November 30, 2015
As we approach the end of 2015, it seems like a great opportunity to look back on the year and say a special thank you to all the amazing people who have raised funds for us in 2015.
The year got off to a great start when Marilyn Powell, who works closely with SFCS, arranged a special charity darts event with former world champion, Martin Adams. Martin joined keen darts fans in The Clay Pipe pub in Leighton Buzzard, where he played games against them in return for a donation to SFCS. A charity auction and raffle were held at the same event, and over £600 was raised.
Marilyn also runs the 1st Leighton Buzzard Girls Brigade, and in 2014-15, SFCS was their charity of the year. They hosted a number of fundraising events throughout the year and the group used the money they raised, along with the money raised at Marilyn’s darts event, to purchase some fantastic new items for our Family Centre. Our sincere thanks go to Marilyn and the Girls Brigade members.
In May, a team of six daredevils from Santander bank did a sponsored skydive for SFCS, and raised an incredible £5,215! We couldn’t be more grateful to Andy Watt, Nathan Jakes, Simon Masih, Angel Sainz de la Cruz, Adam Spencer and Dipen Dhokia for their amazing dedication – and bravery!
In June, Sara Mellor took part in The Great North Swim at Lake Windermere. The event is Europe’s biggest open water swimming event with around 10,000 participants taking part each year. Sara completed her swimming challenge in an impressive 46 minutes, and raised a fantastic £255 for SFCS. Thanks so much for all the hard work and training, Sara!
One of our very own staff members got their hands dirty for us in September! Dominik Byrne, our Fundraising & Business Development Officer, joined three other cyclists in a team relay cycle ride, covering 500+ miles over a three day period. A huge thank you to Dominik and his team mates Julian Pagliaro, Simon Hill and Lucy Bazely, who raised £600 for us.
And finally, we must say a big thank you to Catherine O’Rourke, whose year-long walking challenge for SFCS is still ongoing! On 1st October 2015, her 59th birthday, Catherine did the first of 60 walks she will be undertaking in the 12 month period up to her 60th birthday next year. Catherine was adopted as child, and recently traced her birth family through our Building Connections service. We couldn’t be more grateful to Catherine – and the various friends and family members who accompany her on her walks!
We’d like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to everyone who has worked so hard to raise funds for us this year, and to also thank our regular donors for their invaluable support. Our work with vulnerable children and their families would not be possible if it weren’t for your generous support.
If you’d like to find out more about the simple things you can do to raise funds for SFCS or make a donation to support our work, please visit our Fundraise and Donate pages.
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