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Generous youngsters at Whitley Bay Sporting Club help food bank

Whitley Bay Sporting Club fundraiser
Whitley Bay Sporting Club fundraiser

Raising money and donations for: Whitley Bay Sporting Club and NUFC Fans Food Bank

The Whitley Bay players (and siblings) were at the Newcastle United vs Southampton match on Saturday, March 10 doing a bucket fundraiser. Prior to kick-off, teams from their Under 11s, Under 13s and Under 14s generously donated Easter eggs and other food items to the NUFC Fans Food Bank.

The boys and girls themselves raised over £1400 prior the game, a superb amount which will benefit the teams that participated. With Newcastle also winning the game 3-0, everyone was a winner on the day!

WBSC Chairman Rob Nixon expressed his delight with the teams, saying: “The hard work from the children and their families has always been amazing at this club and we can’t thank them enough for their efforts!”

And as a response from a very grateful Stuart Latimer, he said: “The NUFC Fans’ FoodBank really appreciated the special effort & donations of the boys from the Whitley Bay Sporting Club on Saturday’s game - it was great to see young people involved in helping others less fortunate in their community & hopefully their example will be matched by others.”

Benfield fundraiser for U13s football club

Newcastle Benfield U13s. Photo sent in by fundraiser organiser Vikki Potts
Newcastle Benfield U13s. Photo sent in by fundraiser organiser Vikki Potts

Raising money for: Newcastle Benfield U13s San Siro

Fundraiser organiser Vikki Potts said: “Benfield’s Barmy Bingo Bonanza fundraiser is being held on Friday, April 6 at Blue Flames, Benton at 7pm. Over 18s only.

“Tickets are £5 including entry, a buffet and a raffle strip. Bingo tickets are 50p per ticket. There are top prizes to be won! Including cash prizes! To book tickets or to donate please call: 07853 009131 or 07757 055321.

“The coach Scott Gibson started the team from scratch last season and dedicated his time to development. This season the team have worked so hard they have been promoted to the premiership. Strips, pitch hire, equipment and tournaments all cost money and as passionate parents we would like to help raise money towards the cost.”

Successful International Women’s Day event in Newcastle by North East youth charity

NE Youth's Women's Leadership Group #WLG (L-R) Jill Simpson, Charlotte Jeffry, Amanda Robertson, Dee Macdonald, Sarah Hunter and Louise Laws
NE Youth's Women's Leadership Group #WLG (L-R) Jill Simpson, Charlotte Jeffry, Amanda Robertson, Dee Macdonald, Sarah Hunter and Louise Laws

Raising money for: NE Youth

Marketing & PR Dee Macdonald said: “To celebrate International Women’s Day NE Youth put on a ladies event to engage more women, gather their support & launch its Women’s Leadership Group.

Over 50 women came together at the event sponsored by Fenwick & David Gray Solicitors.

“Head of the WLG Dee Macdonald gave a speech along with youth worker for NE Youth & Channy Lindsay Maudling. The event focused on the work NE Youth does with young girls and women and the theme of the night was all about solidarity.

“Over £2250 was raised on the evening which goes directly back to helping young people across the region. The WLG hope to run another event later this year.”

Brother and sister’s fundraising event & haircut for cancer charities at Newcastle rock bar

Sarah Legender and Carl Legender. Sarah Legender said: "Making the most of our long locks!"
Sarah Legender and Carl Legender. Sarah Legender said: "Making the most of our long locks!"

Raising money for: Daft as a Brush

Fundraising event at Newcastle rock bar. Organiser Sarah Legender said: “Come to Trillians Rock Bar on Saturday, April 7. Children are welcome!

- We will be shaving off our long locks.

- There will be live local music from Holly Rees, Komparrison and Ross Hardy.

- An Art raffle full of amazing prints and paintings from local artists.

- Cakes and lots of sweet treats.

- Face painting

- Craft stalls

- Cancer Advice

- Hula hooping performer Christy Wright.

“My brother Carl Legender was recently diagnosed with testicular cancer. He is now in the all clear and has been very lucky. So we want to do our bit for the people who are not so lucky. We will also be donating our hair to the Little Princess Trust.”

Afternoon tea by Hebburn Comprehensive young ladies for elderly women on International Women’s Day

Students bring women in the community together to celebrate women’s rights
Students bring women in the community together to celebrate women’s rights

Raising money for: The Key

Young ladies from Hebburn Comprehensive organised an afternoon tea for local elderly women to celebrate International Women’s Day.

The students have been participating in a skills development programme run by North East-based youth charity, The Key. The charity aims to inspire belief in young people by challenging them to deliver their own projects.

The young ladies planned their afternoon celebration and invited local elderly women to share their stories and experiences of women’s rights.

