Fundraising news
We are always surprised and delighted by the many imaginative ways our supporters find to fundraise. Read on for news of both upcoming and recently held events that people like you have organised in order to raise money for St Dunstan’s.
A Night To Remember
On the 9th November St Dunstaner Mike Tetley joined speakers including Downton Abbey’s Penelope Wilton at the St Dunstan-in-the-West church on Fleet Street for A Night to Remember, an evening of words and music for remembrance. As well as speakers and readers an amazing choir, Chantage, sang, along with poetry and a performance from mezzo Fiona MacDonald
The event raised over £1500 was raised for St Dunstan’s and a wonderful evening was had by all.
Steve Laban
St Dunstan’s supporter Steve Laban recently raised £619 by taking on a couple of different challenges. On 22nd September he rode 28 miles from Norfolk to the coast. He then felt inspired for a bigger challenge on 2nd October, climbing up Ben Nevis. He said it was very tough but he was spurred along on the way by a wonderful Welsh couple who gave him some support and it was worth all the effort for St Dunstan’s. Well done Steve!
Carp Fishing Comps
Andres Flatt is a supporter who has given himself the rather large task of organising a series of Carp Fishing Matches to raise funds for and awareness of St Dunstan’s. Andres’ grandmother was a St Dunstaner who sadly passed away early in 2011 and the care she received from us inspired him to help us to reach out to a new demographic of supporter.
The St. Dunstan’s Carp Cup 2nd Round 24 hour match was held at Yateley South Lake in October this year. 16 anglers took part and the overall winner was Mark Lester who over both matches took two fish to 14lb 10oz. Prizes were provided courtesy of kind sponsors Hardy Greys and CCMoore. Andres is already looking at new venues for matches in 2012.
Coast to Coast Cycle
On 28th/ 29th of May Andrew Robinson, Davy Jonas, Lee Dobson, Ross Robson and Brian Olds took part in a coast to coast bike ride. The raised £1700 for St Dunstan’s. Thanks to all their friends, family and everyone at the Washington Arms for their support.
Llandudno Sandcastle Competition
Conwy Festival Regatta
This year’s Conwy River Festival featured a regatta of large sailing craft racing in the bay off Conwy on the North Wales coast. Racing was organised by the Conwy Yacht Club and St Dunstan’s put up a trophy which had been kindly donated by Ann Plant, a Cheshire artist. Major General Keith Skempton entered his 30’ yacht “Minim” and took with him as crew Barrie Hathaway, a St Dunstaner, and a sailing colleague, Andrew Jones. Barry, an ex Royal Navy medic and TA Signaller, took the helm from the Marina to the Start Line. The wind was blowing between 15 and 20 knots requiring some agility especially when tacking the boat through the wind. By the time “Minim” crossed the finishing line, Barry was at the helm again and sailed her up the river under sail to Conwy Marina.
“Minim” won her class, Barrie receiving the silver cup for the race at an evening event held at Conwy Royal British Legion. “Minim” also won the Best Performance of the Day, Major General Keith Skempton receiving the Chrystal Rose Bowl trophy and taking the opportunity to make all the competitors and festival goers aware of the good work of St Dunstan’s and the pending opening of the centre at Craig y Don at Llandudno.
Click here for more photos of the event
Riding the Wire
Well done to lecturers from S&B Automotive Academy who cycled the length of the 1914-18 Western Front from Niewuwpoort in Belgium to Pfetterhouse on the German/French/Swiss border. This challenge is just one of many activities staff from the academy are taking part in, all to raise money for St Dunstan's.
You can support their fundraising at www.justgiving.com/ridingthewire
Armed Forces Day Collection
Members of the RAFPA Terry Bryant, Dave Hilton, Archie Heath, Pete Barr & Tony Harbour volunteered their time again this year to collect money at Brighton Station on Armed Forces Day. They raised over £550, thank you so much!
Robert McHenry's Collections
St Dunstan's supporter Robert McHenry has raised over £10,600 since he started organising collections in his local area and at supermarkets in 2009. He and his wife are regularly spotted giving out thank you stickers to donors in and around Clacton. Thank you for all your time and hard work!
1st Battalion Royal Welsh
30 officers and soldiers ran 224 from Chester to Cardiff Armed Forces Day over 5 days. They hope to have raised an amazing £10,000 from friends, family and supporters along the way. It was such a hot week but the boys were kept smiling throughout by the supporters who came out to welcome them along with St Dunstaners Joe Rogers and Gordon Legg when they finished the first leg in Newtown. Take a look here for some pictures of their challenge. Thank you to everyone who took part and supported!
Feel inspired?
If you've been inspired by any of the events you've read about, have any great fundraising ideas up your sleeve or perhaps just need some advice on how to get involved and raise money for St Dunstan's, please email the Community Fundraising team or call 020 7616 7966.
Download our free Fundraising Guide for more ways to fundraise...