The charity Autism Angels is giving people the chance to abseil down Brimham Rocks to raise funds.

The organisation is holding its first charity abseil during World Autism Acceptance Week on Saturday, April 6.

Individuals, families, friends, work colleagues and corporate teams can take part at the National Trust site near Pateley Bridge. Registration costs £30.

Autism Angels, which is based at Summerbridge, works with horses to support neurodiverse children and their families.

It relies heavily on donations to provide services and hopes the event will boost its coffers. Further details are available here.

You can also donate on JustGiving, where a fundraising page has been set up with a £4,000 target.

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A Harrogate man is taking on a 40,000-mile yacht race around the world.

Sean McPartland, 53, is taking part in the Clipper Round the World Race, which organisers describe as one of “the biggest challenges of the natural world and an endurance test like no other”.

The retired Birstwith resident is part of the Dare to Lead crew who are tackling the epic journey from the UK to South America on a 70-foot ocean racing yacht.

Mr McPartland said in a video on the team’s website:

“I will be completing the full circumnavigation of the globe racing for 40,000 nautical miles. If you didn’t think that was mad enough, I have never sailed before.

“I just love challenges, the last challenge I did I cycled from the Arctic to Africa. I wanted to do something else and when I saw the Clipper race on YouTube I thought why not. I love inspiring people it is just a great adventure”.

The Clipper Round the World Race began on September 3 last year in Portsmouth and is divided into eight legs and between 13 and 16 individual races including six ocean crossings.

The team is halfway through its journey and is currently on the east coast of Australia.

The race, which first took place in 1996, was created by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first person to sail solo non-stop around the world. Since 1996 almost 6,000 race crew and over 60 nations have trained and raced as part of the Clipper Race.

Eleven identical racing yachts are supplied by the organisers and have fully qualified skippers and first mates to safely guide the crew. The crew complete four levels of intense ocean racer training before competing.

UNICEF is the charity partner for this year’s race and Sean said he was “proud to be raising money to support their vital work for children”.

You can track his progress here and find his fundraising page here.

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Georgina Johnstone was just one year old when she was diagnosed with a brain tumour and her family have been raising money and awareness to help children like her ever since.

In August 2022, Georgina became tired and grouchy and started to be sick each morning. Her mum, Issy Rowe, a teacher from Harrogate, thought recently prescribed antibiotics for an ear infection were to blame. But when the tablets stopped and the sickness continued, the family became worried.

Issy took her to the GP, who thought it might have been a virus or urinary tract infection. After five more days of sickness, Issy knew things weren’t right. They were referred to Harrogate District Hospital after their third visit to a doctor.

At first, the hospital had no major concerns and suggested a return visit a week later. Yet Issy persisted and an MRI scan was done the following day.

The scan found a significant cancerous mass on Georgina’s brain, and she was transferred to Leeds General Infirmary.

The SATS showed that the tumour was a quarter of the size of her brain. The tumour was cutting her brain off from her body and her family were told they would need to operate to remove it or Georgina would die.

The next day, the doctors operated on her for five hours and removed the 16cm tumour. After surgery, a 56-week treatment plan was put in place, involving high-dose chemotherapy, in seven cycles over eight weeks.

It all meant that going to nursery had to be put on hold until she was better. In December 2023, Georgina was given the all-clear.

Issy said:

“Its early days still – she only came off medication eight weeks ago, but her last scan was all clear. It’s been amazing to adjust back to family life and reality. She’s full of energy, which is lovely. You don’t realise how poorly they are until you see them better.”

Throughout her daughter’s treatment, Issy raised funds and awareness for The Brain Tumour Charity and friends and family also supported the fundraising. They have raised over £21,000 so far through completing the Three Peaks Challenge, sponsored runs, quizzes and a wellness retreat.

This year, the family have chosen to raise funds for Candlelighters, children’s cancer charity. Issy said they wanted funds to go to a local charity this year to directly help the children on the oncology ward at Leeds General Infirmary.

