charity Archives - Page 18 of 40

Harrogate man nears end of epic 800-mile walk

A Harrogate man is on the verge of completing an 800-mile trek in aide of dementia.

James Calvert is walking the mammoth hike from John o’Groats to Land’s End, which spans 812 miles.

He undertook the challenge in aide of Dementia UK and has so far raised £4,848.

He said:

“My grandma has dementia and therefore I understand and appreciate all help that dementia carers give.”

James expects to arrive at Land’s End tomorrow (August 25) after starting his campaign on July 14.

He has aimed to walk 25 miles a day, with his longest day being 46 miles.

He has been wild camping along the way and received support from complete strangers, including monetary donations and gifts of food and drinks to keep him going.

To donate to James’ cause, visit his JustGiving page here.

‘Everybody matters’: Marie Curie’s UK medical director on why she has the ‘best job in the world’

When Dr Sarah Holmes was on a hospital ward round and it became clear a long-term patient was dying, a consultant said they didn’t need to see her anymore.

“Outraged” at this, Dr Holmes, who had only recently qualified, snuck away and went to see her.

It was at this moment she realised she wanted to pursue a career in palliative medicine.

Now, just over 20 years later, she is a consultant in this field and is the medical director of Marie Curie Hospice Bradford, where she has worked since 2007.

In July 2020, she became UK medical director for Marie Curie, and combines this role with her ongoing clinical work in the hospice.

‘There is loads we can do to make life better’

Dr Holmes, who is set to move to Harrogate in the coming weeks, told the Stray Ferret:

“I just really wanted to make sure that people are looked after right until the end of their lives, not just if an illness is fixable.

“Even if the illness can’t be cured, there is loads that we can do to make life better. From working at Marie Curie for so many years, I see that every day.”

Marie Curie is the UK’s leading end of life charity. It provides frontline nursing and hospice care, a free support line and a wealth of information and support on all aspects of dying, death and bereavement.

Marie Curie Bradford Hospice.

Describing the work of Marie Curie, Dr Holmes explained that the team looked after anyone with a life-limiting illness.

She explained:

“A lot of people think we just look after people with cancer, but it can be any life-limiting illness. So I see lots of people with motor neurone disease or Parkinson’s disease or lung conditions. All sorts of conditions really.

“When you tell people you work with people who have got life-limiting illnesses, they say ‘oh gosh that must be really depressing’. But actually, it’s just an amazing job. It’s the best job in the world.

“It’s all about life and living and getting the most out of life.”

Dr Holmes said there were obviously sad moments, as they were looking after people who were dying.

However, she said there was an enormous sense of satisfaction to know that you had supported a person to die peacefully and comfortably.

She added:

“You also make a difference to the family afterwards as well. We are here to look after them and make sure they get all the support that they need.

“People are amazing. They let us into their lives at points that are really difficult. It’s just an incredible privilege what they share with us.

“I feel really lucky to be doing this job.”

Nursing service

Dr Holmes said while the Bradford hospice supported that particular population, there was a nursing service in North Yorkshire made up of qualified nurses and healthcare assistants.

She said:

“In the Harrogate area, if someone was at home and dying, one of our healthcare assistants or nurses would go and be with them overnight.

“It gives the family a chance to get some rest because sometimes it can be quite hard work looking after someone all the time at home. So it allows the family members to get some sleep and be confident that their loved one is being looked after.”

Dr Holmes said the work of Marie Curie was vital.

She said:

“I think it is really important actually. Just looking after people at the end of life is really important.

“Whatever advances we have in medical science, we are all going to die at some point. We get care from before we are born, but actually I think sometimes not everybody gets the care at the end of their life that they should get.

“We feel at Marie Curie that we have got a really important role to raise awareness of the importance of that.

“Everybody matters and everybody should be able to get the care and support that they need right up until the end.”

Fundraiser

The Marie Curie Brain Game is returning to Yorkshire for a fourth time on Thursday, January 26 and for the first time in Harrogate in the newly refurbished Majestic Hotel & Spa.

Guests will be treated to a drinks reception before enjoying a gourmet three-course dinner. The celebrity-hosted quiz will run throughout the evening and guests will also have the opportunity to bid for exclusive lots in the live and silent auctions, and win prizes in the grand raffle.

This black-tie event invites companies from across Yorkshire to come and enjoy an evening of brain-teasing entertainment and battle it out in the ultimate corporate quiz to be crowned Yorkshire Brain Game champions.

To book a table, click here.

