On Friday 14th October, Sainsbury’s were awarded a certificate for their devotion, dedication and great achievement in raising money for Crawley Guide Dogs.
Attending were Jean Brookwell and Jason Howell from Sainsbury’s. Jan Dunn with guide dogs Elton and Tanner, Mick Mckeganey with guide dog Eddie and Henry Smith MP who are all fund raisers for Guide Dogs. Also present were Doug Branch with guide dog Baker who is the organiser for the charity events and Sharon Milani who is the treasurer.
We were celebrating the presentation of a certificate to Sainsbury’s Queensway for collecting £2507 since May 2011. We have a target of £5,000 to Name A Puppy which we hope to reach within the year of charity partnership.
This month Guide Dogs celebrated their 80th birthday!
Doug Branch told us “we have a ‘Name A Puppy’ running with The Parsons Pig pub on the Balcombe Road who are raising money with a monthly pub quiz, golf days and fun days as well as comedy nights at Crawley Rugby Club. Their total raised so far is £2,894 over the last 13 months!”.
It was an honour to meet the guide dogs and their owners and would like to thank Sainsbury’s and all who support this worthy charity for their dedication. Would you like to help? If so please visit their website here.
We would also like to thank Henry Smith for helping with the interview. He was very good, don’t you think
On Friday 11th of March at 8pm 119 people packed out Hazelwick school to “Zumba for a reason”
That reason was to raise awareness and funds for The Cystic Fybrosis Trust, Organised by Joanne Cooper.
Cystic Fibrosis affects the internal organs, especially the lungs and digestive system, by clogging them with thick sticky mucus. This makes it hard to breathe and digest food.
* Each week, five babies are born with Cystic Fibrosis.
* Each week, two young lives are lost to Cystic Fibrosis.
* Average life expectancy is 38 years.
I didn’t realize just how many people around me are affected by Cystic fybrosis until I started organizing the event. Mums at my childrens school spoke to me about there experiences, ladies in my classes, A neighbor of mine even knocked to donate £30 as she had lost a close friend to CF.
Lots of fantastic local instructors gave up there spare time to come down and to teach for everyone…. Vicky Hayes, Mandi Zumba lloyd, Sarah Cubitt, Ellie Cubitt, Sarah Broadley, Sarah Ray, Jayne Nicola and Nicole Wizotzki.
We Zumba’ed for a full hour and a half and raised £1090.08!!!
We had a special surprise at the end of the evening. The wonderful Sam Kenneally who attends Joanne’s Wednesday class sang the last song for everyone… bringing the night to a fantastic end….
Thank you to everyone who donated xxx
7:45pm till 8:45pm
Zumba
Hazelwick School
South Hall
Mill Lane
Three Bridges
Crawley
RH10 1SX
The Hawth Crawley is delighted to announce that it has secured a grant of £99,999 supported by the National Lottery, through Arts Council England to develop and promote Going Global II, an audience development programme designed to offer audiences culturally diverse and international work in Crawley over the next two years.
Going Global II will give The Hawth the chance to further its programme of culturally diverse and international performances. The theatre will continue to showcase South Asian and African-Caribbean work while developing programming for emerging communities including Eastern European and Portuguese. The grant will also enable The Hawth to commission and co-produce culturally diverse work specifically for children to enjoy and to bring diverse communities together.
Councillor Lenny Walker, Cabinet member for Leisure and Cultural Services at Crawley Borough Council, said: “This is fantastic news and I’m delighted that we will be offering even more culturally diverse and international work at The Hawth. I hope the securing of this funding and the new programme enables more people to experience the arts locally.”
Sally Abbott, Regional Director, Arts Council England, said: “The Arts Council believes that the arts should be enjoyed by as many people as possible, and a project that seeks to widen engagement fits in with our mission of great art for everyone. We are delighted to be supporting this project and look forward to seeing people across Crawley enjoying the arts.”
