charity Archives - Page 21 of 41

Sensory garden for visually impaired to open in Harrogate

A sensory garden has been planted in Harrogate town centre for visually impaired people.

Spenceley Gardens, which is opposite Waitrose on Station Parade, has been transformed as part of a joint initiative between Vision Support Harrogate District, RHS Harlow Carr and Harrogate Borough Council.

The garden encourages people with visual impairments to develop their sense of smell and touch and provides an area of relaxation for everyone.

The area has already been planted and is set to be in full bloom in time for an opening ceremony at the end of this month.

Ann Routledge, a volunteer at Vision Support, said lots of herbs and textured plants had been planted to allow the visually impaired to explore their other senses.

She said:

“The aim is to encourage wildlife, even though it’s next to a busy road, and give people a space to sit and reflect. Our members are very excited to use the space. I just think it’ll be great to have a space like this in the centre of town.”

The charity, which has 400 members in the Harrogate district, offers support to anyone with a visual impairment.

It also hopes that having a garden in such a prominent location will raise awareness of the charity.

The area has been previously designated as a sensory garden but those involved in the project this time hope it will become more popular.

Fundraisers prepare to take on Nidderdale Walk this weekend

Dozens of walkers will take to the paths of Nidderdale this weekend as a popular charity event returns.

Nidderdale Walk takes place on Sunday, May 8, offering participants a choice of five routes of between four and 26.2 miles.

The event, which is organised by the Rotary Club of Harrogate, has been taking place for almost three decades.

While it is promoted by 20 local charities which use it as a vital fundraiser in their calendars, participants can raise money for any cause of their choice.

Any of the local charities with 10 or more supporters taking part will also receive half of their entry fees back from the organisers.

Brian Stuttard, from the Rotary Club of Harrogate, said:

“The bigger charities have their own professional PR people and big budgets for events. Some of the smaller charities don’t have the opportunity to have an event for their own fundraising so we’re hopefully providing that role.”

Last year, despite the covid pandemic, the Nidderdale Walk raised £18,000 when held in September.

Now back to its usual May date, organisers say the event has attracted a similar number of entrants this year compared to before the pandemic.

It begins at Pateley Bridge Scout Hut on Sunday morning, with the latest start times for the longest walks being 8am, up to 2pm for the shorter routes.

There are refreshment points along the routes, as well as cold drinks available at the end.

Entries will still be accepted on the day. For more information, visit the Nidderdale Walk website.

Harrogate Thalidomide campaigner lays wreath 60 years on

Harrogate Thalidomide campaigner Guy Tweedy has laid a wreath to pay tribute to victims of the morning sickness ‘wonder drug’.

Mr Tweedy placed the wreath at the foot of a copper beech tree planted on the Harrogate’s Montpellier Hill in 2012.

The tree was the UK’s first-ever memorial to those who died as a result of their mothers being prescribed the drug in the early stages of pregnancy.

The wreath commemorates the 60th anniversary of the Thalidomide Society, which was formed in 1962 by the parents of children affected by the drug.

Mr Tweedy, who turns 60 in June and is himself a Thalidomider, is a prominent campaigner for the society.

The society was formed by parents of children affected by the drug in order to provide mutual support and seek compensation.

At least 2,000 babies in the UK were born due to Thalidomide, and more than half of them died within their first year. An unknown number also died in the womb.

Common deformities included missing or shortened limbs, blindness, brain damage and missing internal organs.

442 UK Thalidomiders still alive

There are a total of 442 Thalidomiders aged between 56 and 63 still alive in the UK today.

Over the last two decades, Mr Tweedy – who sufferers from shortened arms and fingers fused together, has helped secure hundreds of millions of pounds from the government for the ongoing care of fellow survivors.

He said:

“A decade ago, we planted this tree to commemorate those who died from this hideous drug. Thalidomide was the worst man-made disaster in peace time history.

“It killed thousands of babies in the womb and in their first years of life. It left thousands more with terrible deformities and affected the lives of thousands of families around the world.

