DEBS' 60th Birthday Fundraising Event

Why am I fundraising on my 60th Birthday? Why have I chosen these charities?

My friend Vivanne has just been diagnosed with the cruel disease that is Motor Neurone Disease. MND is a progressive neurological condition that attacks the nerves controlling movement. Over time, it takes away your ability to walk, move, speak, eat and even breathe. Six people are diagnosed with MND every day. Six people die from MND every day. There is no cure. The Motor Neurone Disease Association is trying to find a cure. They also help those affected by the disease & their families with grants for specialist equipment & make funds available so families make some special memories. The Yorkshire Dales MND Association have been helping Vivanne & family since her diagnosis.

Another friend Karen died last year of bowel cancer. Every 30 minutes, someone dies from Bowel Cancer in the UK. Cancer causes 28% of all deaths in England, with around 168,000 annual deaths in the UK. Breast, prostate, lung & bowel cancers account for over half of all new cases. The devastating impact of all forms of cancer diagnosis has probably affected us all in one way or another, including my husband who is currently undergoing treatment for Prostate Cancer.

My friend Eric (Mr O) tragically died whilst on a charity bike ride raising funds for Cancer Research UK. The Macmillan Nurses who are specialist cancer nurses funded by Macmillan Cancer Support provide expert physical, emotional & practical help to people with cancer, families, & carers, working in hospitals, hospices & the community. They looked after Karen with palliative care.

I volunteer at Follifoot Park Disabled Riders Group. I watch in wonder & amazement how horses help disabled children & adults enjoy the freedom & wellbeing that comes from being on a horse. It costs £50k a year to run the group which is run by 150 volunteers & no paid staff. Funds raised help children & adults with all manner of disabilities from cerebral palsy to Down’s syndrome, learning & neurological conditions, visual impairment or autism, disability as a result of a stroke or MS, or other illness or injury.

My friend who died of bowel cancer, was a Brown Owl & so I now volunteer at my local Girlguiding group at the Brownies in her memory. Brownies is full of firsts, and for all those that know me, this was my first being in a room with 24 (7-10) year olds! Children explore their creative side, get out into the great outdoors, learn how to look after themselves, others & the world we live in!... I’d like to raise funds for our local group who are helping the Rainbows, Brownies & Guides be the best version of themselves.

I’m lucky, I’m blessed with good health, a wonderful husband, an amazing mum & fabulous friends so I really don’t need anything else which is why I say no gifts… Your gift would be to support these charities by either donating here on the GiveWheel site and/or supporting at the Charity Event on 21/3. Please note that donations for the Girlguiding group (Hampsthwaite branch) will be allocated from donations collected on the night of the event.

……So, this is why I’m fundraising - All these charities provide help & support & with your support we can raise some much needed funds – let’s all be like the Brownies, think big, be bold & do our best.

Thank you. Debs x