Shows already set to attract the crowds include Tavaziva Dance’s Wild Dog capturing the beauty and elegance of Africa as part of Black History Month, The Jingle Dress which will transport little ones to Native America and there will be breathtaking dance in The Shiver which combines classical Indian dance and poetry by acclaimed poet and playwright Lemn Sissay. In the coming years The Hawth hopes to engage almost 200 artists, performers and theatre companies in order to attract new audiences with shows and workshops, giving everyone the chance to experience different cultures and create links with different communities.
This grant has also created an exciting new role at The Hawth as the theatre are now looking for an Audience Development Assistant to actively promote Going Global and co-ordinate community projects for the next two years. Anyone interested in the role can express an interest by emailing info@hawth.co.uk for more information.
Every parent hopes their child will be born healthy and grow up without serious injury or illness. Tragically sometimes these expectations are shattered: children are born with disabilities or become disabled as a result of an accident or illness. The Children’s Trust based in Tadworth, Surrey, is here to help these children and their families.
Where and what time?
The circular walk will start and finish at the Pavillion in Priory Park, Reigate Surrey at 10pm on Saturday 25th September. The route will take you through the surrounding areas of Reigate and Redhill. We expect Sleepwalkers will finish between 1am-3am as people walk roughly 3miles an hour.
Journalist and BBC news presenter Nicholas Owen is officially starting the event off!
Who can take part?
Unlike other walks this one is open to men and women of all ages. Children are welcome but under 16′s must be accompanied by an adult
Why not wear your pyjamas or nightwear?
Why not enter into the spirit of Sleepwalk and pop on your pj’s or fancy dress. It will look great to see Sleepwalkers in their blue sleepwalk t-shirt (which you will collect on the night) and pyjama bottoms!
Registration Prices:
For those registering 10 or more you will automatically be entered into the draw to win a pamper package.
For more information
Please contact Bryony or Emma: sleepwalk@thechildrenstrust.org.uk or call 01737 364323
Steve Hayward had his long hair shaved off in support of his son and to raise much needed funds for charity.
On Friday 27th August Steve Hayward of Crawley had a slightly different day at his place of work. Just three weeks ago Steve’s son David was diagnosed with leukemia and has since lost all his hair. Steve felt compelled to have all his long hair shaved off in support of his son whilst raising over £2000 for Cancer Research UK.
Steve works for PMA in Horsham and told us “other members of staff have also been touched by cancer so they were more than willing to let us use the forcourt to raise money.
Trisha, David’s Mum said “we are specifically targeting teenage cancer because of David”. Trisha went on to explain that David had not been well for some time. The doctors told them David had a virus but it seemed to get worse, so they persisted and another doctor at Redhill Hospital diagnosed David with acute lymphacytic Leukemia.
Family and friends were present to help raise money. Some were busy cleaning cars, cooking the BBQ, selling some delicious cakes made by Trisha and even face painting. And to really set the day off they all dressed up too! Everyone present stood with encouragement as Steve had all his hair removed.
We would like to say a massive well done to Steve. Although we could tell the emotion was getting to him as the time drew closer for the big chop (as it would anyone) but we think Steve did a great deed. In our opinion a bald head really suited him!
If anyone wishes to donate to Steve’s charity raising efforts please visit here. Do remember, every little counts. We want to wish young David a full recovery :-) xx
Interview with the Hayward Family:
These pictures where kindly donated to us by Jules Neale, who is related to Steve and felt she had to be there to support the whole family. Thank you Jules xx
On Saturday and Sunday (21st & 22nd August) the stage was set for the annual Mental Health Awareness event at the Wingspan, known as Wingfest!
