheque for over £2000 raised through the Barrington Rangers Supporters Club’s annual Blues Brothers Charity Football match held on Boxing Day. 30 COMMUNITY FUNDRAISING Charity Football Match help kids tackle cancer Newtownabbey man Peter Brady, recently held a charity football match to raise funds for the NI Cancer Fund for Children. Peter really made the most of reuniting his old football team F.C. Euro Lions to take on their old rivals FC Euro Lions celebrate their reunion and rasing over £2000 Eastend Academicals, for NICFC. by raising over £2000.00 for NICFC. Peter’s motivation for organising the event and supporting the NICFC was a personal one after recently losing his mother-in-law to the illness and seeing first hand the support NICFC provide to his friend’s daughter, who is in the second year of remission from leukaemia. Thanks Harry! Ballymoney marathon man, Harry McCloy completes Durban Comrades Marathon for NICFC Ballymoney man Harry McCloy completed the gruelling Comrades Marathon in Durban South Africa, raising over £2000 for NICFC. All at NICFC would like to congratulate Harry on his massive Harry McCloy receives a certificate achievement, completing the to mark his fantastic achievement distance of 56 miles in just of completing all 56 miles of the over ten hours. A huge thank Durban Comrades Marathon you to Harry who endured hours of training and pain to raise this fantastic amount of money! Parachute jumpers help children’s cancer charity reach £50k milestone Marie-Claire Doogan recently led a group of her friends from the Maghera and Magherafelt area who took in the challenge of a parachute jump to raise money for the Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children. The group’s act of bravery raised a fantastic £3750, and marked the amazing milestone of £50,000 being raised overall through the charities partnership with skydive company, Moonjumper. Marie-Claire made her decision to support NICFC, having benefited from the charities youth programme services and is currently involved in the 18+ group youth programme, which provides residential and one to one support to children who are currently undergoing treatment for cancer or in remission. Marie-Claire’s motivation was to give something back in return for the support she has received through her own illness. She commentated, “ I was keen to do something, simply to say thank you to the Youth Team at NICFC who have supported me over the last eight years. Taking on this challenge was both rewarding and terrifying! But I would encourage others to take the leap of faith and support children and young people in NI, who face their own personal challenge everyday.” The NI Cancer Fund for Children are delighted to be the first charity in NI to reach this fantastic milestone and are extremely grateful to the many participants, who have racked up over 51,300 miles altitude between them. Marie-Claire pres ents Dawn with a cheque for £3750, rocketing funds raised fro m parachute jum to £50,000! ps If you would like to take part in a parachute jump please contact Dawn on 028 9080 5599 or email dawn@nicfc.com. 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Become a friend & help children living with cancer. A regular gift, no matter how small, will help us reach out to more children and families. Childhood cancer can devastate family life. Please become a ‘Friend’ of the NI Cancer Fund for Children - your regular donation will help us deliver support services to families when they are most needed. As a friend you can choose to make your donation in one easy annual payment or you can set up a monthly direct debit from your bank account. (Please complete the form overleaf). Benefits for ‘Friends’ include: Daisy Lapel Badge, Invitations to Events, Subscription to NICFC Newsletter, eCommunication Updates. You name it....we print it! www.mediadesignandprint.com Tel: 028 9045 9864 Published and printed by Media Marketing - Tel: 028 9045 9864 • Fax: 028 9045 9034 • Email: info@media-marketing.net • www.media-marketing.net