Allotment show set to draw keen growers to Harrogate’s Valley Gardens

The best of the Harrogate district’s allotment produce will be on show in the town’s Valley Gardens this weekend.

The annual Harrogate District Allotment Show will see keen growers submit the results of their hard work for judging.

Taking place for the 61st time, the event is held in the Sun Pavilion and is free to attend. Judging will be held on Sunday from 10am before the Mayor of the Borough of Harrogate, Cllr Victoria Oldham, officially opens the show.

It is organised by Harrogate and District Allotment Federation, which has 16 member allotments in its group, sharing tips and knowledge to improve their results.

Secretary Angela Dicken said:

“Entries are slightly down on last year, but I think that’s to do with the weather. We will be a bit weather-hit this year, particularly because the entries had to be in 10 days ago when it was very hot.

“The entries for the flowers show have been quite badly hit. But we have still got a good selection for judging and for people to see.

“There are some people who enter every year, but we always get some new allotment holders entering too. Sometimes people think you have to be a real expert gardener to take part, but really you just need some nice veg.

“I would always encourage people to come and have a look if they are thinking of entering next year, to get an idea of what it’s all about.”

As well as viewing the exhibits, visitors can buy cakes, produce, plants and books donated by plot holders from across the district. A tombola and raffle will be held, alongside stalls from local organisations and charities.

Live music will be provided from 1.30pm when Stray Horns take to the bandstand.

Produce from the show will be donated to food waste charity Resurrected Bites, while proceeds from any sales will be given to Woodlands Community Garden.

Harrogate Cat Rescue’s urgent appeal to save Pedro the kitten

Harrogate Cat Rescue has issued an urgent appeal for donations following an unprecedented influx of kittens.

Celia Dakin set up the centre in 2020 to rescue and rehome cats and kittens but said this summer in particular has been “relentless” with kittens coming in from all over Yorkshire, as the cost of living crisis bites. She said:

“I’ve never seen anything like it. We are overrun with kittens.”

The centre, near to Asda supermarket in Harrogate, has around 70 kittens at the moment but many are sick and in desperate need of medical attention. Ms Dakin’s vet bill for last week alone came to £2,300.

One of the kittens in need of help is Pedro, who was rescued this year after suffering abuse. He suffers from a disease called FIP (feline infective peritonitis), which affects his eyes and will kill him without treatment. However, it costs £5,000.

Ms Dakin said:

“He’s had such a rough life. I have to save him. It would lift my heart.”

A crowdfunder has been set up to raise money to pay for Pedro’s vet bills, and is almost halfway to reaching its target. If you would like to donate visit here.

With pet food prices rising, the cost of living crisis is being felt acutely by many cat owners.

Ms Dakin has even taken calls from people saying they can no longer afford to feed their pets and want to give them up for adoption.

But she is determined to do her best for the cats and praised the Harrogate community for their kindness in supporting her organisation. She added:

“My phone rings incessantly but I can’t not answer. It’s who I am.”

The cat rescue, which is currently applying for charitable status, is also in need of cat food and cat litter. If you would to donate, or are interested in becoming a cat foster, visit its website.

Wheelchair user praises Harrogate restaurant for buying ramp

A wheelchair user has praised the owner of Harrogate restaurant Oliveta who personally went out and bought a ramp so she could dine inside.

Now, Nichola Emmerson is calling for other businesses in the town to follow suit in a bid to make eating out more accessible.

Ms Emmerson, who is a campaigner and advocate for disabled access, said she believed any public service should be available to everyone.

She said:

“I’m finding in Harrogate that as much as I love the town, there are an awful lot of businesses that aren’t accessible. I think there are a lot that could be.

“I feel a bit let down by society. I want it to change. The legislation in this country is not good enough for access and there are ways and means of getting around it. So companies get away with not providing access.”

Ms Emmerson, who lives in Harrogate, said she enjoyed going to restaurants, but often ended up being limited to chains, which usually provided access.

A few weeks ago, she spotted Oliveta, on Station Parade, which she saw had steps but decided to call the restaurant to see if there was another entrance.

She said:

“The owner was extremely polite and whilst informing me that he didn’t have wheelchair access, it was something he was working on.

“In the meantime, he suggested that he would put a table and some chairs outside. A great idea I thought, so the following evening, the sun was shining and I met my friend at Oliveta’s. We had a wonderful evening and the food was sublime.”

Since that evening, Ms Emmerson spent time working with the owner, Kole Lleshi, in an effort to get a ramp, doorbell and signage installed to make it wheelchair accessible.