They have set a target to reach £5,000 – the same goal as last year – but are hoping to exceed it and even beat the £21,000 already raised.

Issy added:

“We definitely want to get more people involved and raise more money.”

They have a few fundraising events planned already involving the Three Peaks Challenge on May 11, another wellness weekend in October and one of their first events is set to be a sporting morning. The event is to be held on January 14 by Harrogate Strays Walking Football Club, a team for over-50s where Georgina’s grandfather, Derek Rowe, is a manager.

To donate to Georgina’s page click here.

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A CrossFit gym in Ripon will be hosting a 12-hour fitness challenge for charity later this month.

CrossFit Ripon will be running the event on Friday, December 29 in aid of children’s hospice Martin House.

Business owner Michael Meegan, 42, said:

“The charity resonates with quite a lot of people.

“A few of our members have brothers and sisters who have been cared for there.”

The gym will host a CrossFit workout every hour from 8am to 8pm.

A live DJ will be on hand to motivate volunteers, who plan to complete a marathon (42km, or 26 miles) on a rowing or skiing machine and 100km on an exercise bike.

While participants can choose how many workouts they want to attend, 12 people have signed up to do all 12 workouts.

The youngest volunteer is 18 and the oldest is 67. The diverse range of volunteers reflects how everyone is on their own fitness journey.

Ripon CrossFit was opened earlier this year.

Michael said:

“The journey is better than the destination. That’s the magic of it.”

Michael, who currently serves in the Royal Engineers, is a long-time fitness enthusiast.

He opened the gym with his wife Sarah this year and will finish his time in the army next April.

Martin House, in Wetherby, helps children and their families cope with life-limiting conditions and bereavement.

You can support Ripon CrossFit’s fundraiser online.

If you’re interested in attending the gym, email info@crossfitripon.com.

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A Harrogate charity has warned young people are facing a mental health crisis of “epidemic proportions”.

Wellspring Therapy and Training, which celebrated its 20th anniversary in November, offers affordable counselling to local people.

The charity said it faced the highest demand ever for services from young people.

Emily Fullarton, Wellspring’s executive director, said:

“There are a number of reasons, some interlinked, for this increase in demand.

“The pandemic is one, of course, as is the relentless pressure of social media and exams.

“The cost-of-living crisis has meant that many families are struggling to make ends meet and this has a knock-on effect on family dynamics and the atmosphere at home.”

Just over a third of children with a diagnosable mental health condition receive NHS treatment.

Fullarton commented:

“If this was the case for child cancer treatment there would be outrage.

“As suicide is the leading cause of death after cancer and accidental injury in children and young people, we should be taking this statistic far more seriously.”

The charity has found it difficult to increase the number of sessions on offer because of staff and funding shortages.

However, Wellspring plans to double the number of available sessions by starting a professional training course next year.

Counsellors on the course will learn how to specialise their services for young people.

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Wellspring was founded in 2003 and operates in Starbeck.

The weekly session fee depends on how much you can afford.

Wellspring executive director Emily Fullarton with patron Rt Rev Nick Baines, Bishop of Leeds.

Information on applying for counselling at Wellspring can also be found on their website.

If you are going through a hard time, you can call Samaritans for free 24 hours a day on 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org.

Children going through a difficult time can call Childline for free on 0800 1111.

This story is sponsored by Mind in Harrogate District. 

Mind in Harrogate District is relaunching its counselling service following a full refurbishment of its premises. 

The mental health charity, which is based at the Acorn Centre on Station Parade, now has three brand-new counselling rooms with low lighting, comfortable seating, and soundproofed walls to ensure clients’ privacy. 

The service is open five days a week, from 9am to 7pm. 

People coming for counselling have an initial assessment with a qualified professional and will then be matched with one of Mind in Harrogate District’s counsellors according to their needs. 

