Ripon soldiers in Cyprus to undergo mammoth charity challenge

A team of Ripon-based soldiers are rowing and cycling the equivalent distance from Cyprus to the UK to raise money for a men’s mental health charity.

21 Engineer Regiment has been in Cyprus since April as part of the United Nations (UN) peacekeeping force. They’ve been carrying out patrols on the buffer zone that runs between the Greek and Turkish Cypriots.

Whilst there, they have decided to raise funds for men’s mental health charity CALM.

They will use a combination of static bikes and rowing machines and plan to cover the 4,338 kilometres from their base in Nicosia all the way back to the regiment’s headquarters in Ripon.

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Spr Parker from the regiment said:

“Fitness is very much part of our daily lifestyle and so combining such challenges to highlight an important cause works really well for me.

“Mental health is hard to face, but for some reason it’s even harder with young men. In society I feel mental well-being among men is often not taken seriously enough or just overlooked”.

The link to donate is: https://www.justgiving.com/team/Road2Ripon

Harrogate mum hosting family fun day to mark daughter’s legacy

A Harrogate mum is hosting a family fun day in June to raise money for two organisations that supported her daughter before she died 13 years ago.

Katie Beadle gave birth to her daughter Millie in August 2009. But immediately after she was born, she knew something wasn’t right.

Millie was diagnosed with hypoxia, a condition that results in low oxygen levels in the blood. It can lead to multiple medical conditions and requires around-the-clock care.

Ms Beadle said:

“Most of Millie’s time with us was spent in Manchester St Mary’s Children’s Hospital in the beginning. When she was allowed back to Harrogate, we spent a few days on Special Care Baby Unit at Harrogate District Hospital, before finding a new way of living on Woodlands Ward.”

Millie spent a few weeks at home before she contracted an infection. The family returned to the Woodlands, which is the hospital’s children’s ward, before they were told the devastating news:

“Millie has suffered a substantial amount of trauma at such a young age, her body is tired and I’m afraid this time she isn’t strong enough to fight this one off. It’s only a matter of time, so enjoy your final days with your precious daughter.”

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Millie wasn’t strong enough to travel to Martin House Hospice in Wetherby, so the hospice came to them and set up a room for her on the ward until she passed away in December 2009.

She would have been coming up to her 13th birthday in August so her mum wants to mark her legacy by raising funds for Martin House and Harrogate hospital’s children’s ward.

The family fun day will be held at Knaresborough Rugby Club on June 25 from 11am where there will be a bouncy castle, live music, face painting, stalls, food and drink, rides and more.

Ms Beadle added:

“I am arranging Millie’s 13th birthday party with an open invite for everyone! It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions, stress and required copious amounts of coffee & fizz, however, things are just about finalised and it should be a grand day for all.”

“An incredible job”

The two organisations both paid tribute to Ms Beadle for her fundraising efforts.

Chris Verney, regional fundraiser for Martin House, said:

“Katie has done an incredible job in organising this event and we hope everything goes well for her.  Fundraising like this makes a huge difference to the families with seriously ill children that we support across West, North and East Yorkshire.”

Victoria Lister, manager of acute paediatrics at Harrogate District Foundation Trust, said:

“Katie has worked tirelessly to organise this event to help support our unit. We as a ward are so grateful for her hard work and preparation for Millie’s Fun Day in June. The funds raised will help transform the ward into a more welcoming, bright environment for the children attending Woodlands at HDFT.”

There are still some spaces to hold a stall on the day. If anyone would like more information email Katie-beadle92@hotmail.com

 

Harry Gration to speak at charity jubilee dinner

Harry Gration to speak at charity jubilee dinner

A Queen’s Platinum Jubilee dinner will be held in Harrogate next month to raise money for Ukraine.

Guest speaker Harry Gration will reminisce about his career at the BBC, while a charity auction and raffle will be held on the night.

The event is being organised by Harrogate Brigantes Rotary Club and the Yorkshire Society, of which Mr Gration is a vice president.