Organised by Carl Brooks, the weekend was a massive success with £647.03 raised for the Mental Health Awareness charity. Officially kicked off with a little speech from Mayor Lee Burke, it went from strength to strength. The event was held over two days with Saturday being host to the live bands, then Sunday hosting the accoustic side. The line up was an ‘A’ List of local talent including:
Saturday: -
1 in 4
The Nite B4 feat. The Fabulous Dormettes (Kenny, Cara, Hayley, Su, Ian, Luke & Jake)
Yer Momma
The Titanics
3 Dimensions
Stringloaded
Borrowed Time
Age of Tapes
Blues Business
Soul Business
Dizzy Tales
Junn House
Sunday: -
Paul James
Brogue
Epithany
Ken Birch
Will Martins
Danny Dangerously
Rory Flynn
Michelle Dean
Natalie Hovard
Paul ‘Chicken Legs’ Buris
String Loaded
The Toons
Tariq & Reis
Rising Tide
1 in 4
Crawley Happy Times went down for the Saturdays performances and took some video for you to enjoy. Pictures of Sunday were kindly taken by Carl Brooks. You can view them here.
We would like to thank Carl for inviting us to this amazing event and want to congratulate all involved.
This Year’s Official World Wide Wedding Day was held on the 20th August 2010.
Gatwick Diamond Rotary Club representative Geoff Williamson told us “this was the Fourth Year in succession that we have participated in the World Wide Wedding Day event. Our event started on the 19th August with a walk at lunch time around Manor Royal from Faraday Road”.
On Friday the 20th August a second walk took place at lunch time around Manor Royal from the VW Dealership on the Gatwick Road. Members of the Club again dressed up in Wedding Attire. Geoff went on to say “Brenda Burgess joined us again dressed as the Mother of the Bride. We were also joined by The Worshipful the Mayor of Crawley, Councillor Lee Burke for this walk”.
Monies raised on these two walks would go towards this Year’s Gatwick Diamond Rotary Club Charities which are as follows: Crawley Open House, Down’s Syndrome and Home-Start Crawley & Horsham (Home-Start is also the Mayor’s chosen Charity for this Year).
Over 30 Million Pounds are raised for Charity each Year by UK Rotary Clubs.
For pictures of the event ( or to find out more about our Club ) please go to www.gatwickdiamondrotary.org and click on Events.
Crawley Borough Council is helping the town support the victims of the Pakistani flood disaster by making it easy to donate to the cause.
Anyone who wants to donate, including larger amounts generated through fundraising, can do so at the Town Hall or on the council website.
Cashiers will take donations at the Town Hall between 9.30am and 3.30pm or you can give online by logging onto www.crawley.go.uk/fundraising and following the link; a downloadable postal donation form is also available.
All money taken by Crawley Council will go to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC), an umbrella organisation for 13 UK based aid agencies.
Crawley Council is also calling on fundraisers to register their events online, through the council’s Events Directory, to help promote them; community groups can also register themselves on the Community Directory to make it easier for people to contact them.
The Pakistani floods have left 14 million people in need of humanitarian assistance, according to UN estimates – more than the scale of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.
Leader of Crawley Borough Council, Bob Lanzer, said: “This is another terrible disaster that requires people to pull together and raise much-needed funds to help the millions of people impacted by this tragic event.
“We have a strong Pakistani community in Crawley and no doubt there will be people in the town who have been affected by this in some way. We want to make it easier for them and the rest of the community to support the people in Pakistan.”
On Friday 19th March the good people of Maidenbower Day Centre walked a mile to raise funds for Sports Relief.
The Day Centre offers flexible services to adults of all ages who have a wide range of needs. These include people with physical and sensory disabilities, mental health problems, progressive long term chronic illness, older people, and those with dementia. So to walk a mile was no mean feat for some of the participants.
Crawley Happy Times were invited down by Angie Whittle who organised the event. We thought it was such a wonderful idea we decided to walk with them. It was an entertaining journey. Two ladies in particular, in electric wheelchairs, saw it as an opportunity to ‘race each other’. The atmosphere was amazing, with lots of laughter and joking going on. It was a pleasure to join them all on the walk.
