A 10-year-old from Harrogate will start a 100-mile cycling challenge today to raise funds for Henshaws.

Ewan Clarkson is a keen cyclist and wants to use his hobby to help others.

He will split the distance over three consecutive days, cycling at home on an electronic bike. During training, Ewan said he has watched TV “to keep me going”.

He said:

“I’ve been on the indoor bike building it up – over the past few days I’ve been doing 50km.

“Cycling is my passion. When I was little I went round the garden and the arts and craft centre which I loved. I wanted to raise money for them because how they help disabled people is amazing.”

Ewan’s initial fundraising target was £100 but by Friday he had already raised more than £240. To support him, click here.

Ewan often cycles with his dad, Ian Clarkson, and his parents were always supportive of his pledge. Ian said:

“We’ve always told him it’s not a race – it’s about getting the distance done. When he saw the challenge he wanted to do it straight away.

“He knows he can do the distance as long as his legs don’t give up. He’s taken his training seriously and he was determined. I think he’s ready.”

The charity said lockdown has left it struggling financially, initiatives like this are helping.

The Henshaws Hundreds challenge is a new fundraising initiative launched by the charity to raise vital money. It has experienced shortfalls this year which it attributes to coronavirus and the lack of charity events taking place.

Gemma Young, Henshaws’ fundraising manager for Yorkshire, said:

“Launching at the start of National Eye Health Week on September 21, for 10 whole days we are challenging supporters to do ‘your hundred, your way!’

“Inclusivity really is at the heart of this challenge. It’s possible to cover your chosen distance in a wheelchair, using a walking frame, walking on your hands, or by running, walking swimming or cycling.”

Read more:

• Henshaws launches its Henshaws Hundreds challenge to raise funds. 
• Children’s author uses his first book to raise money for a cancer charity. 

Low cloud and poor visibility forced the NHS Spitfire to cancel its flypast over Harrogate District Hospital today.

The aircraft set off from Duxford airfield in Cambridgeshire and was due to pass over the hospital at 10.50am this morning but the weather forced it to change route south of Doncaster.

After returning to Duxford, it was due to set off on a revised schedule over four hospitals. The figure is considerably down on the 27 originally planned.

Thousands of people had been waiting across the country to catch a glimpse of the Spitfire, which has “Thank U NHS” painted under its wings.

NHS Spitfire revised route

• Haltwhistle War Memorial Hospital – 3.39pm
• Cumberland Infirmary, Carlisle – 3.45pm
• Annan Hospital – 3.49pm
• Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary NHS – 3.55pm

A spokesperson for the Aircraft Restoration Company, which is behind the NHS Spitfire, said today:

“The weather has taken an unexpected turn for the worse with low cloud and poor visibility forcing the NHS Spitfire to return to Duxford.”

The hospitals which missed out on a flypast will get to see the aircraft at a yet to be announced date.

Read more:

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Since July, the NHS Spitfire has raised more than £80,000 for NHS Charities Together, a federation of 250 charities that support the NHS.

The blue spitfire PL983 nicknamed ‘L’ was built for photo reconnaissance in the 1940s and has an interesting history. Lettice Curtis, a famous female pilot, once raced the spitfire, which now carries her name alongside those of the NHS workers.

A Summerbridge man has written a children’s book during lockdown to raise money for children’s cancer charity Candlelighters.

The author, Joe Bothamley, connected with the charity after wanting to do some fundraising following his father’s cancer diagnosis.

His parents suggested Candlelighters, which works with children and families dealing with cancer in Yorkshire.

The main message of the book, called The Secret of Hartwith Hill, is the value of community. The author was inspired by the new-found community spirit he saw during lockdown.

Joe said:

“The idea came at a time when my daughter wasn’t getting into the bath and I was making up stories to distract her. I wanted to raise money for a cancer charity after my dad was diagnosed with stomach cancer. The response has been incredible – we raised £1,800 in the first three days and it’s continuing to grow momentum.

