Masham farmers fundraise in memory of colleagues who died of sepsis

Masham Young Farmers’ Club is fundraising in memory of two local farmers who died after contracting sepsis.

Hannah Brown was in her twenties when she cut her hand and the wound became infected.

David Cooke thought he had covid but also ended up dying of sepsis, which occurs when your immune system overreacts to an infection.

Masham Young Farmers’ Club is working with the UK Sepsis Trust this year to spread awareness of the condition and raise money.

A tractor run in May generated £2,500, now the club has organised an auction of promises, which will take place at Masham Town Hall on October 14. People will bid for donated prizes, which range from a family ticket to the Forbidden Corner to a quad bike package.

Jack Jobling, chairman of the club, which has about 40 members, said sepsis was a cause close to the heart of the farming community. He said:

“Sepsis, if diagnosed early can be treated successfully, however if people are unaware of the signs of the illness it can rapidly become very serious and untreatable.

“Masham Young Farmers’ Club is aiming to not only raise money for the charity, we are trying to increase awareness of sepsis so that people are able to detect signs of the disease faster and therefore save lives.

“This is particularly important within the farming community as farmers often cut themselves and come into contact with muck and other contaminants in their work, and this is one way that an infection can be brought into the body that can lead to sepsis developing.”

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There are 48 lots on offer at the auction. Profit will be donated to the trust, with a small amount kept to go towards club running costs.

Tickets cost £10 and include a buffet. The event will begin with a short talk and video from a trust ambassador and then auctioneer Kenton Foster will sell the lots.

For more details email mashamyfc@gmail.com, call or text 07521 595412 or call 01677 470353.

Pateley woman, 65, completes Nidderdale triathlon alone after cancellation

Charity fundraiser Mary Philpott completed the Nidderdale sprint triathlon on her own — after the race was cancelled following the Queen’s death.

Ms Philpott, 65, had received pledges of £900 to complete the 400 metre swim, 20 kilometre bike ride and five kilometre run on Saturday.

But the event was cancelled 24 hours before it was due to take place because Brimhams Active, the organisers, felt it would be inappropriate to take place during a time of national mourning.

Not wanting to let down Saint Michael’s Hospice, who she was fundraising for, Ms Philpott decided to complete the course alone anyway.

She had already endured disappointments in 2020 and 2021 when the event was cancelled due to covid.

Ms Philpott, who lives in Pateley Bridge and works at Nidderdale Pool and Leisure Centre, where the triathlon was due to start and finish, ended up finishing the course in one hour and 44 minutes.

Mary Philpott,

Mary Philpott completes the course.

The pool roped off a lane to allow her to complete the swim. She then cycled the hilly route to Lofthouse and back before finishing with the run around Pateley Bridge, following the intended route. A ribbon was installed at the finishing line.

With Barclays expected to give £700, Ms Philpott expects to have raised £1,650 for the Harrogate-based hospice, which cared for her husband Paul when he died of cancer in 2015.

She said her legs “felt like jelly” during the run but she said she was “astounded” by her rapid finishing time, particularly as she didn’t start training for triathlon until she was in her 60s. She recalled:

“About three or four years ago pre-lockdown I learned how to swim the front crawl because I could only do breaststroke.

“Somebody said ‘you should challenge yourself by doing a spring triathlon’. I thought it would be a bit of a challenge so why not.”

“I’ve done various things over the years to raise money for Saint Michael’s but this was the big one. So it was a big blow when it was cancelled but I decided I’d go ahead anyhow.”

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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.

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Knaresborough daredevil, 70, performs 50th skydive

Knaresborough woman Helen Westmancoat, 70, has performed her 50th skydive, this time raising over £1,200 for Martin House children’s hospice.

Ms Westmancoat is well-known for her skydiving and fundraising efforts, and the Knaresborough Rotarian performed her latest jump from 15,000 feet with Harrogate Brigantes Rotarian David Billington.

The money the pair raised is enough to pay for six months’ worth of parent support, four sessions of bereavement counselling and a visit from bereavement counsellors offering support through the most difficult of times. 

Her 50th jump was postponed several times to covid and unfavourable weather conditions but she finally made the dive this year, landing at Hibaldstow in Lincolnshire.