Tina Chamberlain, CEO of Mind in Harrogate District, said: 

“Our service is very responsive to individual needs. The vast majority of the people we support come to us with multiple issues, including anxiety, depression, low mood, trauma, stress, a sense of loss or bereavement, or difficulties in their relationships. 

“Life can be messy – it’s not neat and compartmentalised, and difficulties in one area can often spill over into other areas of life. We’re here to help people make sense of it all. They might not be in a really bad place – they often just have one or two areas where they need help and support.” 

Tina Chamberlain, CEO of Mind in Harrogate District.

Counselling at Mind in Harrogate District costs £45 per session, with concessions for people receiving benefits. Clients can book up to 20 sessions, all at the same time each week.

The counselling service is accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.

Yvie Lois, counselling coordinator at Mind in Harrogate District.

Tina said:

“Our counselling service is very competitively priced and people using the service can be confident that the funds generated are reinvested into supporting mental health and wellbeing services in the local community.”

Mind in Harrogate District also offers a workplace wellbeing service, including counselling sessions for employees. Sessions are charged at the same rate as for private individuals. 

Yvie Lois, counselling coordinator, said:

“Our mental health is affected by all aspects of our lives which impacts on how we experience work, relationships and life. We have noticed an increased awareness and understanding surrounding mental health, which has empowered people to reach out for support.

“You don’t have to do it alone. Counselling offers a safe, confidential environment for people to talk and process the issues that are affecting their lives”

If you would like to find out more about counselling sessions at Mind in Harrogate District, see our website for details, where there is also information about counselling for businesses. 

To book an initial appointment, call us on 01423 547 246, or email us at counselling@mindinharrogate.org.uk

A Harrogate charity has raised £75,000 to fund life-saving medical equipment for newborn infants.

Friends of Alfie Martin, which was established in 2002, held its £1Million Ball at the DoubleTree by Hilton Majestic Hotel in Harrogate this month as part of its bid to reach its £1 million fundraising goal.

The charity raises funds to purchase medical equipment for the Leeds Centre for Newborn Care, which looks after around 1,600 seriously ill babies every year.

Around 300 guests attended the event, which included a tombola, silent auction and bingo.

One winner even went home with a diamond necklace.

Fiona Martin, founder of Friends of Alfie Martin, said:

“What an incredible evening with an electric atmosphere for Alfie’s charity. The love and support for Alfie’s charity is overwhelming and so was the amount raised.

“We are so proud and grateful to our amazing supporters and with their support we can continue to make a huge difference to the care of critically sick babies across the Yorkshire region.”

Ms Martin, who lives and works near Harrogate, set up the charity with her husband after losing their son, Alfie.

He was born full-term but needed urgent transportation to Leeds General Infirmary to receive critical care.

After a gruelling wait due to a lack of transportation, Alfie was moved to the Regional Teaching Hospital, where he eventually died.

Friends of Alfie Martin is now the biggest single contributor to the Leeds Centre for Newborn Care.

Most recently, it has provided the unit with heart-monitoring equipment, specialist incubators and mechanical breathing support ventilators.

Committee member Michele Bradley said:

“The list of future requirements for the centre is daunting, but the dedicated committee of volunteers is determined to continue to ensure that other parents do not have to suffer the tragic loss of a child.”

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A Kirkby Malzeard woman who spent 17 months in hospital after suffering catastrophic injuries after being hit by a tractor has spoken of her remarkable story.

Lucie Maguire was 19 when she was hit and dragged along the road under a 10-tonne trailer on January 27, 2021.

She had been trying to help her mum out of their smoke-filled car after they pulled over while travelling from Ripley towards Bishop Thornton.

Her injuries, compared to those suffered by bomb-blast victims in wars, included full amputation of her right leg and pelvis, broken back and internal damage to key organs including her bladder.