Teacher Claire Sharp said: “The young ladies have gone from strength to strength and we’re noticing a real boost in their overall confidence, aspirations and understanding of women’s rights.”

Newcastle bar and restaurant raises over £100,000 for national and North East charities

The Botanist Newcastle shows its support for North East children's charity
The Botanist Newcastle shows its support for North East children's charity

Raising money for: Cash for Kids, Barnardo’s and the Tim Bacon Foundation

The Botanist has given Cash for Kids a £3,934 boost thanks to its fundraising efforts. The donation will see children and young people benefit, helping the Stockton-based charity respond to the needs of communities in the North East.

Funds were collected by 25p from each children’s meal sold being donated, as well as a discretionary £1 contribution on diner’s bills during December added to the pot. This helped The Botanist’s operator New World Trading Company (NWTC) raise over £100,000 for charity in 2017 across its portfolio of 20 unique venues.

Other beneficiaries included Barnardo’s, the UK’s leading children’s charity and the Tim Bacon Foundation, which gives aid to charities in the fight against cancer. Other fundraising events in collaboration with Barnardo’s have included skydiving, a dragon boat race and an obstacle race.

Employees have also used their knowledge to teach children mindfulness, food skills, and even built greenhouses in local communities where children can grow fruit and vegetables. Over £40,000 was raised in all.

For the Tim Bacon Foundation, £18,000 was raised through events and donations, and throughout the country, NWTC raised £53,000 for local children’s charities and hospices, including Cash for Kids.

Cancer charity dog walk at Newcastle’s Leazes Park

Raising money for: FACT (Fighting All Cancers Together)

Research has shown that dogs are capable of sniffing out diseases, including cancer, which is why North East cancer charity FACT (Fighting All Cancers Together) is giving back to our four-legged friends, as well as families affected by cancer in the region. As 2018 is the Chinese Year of the Dog, it’s time to celebrate and thank our incredible furry friends.

Founder and CEO at FACT, Joanne Smith, said: “Dogs are amazing animals, and play a significant role in many families’ lives.

"There’s proof that dogs can aid in the detection of some cancers and support people living with medical conditions, and as a dog owner myself, I know they become a huge part of your family.

"We provide essential support services for individuals and families who have been affected by cancer, and have recently started to provide essentials for dogs and other family pets within our ‘kindness kits’ too.

“The ‘kindness kits’ include essentials such as toiletries, food and clothing for those facing financial pressures during treatment, but we’re now offering other necessities for pet owners, such as pet food, bedding and treats.”

Marking the charity’s 10th birthday, 2018 is set to be an exciting year for FACT, with plenty of fundraising events taking place throughout the year. There will be a Cancer Charity Dog Walk at Leazes Park, Newcastle, on Sunday 25th March, where humans and dogs of all ages are welcome. With the option of a main dog walk (5km) or a little legs dog walk (2.5km), it’s an event for the whole family to enjoy.

Sign up at: www.active.com and search FACT Dog Walk, or call 0191 442 0833 (option zero) to request an entry form. Adult entries (16+) are £5, and child entries (4-15) are £3 (toddlers free). If you, a friend or family member would benefit from support whilst living with cancer, please contact FACT on 0191 442 0833 or go to: www.fact-cancersupport.co.uk.

FACT is currently appealing for donations for a new telephone system after experiencing technical issues over Christmas. Its current system urgently needs to be replaced so the team can keep in touch with cancer patients and service users.

New support groups boost mental health wellbeing in Newcastle and Whitley Bay

New support groups in Whitley Bay and Whickham offer people a way to look after their mental wellbeing in a non-clinical, confidential and friendly setting.

The national charity PeerTalk is behind the initiative and is setting up a national network of peer support groups to offer support to those living with depression and related mental health conditions. The groups, led by local trained volunteers, and they offer a safe place for people to share and to be supported. Rosa Trelfa, PeerTalk project director, said: “Research tells us that one in four people experience mental health difficulties in their lives.

Depression is a very common condition. Any of us, irrespective of age, gender or background, can be affected at some point in our life and the isolation and suffering that comes with depression can be hard to bear as the stigma around it prevents people from seeking support.’

“The strength of these peer support groups lies in the fact that the support offered comes from others who have a lived experience of depression, who understand, who will not judge, and who can offer help from their own experience. The groups are well received by those who come along – it’s a friendly, safe and confidential space where you be yourself and draw encouragement from others’ support.”

There is no need to register in advance or make an appointment. Participants can just turn up and will be most welcome. They take place in Whitley Bay every Wednesday evening, 7pm to 8.30pm at The Big Local, 305 Whitby Road, Whitley Bay, NE26 2HU, and every Thursday evening, 7pm to 8.30pm at Whickham Library, 9 St Mary’s Green, Whickham, NE16 4DN.