“The work Candlelighters do is incredible; the decisions those families are making each day are unthinkable. I just hope the momentum continues to grow and we can raise more for them.”

The author hopes he can continue to raise money for the Yorkshire-based charity.

Read more:

• An art exhibition in Knaresborough is raising money for Harrogate’s cancer centre.
• Parents were “emotional” at the school gates last week as children returned to school for the first time in six months. 

This is Joe’s first book and was written while he was off work during lockdown.

Today is the first day the books are being sent out. The author hopes the fundraising can continue as he returns to his job as a painter and decorator.

The head of fundraising and marketing for Candlelighters, Leanne Windell, said:

“We’re touched that Joe has chosen to support Candlelighters in such a lovely and unique way. The coronavirus pandemic has had a catastrophic impact on our fundraising and we expect to lose £865,000 this year.

“It has been an incredibly difficult time for families affected by childhood cancer and it is crucial that, no matter what, we continue to support them, to ensure they are not facing these challenging times alone. Joe has made such a vital contribution to this effort and we are very thankful.”

To buy the book and support Candlelighters, click here.

A Harrogate charity has reported a 44% increase in demand for its counselling services in recent months.

Wellspring Therapy and Training, which provides affordable professional counselling for people suffering with their mental health, said it expected demand for its services to continue to rise.

News of its extra demand coincides with World Suicide Prevention Day today.

A total of 65% of adults and 75% of young people nationally have said their mental health has worsened since the pandemic.

Wellspring’s centre remains closed as it continues to offer video and telephone counselling.

It offers counselling at a price chosen by the individual, according to their situation, meaning it could be as little as £5.

Freya, who did not wish to reveal her real name, has used Wellspring’s counselling service throughout lockdown.

The charity expects its referral rate to continue to rise as the long-term effects of lockdown are felt.

She said:

“All these emotions were sitting there like a great weight, but not going anywhere. After my first counselling session at Wellspring, I came away with such a sense of relief and gratitude. When lockdown happened, we ended up doing video calls instead.

“It’s lifted so much of the pressure and the anxiety. I also think I’m more able to deal with things when I do experience difficult emotions now. I am able to move forwards and think about the future. I’d highly recommend Wellspring and encourage anyone weighed down by life’s pressures to get in touch and see a counsellor. It’s a safe place.”

Read more:

• Harrogate charity receives grants to continue offering support to vulnerable members of the community. 
• WATCH as one boy finishes running 465 miles for mental health charity.

Lockdown has amplified anxieties over issues such as money, jobs and social interaction.

The charity is passionate about helping those who are struggling to find hope again.

An artist with terminal cancer is staging an exhibition to raise funds for a local charity that has been treating her illness.

Sharon Tinayre Carrick, a much-loved art teacher from Harrogate, wanted to raise money for the Sir Robert Ogden Macmillan Centre at Harrogate District Hospital.

Ms Carrick was determined to support the staff that have helped her during several months of treatment.

Her exhibition at Art in the Mill in Knaresborough was initially planned for March but had to be postponed due to coronavirus.

Both Sharon and the gallery owner, Andy Grinter, were determined to continue with their plans at a later date.

Over 80% of the items in her solo exhibition have already sold, despite only opening on Thursday. The total raised currently stands at £4350.

Ms Carrick, who uses her middle name to sign her art, said:

“It’s wonderful that all this art is raising so much money. I think it will make a big difference to the centre, they tried really hard with me and it’s really important they’re supported.

These charities are really important. It’s the most positive thing in my life right now and to know so many people are supporting it is just wonderful.”

The ‘Was I Really There’ exhibition is a collection of pieces using different mediums, including some following a birthday trip to Venice with family.

Mr Grinter, owner of Art in the Mill, said:

“We have put an awful lot of work into this alongside Sharon, and she decided very early on it would be a fundraiser to thank people for their help. It’s gone far above and beyond what we were expecting. People have seized the opportunity to remember and to support Sharon. It was all her idea, energy and commitment and of course we have done all we can to support it.