“For the last ten years I have watched the memorial tree grow – and it will be here long after I, and all the other Thalidomide survivors, have passed away.

“The Harrogate district has seven thalidomide survivors, and since its inception 60 years ago the Thalidomide Society has fought our corner and championed our welfare.

“Whilst this wreath is to commemorate the victims of this tragedy, it’s also to recognise the ongoing work of the Thalidomide Society which aims to ensure the impact of thalidomide is never forgotten.

Terminally ill Harrogate man to scale Snowdon

A Harrogate man with motor neurone disease is to scale Snowdon to raise funds for Leeds Hospitals Charity and the MND Association.

Ian Flatt, 56, was diagnosed with the terminal illness in 2019 and needs a ventilator for 16 hours a day.

Despite his diagnosis, he’s already completed two 100-mile trips to raise money for a new state-of-the-art MND facility in Leeds.

His latest challenge will see him ascending the highest mountain in Wales, which is 1,085 metres tall and the equivalent of climbing 4,610 steps.

The Leeds-based hospital charity is raising money to build a new Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease at Seacroft Hospital, where both men are cared for.

The former Leeds Rhinos player Rob Burrow MBE has become an ambassador for the disease since his own diagnosis in 2019.

Mr Flatt said:

“The Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease is very important to us as a family. We’re passionate about supporting other families going through this difficult disease.

“The support of the team at Leeds and their specialist help is so crucial for us to live as well as we can as a family. Whilst my mobility, dexterity and respiratory functions are failing, my sense of adventure remains intact.”

Mr Flatt’s wife, two daughters and around forty friends will be joining him on the Snowdon trek. Staff from both the MND Centre and Leeds Hospitals Charity will also be climbing the mountain.

The charity’s appeal has raised £2m of the £5m needed to build the new centre.

To donate visit: https://donate.giveasyoulive.com/fundraising/ian-flatt-whats-your-mountain

Ex-Navy officer from Harrogate scoops £5,000 on veterans’ lottery

An ex-Navy officer from Harrogate has pledged to donate some of his £5,000 lottery prize money to a charity that supports veterans.

Jerry Anderson, 70, scooped the top prize in the latest Veterans’ Lottery draw. The lottery provides the main source of income for the Veterans’ Foundation, a military charity that supports men and women who served their country.

Mr Anderson served for 32 years in the Royal Navy and said he was shocked to learn he’d been awarded the winner’s cheque.

He said he planned to spend his winnings on two electric bikes, but he also wanted to give some of it back to the charity after seeing the work it does supporting fellow veterans.

Mr Anderson said:

“Now I’m getting on a bit and I’m 70 with dodgy knees, we’re going to buy two electric bikes.

“But I’m also going to donate some back – I want to help veterans a bit more.”

He added:

“I’ve got some empathy with veterans as I was medically discharged myself.

“You’re not only supporting a very worthy cause (playing the Veterans’ Lottery), you might just win a prize.”

Find out more about the lottery here.

Harrogate YMCA shop to close after just two years

The YMCA charity shop on Cambridge Road in Harrogate will close in the next two weeks after just two years in the town centre.

Manager Sam Perry said the unit has to be vacated by May 12 and expects all stock to be sold before then.

The store opened just before the first lockdown, across from McDonald’s, and Ms Perry said it was often overwhelmed by donations from local people.

She said the closure was due to the renovation of the upper floors into flats.

A planning application to convert the first and second floor of the building into eight flats was approved in September 2021. Developers Lake House Investments, which is based near Brighouse, submitted the plan.

The shop is already looking bare, with just half of the floor space being used to display the last few donations at discounted prices.

Ms Perry said it was a “real shame” the shop was closing but added the charity was keen to find another suitable unit in the town centre.

Before moving to Harrogate in February 2020, there was a YMCA store in Starbeck but it also had to vacate due to development. Ms Perry said it could take up to 18 months to find new premises in Harrogate so she would have to find another job.