Carl Andrezewski took his step counter with him and was really proud of himself when he returned to the centre with 984 steps on his counter. We pointed out to Carl that they had raised just over one pound for every step he took, which pleased him no end Well done Carl!
Angie Whittle, Liz Bassett and their team of volunteers and helpers do great work at the Day Centre, organising interesting events for the people who attend. And this event was another great opportunity to show their commitment to the community and raise funds for a good cause.
Not only was it a fun and enjoyable day (despite the rain) but together they managed to raise just under £1000!! If you wish to show your support by donating, please contact the Liz or Angie at the centre on 01293 885156 or visit here for more information.
We would like to thank Angie for the invitation and congratulate everyone involved. We look forward to visiting them all again soon.
On Saturday 20th February Shelley went along to the Running Club at K2 to see Iain Stevenson training in preperation for running three marathons over three consecutive weekends.
Iain Stevenson is preparing to run over 78 miles over three marathons
Who is Iain and why is he doing this?
Iain, 35 from Northgate had never run before, until last year when he ran the London Marathon to raise funds for research into a rare form of cancer. Sadly Iain and his wife lost their young son, Ben to this form of cancer in 2007. Ben was only two when he was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma, an aggressive childhood cancer. Ben lost his struggle just after his third birthday. Unfortunately there is no funding available for the research into this devastating illness.
(L-R) Graham Eaton (Manager of the Running Club) and Iain Stevenson
What is Neuroblastoma?
Fewer than 100 children are diagnosed each year with neuroblastoma in the UK. Most children who get this cancer are younger than five years old. Neuroblastoma is the second most common solid tumour in childhood and makes up 8% of the total number of children’s cancers.
Neuroblastoma is a cancer of specialised nerve cells, called neural crest cells. These cells are involved in the development of the nervous system and other tissues.
Neuroblastoma can occur anywhere in the body, but it most often occurs in one of the adrenal glands in the abdomen (tummy). The adrenal glands are specialised glands which are found above the kidneys. They release hormones to maintain blood pressure, and enable us to respond to stress.
In some children, the neuroblastoma can occur in nerve tissue alongside the spinal cord in the neck, chest, abdomen or pelvis.
Source: – Macmillan
Iain (far left) in training at the Running Club at K2
What Iain has already accomplished and his future goals
Iain raised £5,500 by running the London marathon last year. His goal is to beat that this year by running marathons in Paris, Brighton and London on three consecutive weekends. This is a massive feat for anyone, especially someone who before last year had never run, let alone run a marathon. Iain told us a friend of his ran the London marathon to raise awareness on their behalf and when he went to support his friend and saw him running, he had an overwhelming urge to get involved, feeling it would be a great way to raise awareness and funds for such a worthy cause. Iain’s first marathon will be in Paris on the 11th April.
We hope the weather is this nice on all the marathon dates
We would like to wish Iain all the best and will keep you up-to-date with his progress. If you would like to support Iain, why not attend and cheer him on. Alternatively you can show your support by donating here.
VIDEO
Are you running any marathons? Please feel free to comment below.
During the day instructors took part in 120 one minute rounds, and students fought in 60 one minute rounds. There were 300 students who participated and 30 instructors, all of whom were supported by family and friends.
Stephen Brooks is the head of association and has been the main instigator in raising money. Stephen said “We are grateful to The Royal Marsden as most, if not all of us, have in some way been effected by cancer. Therefore, we quite literally fight for charity.”
The £30,000 raised is to be specifically used in developing the new Children’s and Young Person’s Centre at The Royal Marsden Hospital in Sutton. This project aims to create enough money to build what could be Europe’s leading Cancer Centre for Children and Young People, and with a target of £15million this money is a big help to the cause.
However, this sum is only part of the money raised by the Martial Arts Schools. To date they have totalled around £140,000 for The Royal Marsden Cancer Campaign. This is a huge achievement and has been highly commended by the hospital’s Fundraising and Community Development Manager, Amanda Heaton.