“After lockdown it was all hands on deck to bring it together. It’s been a great success, it is a standing testament to the amount of goodwill and sentiment in the community.”

As an art teacher, Ms Carrick worked with students at Rossett Adult Learning and The Orb in Knaresborough.

More than 30 organisations operating in the Ripon area – including the city council, retailers, the cathedral, schools and heritage attractions – are featured on a colourful community jigsaw organised and assembled by the Jennyruth Workshops charity.

The project, in which participants were each given a single jigsaw piece to decorate with messages and logos, was made possible with a grant from Ripon City Council.

Anna Smith, Jennyruth Workshops’ publicity and media officer, said:

“Our aim was to involve as many people, places, organisations and establishments that make up the wonderful city of Ripon as we can, in creating a vibrant and unique jigsaw-style display to be showcased around various venues in the city.”

She added:

“It paints a picture of our community and all the diverse ways that we work together, live alongside each other, help and support each other and forge links together, through good times and bad.”

The Pet Shop in Old Market Place, Ripon, is the first to display the jigsaws in its window and owner Jane Fisher told the Stray Ferret:

“We are delighted to be involved with this community project. Jennyruth is a wonderful charity, doing great work and producing very high quality items.”

The jigsaws will remain in The Pet Shop window for two weeks and then move on to another prominent location in Ripon.

The Jennyruth Workshops charity was founded by Barrie and Sue Evason and provides learning through work for adults with learning disabilities.

With support from full-time staff and a team of volunteers, the workers make brightly-painted wooden goods at the charity’s base in Bridge Hewick near Ripon, with products ranging from bee homes and bird houses to Christmas decorations and bespoke goods.

One of the two community jigsaws produced by the Jennyruth Workshops charity

Read more:

• Jennyruth Workshops plans for extend its services
• What does the Ripon Cathedral extension look like?

Despite the coronavirus lockdown, production has continued with the workers – who are aged from 19 to 73 – working from their homes and maintaining contact through daily zoom meetings and an online newsletter.

Barrie, who raised money to set up the workshops through a series of sponsored long-distance walks with son Jonathan, died in February and his ashes will be buried later this year in an urn at a memorial garden created on the workshops site.

Boroughbridge Community Care has been providing essential support during the pandemic and is now in need of further funding and volunteers to cover demand.

The charity has adapted its needs to those in the community, offering food parcels, gardening services and advice for those experiencing financial struggles as a result of covid.

It has missed out on vital fundraising opportunities and, as volunteers return to work, the need for more is growing.

Manager of the charity, Karen Parker, said:

“We would be really keen to have new volunteers come forward to help in any way they want. It’s difficult to get hold of funds currently, of course we can’t fundraise during these times. But any ideas are welcome! Organisations that have stepped up and come forward the help the community accounts for additional funds but there is only limited funding coming in whilst our expenses are increasing.”

The charity has always provided transport to appointments and social sessions such as coffee mornings and lunch clubs. Recently, it has seen the needs change within the community to cover younger families as well as the elderly and vulnerable.

Karen added:

“There’s nothing that beats that face to face chatting, that contact is invaluable. It’s just about finding alternative ways to continue support whilst keeping everyone safe. I think there is still the need but a different need, we’ve always supported older and more vulnerable people but since covid we now cover younger families too.

“I think there’s a gap in some people’s finances after being furloughed or out of work for months, so it’s about fulfilling the need to offer those essential services and making sure they know we’re here to help if they need it. Particularly those people that find themselves in a new situation, we can help.”

The charity, found above the library in Boroughbridge, is hopeful to resume its usual social events and fundraising once government restrictions ease.

It is determined to offer support to those in need with the help of additional volunteers.

A teacher from Knaresborough says she needs more support to help those seeking asylum settle into the Harrogate district.

