The Double D girls putting their best chest first

Pretty in pink

Jamies Midnight Runners busy raising money

Everyone had a great time

On Saturday, 22nd of August, Crawley Happy Times were invited down to Gratton’s Park for the annual Cancer Rally Day. Numerous teams entered the rally, a rally where one member of a team must be on the track at all times between 14:00 Saturday to 14:00 Sunday: a whole 24 hours of walking round the track!  It was a very colourful, positive atmosphere, with some vibrant stands selling goods varying from cakes, jewellery, hand-made sand ornaments and other interesting items, all being sold to raise money for Cancer Research.

Such a hot day, such lovely people

Wayne & Sam, Emergency First Response

Definitely 'More The Merrier'

Mac's Ices cooling down the day

The teams who entered gave themselves names and designated Captains.  Some were business owners, whereas some were just there to support a family member or friend.  They were: -

Team Yummy: Capt. Lisa Stone -  Prawn Hunters, Capt. Becky Gardner – Amigos Para Siempre, Capt. Kate Concheiro – Sussex Parties, Capt. Mark Farrington – Shooting Stars, Capt. Carolyn Tyrer – The Jays, Capt. Bal Ward – Sugar Rush, Capt. Gaynor Stocker – More The Merrier, Capt. Sarah Clapp – Just Wills, Capt. Tony Neale – The Red Runners, Capt. Deborah Davies – Jamies Midnight Runners, Capt. Jamie Nayee – Berrins Beauties, Capt. Berrin Penlington – Crawley & Gatwick Chambers of Commerce, Capt. Reverend Francis Pole – Bussom Buddies, Capt. Amber Matheson – The Double Ds, Capt. Sandra Duke.

Crawley Kung Fu Panda & Shelley

Lots of people came to help out

So many stands to choose from

Stand with lots of goodies

There were also a couple of stands helping to raise money, but not participating in the rally.  They were Muriel Levett & Ruth Marchant, Sophie Scowen from Starbucks serving delicious hot coffee and Matthew Reid with a fabulous teddy stand.  Sophie from Starbucks told us they were holding an instore raffle for the whole of August, with a lovely large hamper up for grabs. So do pop in and buy a raffle ticket if you’re passing.

Bev & Co always busy helping out

The teddy bear stand

All the volunteers from Emergency First Response

Young Alex Lewry back to the track

To cool us all down on such a hot day, we had the pleasure of an ice cream from Mack’s Ices, who pledged to make a large donation to Cancer research from the takings on the day.

Brave Alex has picture taken with Shelley

Lorraine and her daughter came in support of Crawley & Gatwick Chambers of Commerce

On track for a great cause

Some of the Double D's team

We met some amazing people at the event, all there with something in common; to support others and raise money at the same time.  Some people were celebrating life as survivors of cancer, whereas others were still fighting for their lives but using every inch of energy to help during the day.

Morag Clapp sat in her chair, cheerfully watching as the day went on. We would never have guessed that Morag is currently undergoing chemotherapy for the third time in four years. We had a brief chat with Morag and wished her well, hoping we will have the pleasure of seeing her back next year.  Walking round the field, we bumped into young Alex Lewry who was on the track, doing his part for the team. Alex looked the picture of health, so it was quite shocking when he told us about his brain tumour, at the young age of thirteen. Alex was declared clear in February 1999.  We didn’t want to ask his age, but can imagine Alex is about 20 now, so his struggle was a long one. To still dedicate his time year on year just goes to show how this awful disease affects people. We wish Alex all the best for a healthy future.

Even the dog came in support

Laura assisting the little ones with Karaoke

The Judges listen carefully

The stage was set by Darren & Nickie Bow

Watching over the day were Emergency First Response.  There were 20 dedicated staff keeping a vigilant eye on the event. We spoke to Jerry Marler, cook for the day, who told us he is a survivor of cancer and felt compelled to help out in any way he can. Jerry’s cooking must be good as the staff looked well fed!

There was plenty of entertainment too: Darren & Nickie Bow volunteered their time on stage to host the event, with karaoke from the children and music for the crowd and participants. We are sure their contribution to the day made it all that much nicer.  More entertainment came from the Crawley Blackbelt Academy, led by Senior Instructor Wayne Beadell. The youngsters put on a wonderful display of Martial Arts.

There was also Crawley Kung Fu School present who are holding a woman’s self defence class in the future that is not to be missed. We will keep you updated as soon as we have more information.

All in all, the day was uplifting, emotional, fun, awe inspiring and hot! Our thanks go to those who welcomed us and had their pictures taken, those who shared their heart warming experiences and just generally made us feel privileged to be blessed with good health. We thoroughly enjoyed the day. Our personal thanks go to Michelle Matthews, who volunteered her time to take pictures for us.

We will keep you posted on the dates for next year as soon as we know. Crawley Happy Times are considering a team of their own next year. If you fancy being on our team, just write to us at shelley@crawleyhappytimes.co.uk

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