Amanda said, “This wonderful association has raised a large sum of money, and I am amazed at their success. Everyone there should be very proud of themselves and I hope they had a great day. I am sincerely grateful to everyone who participated and to those who organised the tournaments. Long may this fundraising event continue.”
We at Crawley Happy Times feel extremely proud to have such an amazing group of individuals who come together as a team to raise such a large amount of money. Well done!
On Sunday 18th October folk from in and around Crawley will be donning their running shoes for a massive 10k race in aid of St Catherine’s Hospice.
Last year more than 600 people took part, raising over £30,000 towards much needed end of life care. Let’s see if we can beat that this year.
The Course
This years Crawley 10k charity race will take place through the beautiful scenic Tilgate Forest which will be fully marshaled with clear frequent signs and water stops. The race starts at the K2 Leisure Centre running track, following forest tracks, paths, playing fields and a road. Experienced and non-runners are all welcome. You could even walk the course if you just wanted to be part of the event. Unfortunately the course is not suitable for pets or wheelchairs due to the uneven ground covered. All entrants receive a medal with an award being presented to the winning team, man and woman.
Who are St Catherine’s?
St Catherine’s are a well deserving charity, caring in so many different ways for our loved ones who are terminally ill. St Catherine’s also give so much back to the community by holding such great events such as the recent Dragon Boat Festival and the Midnight Walk (Horsham). It is definitely a givers gain philosophy which enriches the entire community.
Who can enter?
Catherine from St Catherine’s said “experienced independent runners are frequently present as were on previous occasions as well as running clubs but this year we would like to encourage more businesses to get involved. They only need a team of 4 to enter and can even enter more than one team if they wish. We are really looking forward to this years race and hope to raise a lot of money for the charity which needs around 5 million pounds a year to maintain”.
Runners in last years 10k charity race
How much does it cost?
Advanced entry fees range from £10 to £12 with fees on the day at £15. Places for entry are limited so it is advisable to enter as soon as you can. You can do this by filling in a form online or emailing catherineboulter@stch.org.uk. For any further queries please call 01293 447364.
Crawley Happy Times will be covering the race and interviewing the winners. If you are not entering the race please do still come down and say hello and support the runners.
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
So, we are rapidly approaching the end of the school summer holidays and the children are probably getting a little bored by now. So what can you do with them that will keep them occupied and assist them in sleeping well? The answer is to bring them down to Cherry Lane Adventure Playground in Langley Green, Crawley on Friday, 21st August!
“What is happening?” I hear you ask. Well, this is what we put to Dawn Parkinson, Manager of the Playground. Dawn said, “Cherry Lane Adventure Playground will be holding its annual Fun day on Friday, 21st August, from 11am – 4pm.”
“Entry is free, but, to access all the inflatables for the whole day, there is a charge of £3.00 for a wristband. This will include face painting and games so everybody can have a go! Make sure you stick around to see our Belly Dancing show at 2pm which the children have been preparing for bt attending workshops, ready to perform on the day. You can also become a star for the day on the Karaoke!”
Dawn went on to tell us; “There will also be a BBQ selling hot food, a Tombola and Raffle, with prizes donated by local shops and businesses. All the proceeds will go towards buying new games and equipment for the coming year”.
We asked Dawn how the event went last year, and she said; “last year we raised £800, which we spent on a new TV, computer games and mixing decks, plus lots of Art & Craft materials. This year, with your help, we hope to match this amount, plus raise even more, as we would like to buy new equipment for our music room and add to our collection of Go Karts, which have been really popular this year. We look forward to seeing all our old friends and many new faces to make this a fantastic family event”.
The day is for chiildren of all ages but please note children under the age of 6 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
It sounds like it is going to be an excellent day, and for just £3 the children can play, get tired out and go to bed early. The best value for money a parent could buy!
Crawley Happy Times will be attending, so if you want your picture on the site, meet us down there! Our thanks go to Michelle Matthews for making us aware of this event and Dawn Parkinson for inviting us along.