Anne Morley has spent her free time in recent months taking supplies like shoes and mobile phones to asylum seekers in Leeds.

There are currently around 130 asylum seekers living in a hotel in Leeds. The coronavirus pandemic has meant that they are not able to go into detention centres.

Ms Morley has won the support of some people in Knaresborough but she needs more help. Asylum seekers are not entitled to any benefits before they have gone through a legal process and gained refugee status.

Read more:

• Henshaws Hundreds fundraises for struggling charity
• Knaresborough yoga charity to reopen after community support
• Golf event to raise money for Harrogate charity

She says it is a life in limbo for the asylum seekers after a treacherous journey from war-torn countries like Syria, Iraq and Sudan. Many are not able to tell their families that they have arrived safely in the UK because they have no working phones.

That is something that Ms Morley and charity Care4Calais has tried to change. Ms Morley told the Stray Ferret that asylum seekers want to come to the UK and contribute:

“Some people have this view that asylum seekers want to come here and claim benefits but it is simply untrue. They all want to work and build better lives for themselves. I know people who have gone onto work in Harrogate’s hospital or as carers or even as mechanics.”

Her plea for people to donate to the Care4Calais emergency appeal comes as the body of 16-year-old Sudanese boy attempting to cross the English Channel was found earlier today.

Henshaws has launched a new fundraising initiative to raise vital funds after experiencing shortfalls it attributes to coronavirus.

Its new Henshaws Hundreds Challenge will begin on September 21. Participants are asked to pick a hundred of any distance they like and get sponsored for it.

It costs £5 to sign up and all fees and sponsors will go to the charity to help support those living with disabilities to build skills and develop confidence. Participants can choose to complete their 100 alone or within a group and are asked to use a mobile app to track their distance.

Gemma Young, Henshaws Fundraising Manager for Yorkshire, said

“Inclusivity is at the heart of the Henshaws Hundreds challenge. It’s possible to cover your chosen distance in a wheelchair, using a walking frame, walking on your hands, or by running, walking swimming or cycling. Plus we hope we’ll also attract a few fun entries with people perhaps skateboarding, hula-hooping, or pogo-sticking their challenge!”

The money raised through the challenge will begin to cover the funds lost during missed fundraising opportunities over lockdown.

Read more:

• No plans to close Henshaws College as its arts and craft centre and supported living services have to close. 
• A mother describes how she kept in contact with her daughter in assisted living as they both had to self-isolate. 

The charity’s recent financial struggles forced it to close its arts and craft centre in Knaresborough and cut its supported living services.

Henshaws was criticised at the time by people whose family members were in the supported living facility who accused the charity of financial mismanagement. The families also said there was a disconnect between upper management and those using the service.

The charity responded to these claims and said:

“These are extremely difficult decisions being taken in exceptional circumstances and our team will continue to support people across Yorkshire in every way we can.”

Harrogate Borough Council has donated £10,000 to Dementia Forward through money it made recycling cremation metals.

The council makes money twice a year through the recycling programme with consent from the bereaved families. It then chooses a different charity for each six-month period.

When a person is cremated the process leaves behind metals from implants like hip and knee replacements as well as from the construction of the coffin.

Read more:

• Hospital pop-up launches craft competition to increase donations
• Harrogate charity inundated with staff and volunteer applications
• District charity shops ‘overwhelmed’ with donations

Councillor Andy Paraskos, Harrogate Borough Council’s cabinet member for environment, waste reduction and recycling, said:

“I’d like to thank those families who, during a difficult time, have consented to us recycling metals recovered. By raising this money, everyone involved has done their bit to helping local charities such as Dementia Forward.”

Jillian Quinn, CEO of Dementia Forward, said:

“We would like to thank Harrogate Borough Council for this very generous donation, which has come at a really important time. Our services are needed more than ever and many of our fund raising events are on hold at the moment. We have extended our help line team and this will keep the service going strong. We rely heavily on local support and we are very grateful.”