Speaking of the traumatic incident, Lucie, who is now 22, said:

“It was a cold, dark winter’s evening. My mum was driving me back home from work when the car started making funny noises and filled with horrible black smoke. We pulled over on a country lane and I got out. I went to the driver’s side to help my mum. I saw bright headlights coming towards me and thought it was someone who could help us.

“That’s when I was hit by a tractor and dragged under its 10-tonne trailer. I was stuck under there going round continuously with the wheels and it spat me out a bit further down the road.”

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She spent the first month at Leeds General Infirmary at the major trauma unit in a coma. Her parents said ‘goodbye’ at her bedside as her internal bleeding was so severe, medics feared she would die.

Lucie spent more than a year on the hospitals’ major trauma ward confined to her bed, while specialist teams liaised with military medics to rebuild Lucie’s body. 

By the time she left hospital on June 28, 2022 (518 days later), she could sit up and even walked on one leg while using supports.

Throughout her stay at LGI, including during Christmas 2021, Lucie and her mum Sue were supported by Day One Trauma Support – a charity set up to help families affected by catastrophic injuries. 

Lucie Maguire with her mum, Sue.

Lucie was often scared, depressed and at one stage pleaded her mum to smother her with a pillow as she could not see an end to the pain and misery she felt.

She said:

“The days, weeks and months became a blur. I had regular surgeries. At one stage it took eight people to help roll me over and change me. I had other people having to clean me and I thought ‘this shouldn’t be happening to me at 19’.

“At times I felt like the pain was never going to end. There was no light at the end of tunnel. The hospital became my home. The staff became my family. It got to the stage where I didn’t want to leave.

“I never thought I would enjoy life again. Every obstacle I overcame, I felt immensely proud of myself. Slowly I felt more positive and found strength I never knew I had. I’ve gained my independence. If I’ve got through this, I can get through anything. It’s made me a more resilient person. Before I would have given up.”

Lucie with her family and friends at hospital.

Day One Trauma Support, along with psychologists and staff at LGI, provided Lucie and Sue emotional and practical support they needed to readjust to their new life, including Sue becoming Lucie’s carer alongside running The Queens Head pub in their home village with Lucie’s dad Paul, known locally as Rocky.

Now Lucie, who uses a power-assisted wheelchair and lives in her own bungalow in Kirkby Malzeard, is raising awareness of the long recovery journey people face after major traumatic injuries to support Day One’s Christmas Appeal so it can help even more people who face life-changing injuries over the coming months.

Lucie said:

“Day One Trauma Support was amazing. I feel like they saved my life. 

“They were one of my constants, providing that emotional support that the busy NHS staff just don’t have the time to give. They were with me at the start and they’ve been with me ever since. The emotional support my mum and I received from Day One was massive. 

“Someone to talk to. Someone to offload to. Someone who doesn’t judge and knows the bad days will get better.”

Lucy Nickson, CEO of Day One Trauma Support, said: 

“People are struggling financially during a cost-of-living crisis, and the impact is only compounded when a family member suffers a sudden catastrophic injury and faces a long recovery journey, often with a disability and reduced income. Our caseworkers are seeing the reality of this every day in the Major Trauma Centres we operate and through our national support service. 

“That’s why our appeal is so important so that we can reach everyone who needs our help – people like Lucie. Lucie’s story of recovery is truly inspiring and we’re so grateful that she has shared her story to support our cause. Together we can ensure no one is left to rebuild their life on their own this Christmas.”

A charity that supports visually impaired people across the Harrogate district has received the highest honour for voluntary groups in the UK.  

Vision Support Harrogate District has been given the King’s Award for Voluntary Services, the equivalent of an MBE that recognises the country’s most inspiring volunteer-led groups.  

Tanya Stimpson, the charity’s director of services, said everyone was “delighted and overwhelmed” to receive the award. 

She said:

“Such a prestigious award recognises the dedication of our charity’s volunteers and the positive impact they have on our community. Some have been with us for 20, 30 and even 40 years. They give so freely their skills and experience, time, friendship and support; without them our charity would not exist.”