If you have any further enquiries as to what Cherry Lane Adventure Playground can offer your child, then please call 01293516163, where a member of staff will be available to provide any help or advice.
This Saturday, 15th August, marked the third event for Harvester’s fundraising events for The Make A Wish Foundation. The staff donned their uniform-themed outfits and entertained the visitors while they dined. Their aim is to raise £800 by the end of August. We spoke to the manager Lisa.
The Harvester’s previous events have included a Country and Western theme night: staff dressed up as saloon girls and cowboys to name but a few, and there were children’s cowboy hats available to purchase. All proceeds were donated to the Foundation and will be again this year. They also held a cake sale. Claire Halton, who works at The Harvester, told us “staff cooked or provided cakes and cookies for customers to purchase. There was face painting available for the children. This proved to be a lovely day for the whole family, though desserts weren’t popular on this day… I can’t think why not! Everyone had a wonderful day and we are hoping this year will be just as much fun; along with funds being raised for the Make A Wish Foundation“.
In this photo: – Claire Halton (Policewoman), Lisa Wood (Secretary), Cheryl Halton (Policewoman), Scott MacArthur (General Manager), Cullum Stuart (Builder), Sham (Footballer), Joanna (Policewoman), Milan Jaros (Life Guard), Tony (pilot), Sam (Nurse), Luigi (Russian Army), John (Chef), Dani (Foxy Cheerleader), Paul Jacob (Fred Flintstone), Anna (Army Personnel) and Trisha (Hawaiian Waitress)
Claire continued: “Make A Wish Foundation is such a fantastic charity. The Harvester set a target of £800 to raise and they are half-way to this target right now. It would be brilliant to see some new faces showing support, and you will get fed well at the same time. We are raising money throughout August, so if people can come down and make a donation, this would be greatly appreciated”.
All of the staff and management team have put time and effort into organising and carrying out these events and are proud to be doing this for Make A Wish Foundation.
Why not release yourself from the shackles of the kitchen and take a trip down there tonight?! You won’t regret it!
On the 15th August, Dan Gillingham and friends are holding a charity dance night in aid of St Catherine’s Hospice.
Dan ‘Gee’ Gillingham, a local DJ, is using his talents to raise money for the local St Catherine’s Hospice, who care for those who are very ill. Dan said “This is our charity launch event being held at The White Knight. Hopefully this is the first of many more charity events in Crawley over the next few months and years. Myself & Marcus Lee, along with our close friend Ronson (all DJs) wanted to start an event in Crawley for all the people that enjoy hearing us play. So we thought the ideal way would be to combine this with raising money for charity.”
We asked Dan why he’d chosen St Catherine’s Hospice; “We chose St Catherine’s Hospice because it is a charity very close to my heart due to a family member spending time there before they passed away. This is an amazing place with amazing staff and it is dependent on the public raising funds to stay operational. So we got together with some of our DJ friends, who are all local to Crawley, and arranged to throw a wicked day/night event, with some serious music and, of course, to raise as much money as possible! The White Knight Public House and all the DJs (inclusive of all equipment) have all donated their time and services free of charge, so it makes it easier to donate all proceeds to the charity”.
We spoke to Bridget Brant of the White Knight, who said “We completely support this event. St Catherine’s Hospice is very close to our hearts as we also lost a member of our family three years ago and could not have coped without their support and assistance.”
Debbie Plentie, PR & Communications Executive at St Catherine’s Hospice, said: “”We have heard about this event and it’s fantastic that Dan and his friends are using their musical skills to support us in this way. We need to raise £4.7 million through voluntary income each year and we’re really grateful to our community for supporting us through activities like this, because every penny counts.”
Crawley Happy Times Online think this is a wonderful and inventive way to raise money for such a fantastic local charity. We look forward to seeing you at the event, where we will be interviewing the DJs and, of course, those who support the event by attending.