For more details, see: www.peertalk.org.uk/index.php/support-groups

Montagu and North Fenham football club scores sponsorship from Miller Homes

THE U7 Blues team at Montagu and North Fenham FC is preparing to kick off its next game in style with a brand new kit thanks to a sponsorship deal from leading housebuilder Miller Homes
THE U7 Blues team at Montagu and North Fenham FC is preparing to kick off its next game in style with a brand new kit thanks to a sponsorship deal from leading housebuilder Miller Homes

Donated to: The U7 Blues team at Montagu and North Fenham FC

The U7 Blues team at Montagu and North Fenham FC is preparing to kick off its next game in style with a brand new kit thanks to a sponsorship deal from leading housebuilder Miller Homes.

The club, located close to Miller Homes’ forthcoming development in Hazlerigg which is due to launch later this year, was able to fund full kits for the whole U7 Blues team in its Minisoccer division, thanks to the housebuilder’s donation.

Andrew Somerville, associate sales director at Miller Homes North East, said: “At Miller Homes, we see local sports teams and clubs as integral to the spirit of the communities surrounding our developments. As local organisations are often run by volunteers, we understand how difficult it can be to finding funding for items such as new kits, but how important these are so the children involved all feel part of the team.”

Miller Homes said: “We are committed to investing in the communities surrounding our high-quality homes, so we were more than happy to support Montagu and North Fenham FC with sponsorship funds to kit the U7 Blues team out in a new strip for the year ahead.”.

Gary Arkley, chairman of Montagu and North Fenham FC, added: “We are extremely grateful to Miller Homes for extending this generous donation to our club. The kits look great and I know that they will give the team that extra bit of motivation to give this year all they’ve got.”

Three Alnwick businesswomen in cycle challenge from London to Paris

Alnwick businesswomen Jackie, Jane and Avril
Alnwick businesswomen Jackie, Jane and Avril

Raising money for: Breast Cancer Care, Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust and Ovarian Cancer Action

Three businesswomen from the Alnwick area are undertaking the gruelling 240 miles in three days London to Paris women’s only cycle challenge on 6th September. Before that however, they will each have to raise sponsorship money for women’s cancer charities.

As well as their huge commitment to training for the ride, the ladies have pledged to raise £1600 each in order to undertake the challenge. Monies raised will be equally shared amongst Breast Cancer Care, Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust and Ovarian Cancer Action.

The three in training cyclists, marketing expert Avril Scott from Foxton, Utility Warehouse consultant Jacqueline Brewster from Alnwick and Jane McHugh, hotelier from the Red Lion in Alnmouth discussed the idea of the ride at a network business meeting at Alnmouth Golf Club where they regularly meet.

Their first fundraising event entitled Lazy Sunday Afternoon will take place in Alnmouth’s Hindmarsh Hall on Sunday, May 6 and will include drinks on arrival with canapés and an afternoon of entertainment provided by musicians Josie McDonough and Phil Smith.

Jacqueline said: “This is a great way to show your support for our cycle ride. It will be a lovely relaxing day and a total contrast to the gruelling ride that we are training for. It’s very tough at the moment as we’re riding through our beautiful countryside in all weathers but if it helps to save just one life, the effort will be well worth it.”

Tickets for the fundraising event are £25 including canapes and fizz on arrival. Please purchase tickets via the Red Lion. Tel: 01665 830584.

Boundary Mill Shiremoor’s huge fundraising success

Cheque presentation at Boundary Mill Stores
Cheque presentation at Boundary Mill Stores

Raising money for: Cancer Research UK

The Boundary Mill Newcastle store have just finished their second year of fundraising for Cancer Research UK raising over £11,000 which now brings their fundraising total to over £22,000 in the last two years.

Staff at the Boundary Mill store have been getting involved in all kinds of fundraising initiatives including cycling challenges, bake sales, sporting events, raffles and tombolas as well as supporting Cancer Research UK’s campaigns such as World Cancer Day and Stand up to Cancer.

Leah Mitchell, senior local fundraising manager for Cancer Research UK said: “A massive thank you to all the staff at Boundary Mill for choosing to support Cancer Research UK and for their amazing efforts in raising the £22,000.

"Also a huge thanks to their customers who have been in store and donated and sponsored staff with their activities. Cancer survival rates have doubled since the early 1970s, yet there is still so much more work to be done to reach the day when all cancers can be cured.

"Cancer Research UK receive no government funding which is why we rely on the fantastic support from corporate partners such as Boundary Mill.”

Swap instead of Shop ethical clothing event in Newcastle on Earth Day 2018

Tea and Togs models
Tea and Togs models

The team from Smile For Life Children’s Charity will do their bit for the planet with their own Tea and Togs event – being held on Sunday 22 April, to coincide with global Earth Day 2018.