She said:

“To my absolute delight, Kole has now got a ramp, which he funded himself, following an attempt to get help from the local council and failing.

“I am now able to access the restaurant, which has the most wonderful interior and the icing on the cake is knowing there is also a fully accessible disabled toilet. These adjustments make such a different the lives of disabled people.”

Kole Lleshi, who opened the Mediterranean restaurant with his wife Bukurie, in December 2021, said he had tried to seek support from Harrogate Borough Council, but did not get a response.

He said:

“Nichola will be my customer now forever, so I checked the legislation and it said we could use a safety ramp.

“I found a ramp in Doncaster on a website. So I went with my wife, we bought it. I called Nichola and told her to come back and we tried and it’s working. She came in and that night she was supposed to stay only one hour and stayed for three.”

Ms Emmerson explained that there was a huge potential spending power from the country’s disabled people, known as “the purple pound”. This is thought to contribute around £249 billion annually to the economy.

She said:

“Our money is as valuable as anyone else’s. If we can’t get into services to use it, then it’s not good for the economy.”

“The fact that this has happened is very close to my heart. When I went into the restaurant I just felt free. It has also got a disabled toilet. Quite a lot are full of changing tables and they are an after thought, but this is a nice environment.

“I now want other disabled people to come here to enjoy the food and use the facilities and I want other businesses to follow suit.

“Of course Harrogate is hilly and full of old buildings, but I’m finding that retailers are either not bothered about trying to make what in most cases could be a simple change to their premises. Or they are unaware of the the purple pound and the pieces of equipment that are available.”

The disabled toilet at Oliveta.

Harrogate charity Disability Action Yorkshire offers accessibility audits to help businesses do all they can to be fully accessible.

A spokesman for the charity said for some businesses it was impossible to adapt the premises and make them fully accessible. However, he said there were ways of making them more welcoming for disabled people.

He said:

“For someone to buy their own ramp, that’s absolutely fantastic. Now wheelchair users can go and have a meal there.

“If anybody wants advice on this issue, please contact Disability Action Yorkshire. We can work with businesses to help them operate in a disability-friendly way.”

A spokesman for Harrogate Borough Council commented:

“Under the Equality Act 2010, businesses should ensure they do not discriminate against individuals with a disability. Further guidance, including all statutory requirements for businesses, can be found on the government’s website.

“Any eligible individuals who may need financial support to help adapt their home in order to meet the needs of any disabled children or adults living there can apply for a disabled facilities grant (DFG). Further information is available via our website.”

Harrogate boy, 9, with neurological condition now cycling to school

A boy from Harrogate with a neurological condition that affects his speech and movement is now able to cycle to school in style thanks to a donation from Harrogate Lions.

Noah Maguire, 9, who has Cerebellar Hypoplasia, mastered being able to pedal on a small metal trike two years ago but his family wanted a bike with a low base of support as balance and coordination are challenging for him.

They found the K3 KMX, a reclining bike that would give Noah the freedom to enjoy cycling to school again.

Members of the Lions delivered him the bike last month and were thanked yesterday by Noah’s family who made them a special lunch.

His mum Catherine Maguire said the new bike is the “envy of all his friends” at St Robert’s Catholic Primary School where he attends.

She said:

“Words cannot begin to express our gratitude for the Harrogate Lions ongoing support for Noah. They really have played such an important role in Noah’s journey and he wouldn’t be enjoying the freedom and independence he is today without their support.”

Noah and his mum Catherine Maguire with members of Harrogate Lions

The Lions have supported Noah to help him become more independent over the past few years.

In 2018 they funded a special play area in the family garden that has handrails and steps to practice walking. The group also funded a canopy to cover the garden so Noah can play out in rain or shine.

As Noah was prone to falling due to his condition, a rubberised play surface was built in his garden that cost £3,000.

Noah is determined to walk and medical professionals believe he can do it.

His mum Catherine added:

“Noah has now got an amazing play area in the garden where he can play football, trampoline, swing independently alongside his two siblings who also benefit from the facilities too.

“The Lions contribution within the community continues to improve the lives of so many. They will always have a special place in the hearts of the Maguire family.”

1,400 runners set to take part in Harrogate Race for Life

About 1,400 runners are set to take part in the Race for Life on the Stray in Harrogate tomorrow.

Women, men and children will complete 3k, 5k and 10k events to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

There is also an option to take part in Pretty Muddy, a mud-splattered obstacle course. You can enter on the day.

Road closures will be in place on Oatlands Drive and Stray Rein.

The event, which raises funds for cancer research, begins at 9.30am with the 10k. The 5k and 3k start at 11am and the Pretty Muddy events follow.