It takes place at the Cedar Court Hotel in Harrogate on Friday, June 17. Tickets are £49.50 per person, or £470 for a table of 10, and include a three-course meal with complimentary wine, coffee and mints.

For more information, click here.

Swinton Park nominated for a national award

Swinton Park near Masham has been shortlisted for the title of Independent Hotel of the Year in the national Catey awards.

The prestigious estate is up against Aviator in Hampshire, Glenapp Castle in Ayrshire, Grove of Narberth in Pembrokeshire. The Gallivant in Rye.

The awards will be handed out in a ceremony held at the Grosvenor Park Hotel in London on July 5.

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Harrogate residents offer a peek inside their quirky gardens

In the early 20th century there was a quarry in Harrogate known as Stone Rings.

Fast forward more than a hundred years and you will now find it has been replaced by a number of stunning gardens on the steep hillside.

And this weekend, visitors will be able to visit admire six of them at an open gardens event that will raise money for charity.

Jen Dening, one of the garden owners on Stone Rings Close, which is just off Leeds Road, said:

“There will be a gentle nod towards the Platinum Jubilee.”

The event will take place on Saturday and Sunday from noon until 5pm, priced at £6 for adults. Under 12s are free.

It has been held a number of times since 2003 after a group of residents came together with the idea to raise money for charity.

In 2020 a virtual event took place as a result of the pandemic, which still managed to raise more than £1,300.

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It is hoped that thousands will be raised this year for the Harrogate Homeless Project’s 30th anniversary and Resurrected Bites, a local charity operating pay-as-you-feel cafes and community groceries.

Mrs Dening added:

“Stone Rings was a quarry, so the topography is challenging for making gardens. Four of the gardens have steep banks running down to a beck with woodland areas.

“All of the gardens open this year have had major or minor structural work done since last time. So if you have been before, you will see improvements. There are two gardens new to opening, with hard landscaping and planting done completely by the owners.”

Refreshments and other stalls will be available, along with a children’s quiz.

Harrogate charity seeks trustees with business skills

Harrogate charity calls for new trustees 

Harrogate charity Disability Action Yorkshire is seeking new trustees to join its board after a number retired.

The charity, based on Hornbeam Park, is keen to attract those who themselves are disabled, or who have other personal experience of disability.

Business people with professional skills are particularly well suited to the voluntary roles. Disability Action Yorkshire is particularly in need of people with skills in digital and IT, investment management, law, HR, marketing and business development.

The organisation recently received planning permission to replace its residential care home on Claro Road with 36 apartments, which will give disabled people the chance to live independently whilst having support staff nearby 24/7.

Jackie Snape, Disability Action Yorkshire chief executive, said:

“We are a long established, Harrogate-based charity which believes that disabled people should have exactly the same access, rights and services as everyone else. In order to further this, we provide a number of practical solutions and services which include personal assistance, support in employment and access advice.

“We welcome applications from all sectors of the community, and whether you are an experienced trustee or looking for your first post at board level, we would love to hear from you.”

To find out more, click here. Applications close on May 31.

New head starts at Harrogate independent school

A new headteacher started this week at Ashville Prep School, an independent school in Harrogate that caters for pupils aged five to 11.

Asa Firth took on the role after 14 years teaching at schools in the United Arab Emirates, including 12 years at Dubai’s top independent school.

Mr Firth said there would be a new approach to learning from September and his top priority now was to speak to every parent and pupil about their views of the school to help determine the direction of the school going forward.

He said:

“Ashville Prep School is a fantastic school and I want to make it even better. I’m delighted to be its new head, and starting now means I have a whole term to get to know the school inside out before the beginning of the new academic year.”

He also said he wanted to “reintroduce Ashville Prep School back to the wider community” and focus on its “really strong” music, sport and performance departments to set the school apart from others locally.

Mr Firth with pupils from years four, five and six

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.”

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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.”

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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.

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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.”

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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.

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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.