Tea and Togs will see women from across the region come together to swap clothes, shop from ethical stalls including organic fruit and veg and cruelty-free skincare and enjoy a sparkling afternoon tea at Novotel Newcastle Airport.

Tea and Togs will also see a range of real-women models showcase fashion from local clothes provider Unique Boutique, based at Whitley Bay and Morpeth, as well as get the chance to purchase from their range.

The fashion outlet focuses on sourcing ethical products such as their carrier bags, which raise money to support homeless children in India and their families. Paula Gascoigne, creator of the event and chief executive of Smile For Life, said: “Smile For Life is about protecting our surroundings and focusing on the future of our young people, making sure they have a long and happy life.

“This will be our seventh Tea and Togs and we are inviting Mother Earth along this year to join our yummy mummies as the event is being held on Earth Day. Tea and Togs sees recycling at its best - creating fantastic outfits out of someone’s unused wardrobe. We want to promote the different ways that people can be environmentally friendly and do their bit for the planet in an easy, fun and fashionable way.”

For tickets please call the Smile For Life office on 0191 284 4166.

Luxury spa voucher donation by Tyne Tunnels operator to North Tees Cancer Trust

Shaun Simmons, Business Support Officer at TT2 Limited and Joanne Hawke, Clerical Officer at North Tees hospital
Shaun Simmons, Business Support Officer at TT2 Limited and Joanne Hawke, Clerical Officer at North Tees hospital

Raising money for: North Tees Cancer Trust

Shaun Simmons, business support officer at TT2 Limited, said: “TT2, the operator of the Tyne Tunnels, is donating a luxury spa voucher to North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Breast Cancer Care to raise money for the department. The Tyne Tunnel’s community fund, will provide a £480 voucher for a couples retreat spa break for Rockcliffe Hall, which will be raffled, raising money for essential items, including breast screening equipment.”

“Cancer is a horrible illness which touches the lives of most people. We were delighted to be able to offer North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Breast Cancer Care a prize for its upcoming raffle. Dig deep and donate!”

Wallsend schoolboy to shave off his hair for Newcastle charity

Raising money for: Percy Hedley Foundation and projects in Peru

Mother Kelly Huntley said: “Finn Huntley’s half-a-head shave challenge will take place at St Columba’s, Wallsend, on Wednesday, March 28. Any donations will be greatly received. Finn’s New Year’s resolution was to try and raise lots of money for different charities.”

https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/KellyHuntley/1 utm_source=whatsapp&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=fundraiser&utm_term=socialshare&utm_content=fundriasingpage.

Book fair at community centre in North Shields

Linskill volunteers collating donated books in preparation for the Linskill Book Fair in May
Linskill volunteers collating donated books in preparation for the Linskill Book Fair in May

Raising money for: Linskill and North Tyneside Community Development Trust

Sandra Moffat said: “The Linskill Centre is now accepting donations of books for the annual Linskill Book Fair on May 18 to 20. Kindly supported by our volunteers, who collect and sort books throughout the year, the Book Fair raises essential funds for the Linskill Centre. Old, new, fact or fiction - all books will be gratefully received and can be left at reception.

The Linskill Centre is a thriving community resource in North Shields where the community can learn, socialise and engage within.”

New lease of life for Newcastle’s historic landmark

St Thomas Haymarket fire bucket photo
St Thomas Haymarket fire bucket photo

One of Newcastle’s historic landmarks has been given a new lease of life, thanks to a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the commitment of its community of volunteers.

Much-needed work has just finished to repair the roof of the 19th Century church of St Thomas the Martyr on Barras Bridge, next to Newcastle’s Civic Centre.

St Thomas’s was the first church to be designed by North Shields-born architect John Dobson, who went on to remodel much of the city centre with his associate Richard Grainger. St Thomas’s priest who is curiously known as “The Master” said: “The church first opened in 1830 so it’s not surprising the roof needed some TLC.

“My title is part of the church’s fascinating history which we want to share with the people of Newcastle and visitors to the area. We have new interpretation panels and special events to tell the story of St Thomas’s. However, the recent work on the church is not just about conserving the past. New toilets and a water fountain have been added, to enable more groups and events to use and take place in the building.

“It’s an exciting time for St Thomas’s. The church has always been busy with meetings, concerts and exhibitions, alongside our church services and ethical shop, but we were limited by our poor facilities. We are looking forward to welcoming more people to the church for a wider variety of occasions. Building work progressed smoothly with just one unusual discovery: World War II fire buckets.

“The buckets were kept in the roof space to try to limit any damage caused by air raids. But when you see images of the Newcastle Blitz, I am not sure how useful they would have been in the event of a direct hit.”

The team at St Thomas’s are keen to collect more memories about the church as part of this restoration project. If you have a story to share, contact details and further information can be found on the church website www.sttomsnewcastle.org.uk