Harrogate boy with half a heart wishes to be ‘ghostbuster for the day’

A national charity has called for more funds to help make a wish come true for eight-year-old Harrogate boy George Hinkins, who was born with half a working heart.

George lives with a rare congenital heart defect called Ebstein’s Anomaly and had his first open-heart surgery at just 36 hours old. The defect means he can’t pump blood to his lungs as well as other people and struggles with oxygen levels.

In his eight years, George has had three major open-heart surgeries “to correct as much as they can”, said dad Matthew Hinkins.

With more surgeries inevitable, George has asked Make-A-Wish UK to help him become a ‘Ghostbuster for the day’.

However, due to the pandemic, the charity has had a 40% drop in funding. It said it needs £155,000 to grant the wishes of the 62 children living with a critical condition in the North East.

George Hinkins dressed as a ghostbuster.

George’s love for the Ghostbusters franchise started when he was six years old. He took his Ghostbuster figurines into his third surgery in March 2020.

George’s mum, Jane Hinkins, said:

“We can’t go out with George very much, especially in winter as his heart makes it difficult for him to regulate his temperature. So we’ve had to find alternative ways to keep him entertained.

“Ghostbusters really captured his imagination – he talks about the characters being brave, facing the unknown, going into scary situations. It’s been an amazing tool for us to talk about how he’s feeling.”

George said:

“When I’m in hospital, it’s a bit scary. But just like the Ghostbusters, I try to face my fears. I try to be brave.”

His family said more surgeries are inevitable and a transplant may be considered when George is older.

The charity has said it hopes to raise the money by World Wish Day on April 29. In total, there are 503 critically ill children waiting for a wish to be granted in the UK, which would cost £1.25 million.

To find out more or donate to Make-A-Wish UK, click here.

Team of four to cycle the distance of ‘Harrogate to Monaco’ in memory of late friends

Four Harrogate friends are to team up and cycle 1,573km on stationary bikes to raise money for charity after the death of two close friends.

Henry Bartle, Ollie Ward, Joe Braham and Jeremy Butterfield will collectively cycle the distance of Harrogate to Monaco within 24 hours in time for the Grand Prix.

The money will be raised in memory of James Hindmarsh and David Brown, who both passed away last year.

All four of the group will cycle at the same time on May 27 and will aim to complete 16km every hour, then will rest the remaining time of the hour.

Jeremy Butterfield, a close friend of James and David, said:

“Both James and Dave loved F1 so it was only right we all ‘travelled’ to the Monaco Grand Prix this year.

“James and Dave never gave up in their fights and we will continue their legacies to help others fight the challenges they are facing.

“Every cycle of the bike they will be with us (probably with a smile and a Peroni in hand). Forever in our hearts James & Dave, we love you and we will make it to Monaco together.”

James Hindmarsh (left) and David Brown (Right)

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James passed away from a rare form of cancer in 2021, whilst David lost his battle with covid last December.

Half of the funds raised from the bike ride will be donated to Leeds Hospitals Charity, who will allocate it to Leeds Cancer Centre.

Jeremy said:

“This was a centre that was very close to James’ heart. The money raised will go towards support and help for others fighting the same fight our best mate did so bravely.”

The other half of the funds will be donated to The David Brown Foundation.

Jeremy added:

“Dave was the most thoughtful, caring, gentle and humble human who did so much for children and teenagers across the district. We will follow on in Dave’s footsteps and support children’s education across the UK.”

Last year, the four friends took part in three marathons in three days, a ski tour and climbed the three peaks. They initially tried to raise the money for James’ treatment, but as he died they decided to donate the £33,275 to the Sarcoma charity.

The cycle will take place in the window of Rocca, Harrogate. You can donate to the #DOIT4JAMES&DAVID page here.

Harrogate estate agents take on The Three Peaks to raise over £5,000 for charity

The team behind Harrogate estate agents Feather Smailes Scales has raised more than £5,000 for charity by taking on The Yorkshire Three Peaks.