It costs adults £14.99 to enter and £10 for children.

Molly Fuchs

Molly Fuchs, who is receiving palliative treatment for secondary breast cancer, is a veteran of many Race for Life events.

Although no longer able to take part, the Settle woman urging others to sign up for the event at the Stray.

“I cannot relive the past, only appreciate the things I did and the wonderful memories I still hold close.

“Whether running, jogging or walking, Race for Life could be your stepping stone to other things – go for it and while doing so raise money for a worthwhile cause.”

Harrogate woman aims to complete 20 fundraising challenges

A charity worker from Harrogate has set herself 20 fundraising challenges to mark her upcoming 20th anniversary with children’s hospice Martin House.

Mary Newbegin will have been employed in the care team at Martin House for two decades on August 1.

She has been busy this month and last ticking off the challenges, which have so far generated almost £2,000 for the organisation.

They range from completing 20 aerial yoga poses to walking The Ullswater Way to learning to crochet and paddle board.

One of the challenges, organising a yoga fundraising event, will take place at 10am tomorrow on the Stray, next to Oatlands Drive.

Learning the aerial yoga poses.

Ms Newbegin, who plans to retire next year, said:

“The idea evolved as I have in the past taken part in several fundraising events for Martin House.

“These have mostly been running, including the Great North run, which I’ve done about 12 times and on occasions three-legged, and the York Marathon.

“My knees no longer thank me for running so I was trying to think of something more creative as I really wanted to do something before I retire.

“I am excited about all my challenges but most anxious about those with heights involved as I’m not so good with heights.”

You can donate to the cause here.

Abseiling in Ilkley

Harrogate teenagers to embark on 48 mile walk in aid of Ukraine

Two Harrogate teenagers are set to embark upon a 48 mile walk in two days in an effort to raise money for Ukraine.

Grace Brierley and her friend Elena Dickson, who are both 14, will start the walk by taking on the Knaresborough round on Saturday, July 9.

From there, they will walk the Harrogate ringway on Sunday and will be camping out in between.

Money raised will go towards United 24, an initiative set up by Volodymyr Zelenskyy, president of Ukraine, amid the war with Russia.

The charity aims to be a direct source for donations for the country and helps with medical aid, rebuilding and defence.

Grace and Elena have set up a JustGiving page as part of their walk. You can find their page here.

Pinewoods charity to meet Harrogate Spring Water to discuss expansion

Pinewoods Conservation Group is to meet representatives from Harrogate Spring Water to discuss the company’s plans to expand its bottling plant.

The French-owned firm announced last month it will revert to its original 2017 planning application, which involves felling trees in a section of the Pinewoods called Rotary Wood.

However, the number of trees felled would be less than contained in plans rejected last year by Harrogate Borough Council.

Harrogate Spring Water’s new application will propose how the lost trees will be compensated for.

The meeting is set to take place within the next few weeks. It will be the first time the charity, which protects the council-owned woodland, has met the company since it announced it was pressing ahead with the expansion.

Online platform

The charity has used online polling platform Harrogate District Consensus to find out what is and isn’t acceptable to residents with the new planning application.

At the time of publication, over 420 people have given their thoughts on issues such as how many trees the company should replant and plastic pollution and biodiversity loss.

Neil Hind, chair of Pinewoods Conservation Group, said it would bring some of the most popular statements that people have submitted to the meeting in the hopes of presenting a consensus.

He said:

“We know this is a very emotive subject, so we need a way to gather some more scientific based views from our members, visitors to the Pinewoods and Harrogate residents. This system allows people to agree or disagree with statements but also add new statements to express their own feeling on the subject.

“We hope that this will form a consensus of views and even some new thinking on this issue. We would really encourage people to get involved and make their views known. These views will then be shared with the Harrogate Spring Water and Danone management when we meet and will also be used as part of our submission to the consultation process.”

Harrogate Spring Water’s new chief executive Richard Hall recently told the Stray Ferret the company would be “much more open” about its latest plans, which are yet to be submitted to Harrogate Borough Council.

A series of meetings with local stakeholder groups are planned and there will be an open consultation event next month.

A spokesperson for Harrogate Spring Water, whose headquarters is on Harlow Moor Road. said:

“We are starting our consultation process this month via meetings with community stakeholder groups prior to an open public consultation event which we plan to hold in July.

“We will announce details of this event shortly, but anyone who cannot come along can still have their say via a dedicated webpage at https://www.harrogatespring.com/facility-extension/”

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