Vision Support Harrogate District offers practical services as well as emotional support, friendship and kindness to help visually impaired people live a full and independent life.  

Among its long-serving volunteers is Ann Routledge, 85, who described the King’s Award as “wonderful news”. 

She said:

“It just means everything to us. We are the only charity in the district for visually impaired people and this award is about recognising how much work we do.” 

Volunteer Jerry, third from left, with his bowling group members

Ripon volunteer John with retired volunteers Doreen, right, and Joan.

Vision Support Harrogate District helps people develop new skills and take part in a range of social and wellbeing activities, both at a drop-in centre in Harrogate as well as satellite meetings in Ripon and Pateley Bridge. It also offers a helpline, telephone befriending service and home visits. 

Helen McGrath joined as a member when she lost her sight suddenly nine years ago at the age of 42. She now volunteers for the charity, using her experience to help others. She said:

“I’d be lost without this place. What they have done for me is immeasurable.

“It’s very hard to be told you’re losing your sight; you can feel like your life has come to an end. But coming here made me feel like my life had restarted on a much more positive path.” 

Val Pilkington, 75, worked at the charity before becoming a full-time volunteer along with her husband Steven when she retired around ten years ago. She said:

“Support is the big word; the members and the volunteers all support each other. It’s just like a family, everybody pulls together and it’s very rewarding indeed.” 

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Tanya added:

“Throughout Vision Support Harrogate District’s 102 years of service, volunteers have led the charity and provide lifelong educational, social and wellbeing services and activities to those in our community who have sight loss. We will display this award with pride, remembering devoted volunteers past and present.” 

Sculptures made by members of Vision Support Harrogate District will form part of an art exhibition at St Peter’s Church from November 21 to 26.

A charity near Harrogate that provides riding therapy to vulnerable children has been plunged into turmoil by the sudden closure of its bank account.

Sarah Kekoa, founder of Autism Angels, said Barclays told her last week it had inadvertently closed the account and would reactivate it within 48 hours.

But nine days later the issue remains unresolved, leaving the charity unable to pay staff or cash-in cheques worth tens of thousands of pounds.

Ms Kekoa told the Stray Ferret she was desperate for the situation to be resolved quickly because it threatened the organisation’s reputation and ongoing viability. She said:

“We can’t pay anyone — it is absolutely diabolical. Our money is somewhere in the ether.

“We deal with some extremely vulnerable children. We have to be here for them and their families and this is putting us in a very difficult situation.”

Sarah Kekoa (centre) with colleagues at Autism Angels.

Ms Kekoa said the charity’s five staff, who are paid weekly, had continued to work despite missing out on their latest wages.

She said three families of her family had banked with Barclays and Autism Angels had been a Barclays customer for 11 years but she was “beyond frustrated” at the length of time the matter was taking to resolve.

She added staff at her local branch had been helpful but it appeared to be a classic case of “computer says no” with messages not being acted upon.

The Stray Ferret has seen an email from Barclays to Autism Angels, dated Friday last week, in which it said it was “trying to get your bank account opened as soon as possible” and apologising for any inconvenience.

Autism Angels, which is based in Summerbridge, near Pateley Bridge, helps people with autism, mental health issues and in crisis ride horses and ponies for therapy.

A Barclays Spokesperson said:

“As part of our ongoing responsibility to help prevent financial crime, and to meet our regulatory obligations, we are required to keep up to date information regarding our customers’ accounts.

“We share a series of communications with our customers including writing to them by post, through alert banners on our digitally active customers’ online and mobile banking as well as reminder SMS text messages and emails asking customers to supply us with some important information relating to their Barclays business account.

“In cases where we do not receive a response with up-to-date account information, we will proceed with the application of card blocks and account restrictions, ahead of issuing final closure arrangements. Therefore, it is very important that account holders respond to these requests.”

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