In total, 13 staff took on the mammoth challenge, which covers 24 miles and 1,585 metres of ascent on Friday, April 8.

FSS Property chose to support Maggie’s Cancer Charity with the hike. Maggie’s has centres across the UK where people with cancer and their families can access support.

Daniel Brumfitt, a partner at FSS, said:

“Maggie’s Cancer Charity is an organisation close to the team’s hearts. So many of us have seen loved ones lose the dreadful battle of fighting cancer.

“Our Just Giving campaign hopes to give back something to a group that does such fantastic work. The least we could do was hike the beautiful Yorkshire Three Peaks!

“Reaching the top of Ingleborough is a fantastic feeling; the view over the moors is even more breathtaking than the hike itself.

“Everyone finished in good spirits without any injuries, aside from a few blisters and some sore legs!”

Three Peaks Challenge

The iconic hike is recognised as one of the UK’s best walks. It is often chosen for charity hikes for its difficulty level and stunning views of the North Yorkshire Moors.

It takes in the peaks of Whernside, Ingleborough and Pen y Ghent with stunning views of the surrounding Yorkshire Dales skyline.

Everything went to plan on the day the team at FSS put on their walking boots.

They aimed for 12 hours and managed to complete it well under that, punching in a cool 10 hours and 30 minutes.

You can still donate by clicking or tapping here to help those impacted by cancer take back control of their lives.

FSS are one of the area’s only comprehensive estate agents and know the Harrogate district like the back of their hands. So the community where they are based is key.

Help FSS raise money for Maggies Cancer Charity by supporting their Just Giving page.

Harrogate HR professional appointed at Switalskis

Switalskis, a group of three specialist law firms, has appointed Julie Guest as its head of people.

Julie Guest gained experience as a HR professional at CNG She has also worked in positions with Morrisons, Pinsent Masons and William Hill.

The recruitment is a part of the group’s growth strategy, which has already seen an expansion with the investment of firms Atherton Godfrey and Pryers Solicitors.

Ms Guest said:

“It’s great to join a firm with such a strong focus on its people, culture and values.

“My role will involve further integration of people and systems following the acquisition of Atherton Godfrey and Pryers. I aim to enhance Switalskis’ already strong talent development and create an environment and culture in which everyone is able to flourish.”

John Durkan, managing director of Switalskis group, said:

“Julie brings a wide range of valuable experience to this role along with a proven HR leadership track record.

“She has been responsible for a number of successful change and development programmes within professional services businesses, and I’m delighted she has joined us as our first head of people.”

Julie has 28 years’ HR experience and will take on developing Switalskis’ talent, leadership and inclusion strategies.

Harrogate business leaders encouraged to sleep rough for charity

Business leaders in Harrogate will be joining a ‘sleepout’ challenge to help raise money for charity.

CEO Sleepout UK has organised the event, which will see business execs, directors and CEOs from across North Yorkshire sleeping out to raise money for local charities.

The event will take place on May 19th at Harrogate RUFC.

It is expected that around 40 businesses will participate in this years event.

Ison Harrison Solicitors, Cairns Hotel Group and Harrogate Borough Council are just among a few who will take part.

In previous years, the sleepout raised over £23,000.

Harrogate CEO sleepout at the RUFC launch

This year, the funds raised from the sleepout will be sent to YMCA Ripon, Harrogate RUFC community projects, Trussell Trust Harrogate, Walking With The Wounded and CEO Sleepout with 10% of all funds raised going to the DEC Ukraine appeal.

Bianca Robinson, chief executive of CEO Sleepout, said:

“Harrogate isn’t particularly associated with rough sleepers, but this doesn’t mean that homelessness doesn’t exist. We see people sleeping in cars with their children, on friends’ sofas, or worse; risking exploitation in exchange for a roof over their heads.

“The event is a chance for local people to learn about hidden homelessness in the area and what’s been done to help those at risk.”

CEO Sleepout UK was started in 2013 by Andy Preston, now the mayor of Middlesbrough, and has raised over £2.7m to combat homelessness and poverty.