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Chris Verney, regional fundraiser for Martin House, said:

“What an amazing impact for those families who need it. We are truly grateful for Helen and David’s support in taking on this challenge, and I am so glad that Helen finally got to do her 50th jump.  Congratulations on reaching this milestone!”

Ms Westmancoat told the Stray Ferret last year how her unusual hobby began.

She said:

“The diving started in 2011 when I worked at York St John’s and there was a call to do a dive for the student support charity. I can’t do it alone in this country now as I’m over the age limit that it allows but I do hope to do more maybe abroad in the future.”

Team of four to cycle the distance of ‘Harrogate to Monaco’ in memory of late friends

Four Harrogate friends are to team up and cycle 1,573km on stationary bikes to raise money for charity after the death of two close friends.

Henry Bartle, Ollie Ward, Joe Braham and Jeremy Butterfield will collectively cycle the distance of Harrogate to Monaco within 24 hours in time for the Grand Prix.

The money will be raised in memory of James Hindmarsh and David Brown, who both passed away last year.

All four of the group will cycle at the same time on May 27 and will aim to complete 16km every hour, then will rest the remaining time of the hour.

Jeremy Butterfield, a close friend of James and David, said:

“Both James and Dave loved F1 so it was only right we all ‘travelled’ to the Monaco Grand Prix this year.

“James and Dave never gave up in their fights and we will continue their legacies to help others fight the challenges they are facing.

“Every cycle of the bike they will be with us (probably with a smile and a Peroni in hand). Forever in our hearts James & Dave, we love you and we will make it to Monaco together.”

James Hindmarsh (left) and David Brown (Right)

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James passed away from a rare form of cancer in 2021, whilst David lost his battle with covid last December.

Half of the funds raised from the bike ride will be donated to Leeds Hospitals Charity, who will allocate it to Leeds Cancer Centre.

Jeremy said:

“This was a centre that was very close to James’ heart. The money raised will go towards support and help for others fighting the same fight our best mate did so bravely.”

The other half of the funds will be donated to The David Brown Foundation.

Jeremy added:

“Dave was the most thoughtful, caring, gentle and humble human who did so much for children and teenagers across the district. We will follow on in Dave’s footsteps and support children’s education across the UK.”

Last year, the four friends took part in three marathons in three days, a ski tour and climbed the three peaks. They initially tried to raise the money for James’ treatment, but as he died they decided to donate the £33,275 to the Sarcoma charity.

The cycle will take place in the window of Rocca, Harrogate. You can donate to the #DOIT4JAMES&DAVID page here. 

 

Harrogate HR professional appointed at Switalskis

Switalskis, a group of three specialist law firms, has appointed Julie Guest as its head of people.

Julie Guest gained experience as a HR professional at CNG  She has also worked in positions with Morrisons, Pinsent Masons and William Hill.

The recruitment is a part of the group’s growth strategy, which has already seen an expansion with the investment of firms Atherton Godfrey and Pryers Solicitors.

Ms Guest said:

“It’s great to join a firm with such a strong focus on its people, culture and values.

“My role will involve further integration of people and systems following the acquisition of Atherton Godfrey and Pryers. I aim to enhance Switalskis’ already strong talent development and create an environment and culture in which everyone is able to flourish.”

John Durkan, managing director of Switalskis group, said:

“Julie brings a wide range of valuable experience to this role along with a proven HR leadership track record.

“She has been responsible for a number of successful change and development programmes within professional services businesses, and I’m delighted she has joined us as our first head of people.”

Julie has 28 years’ HR experience and will take on developing Switalskis’ talent, leadership and inclusion strategies.

Harrogate business leaders encouraged to sleep rough for charity

Business leaders in Harrogate will be joining a ‘sleepout’ challenge to help raise money for charity.

CEO Sleepout UK has organised the event, which will see business execs, directors and CEOs from across North Yorkshire sleeping out to raise money for local charities.

The event will take place on May 19th at Harrogate RUFC.

It is expected that around 40 businesses will participate in this years event.

Ison Harrison Solicitors, Cairns Hotel Group and Harrogate Borough Council are just among a few who will take part.

In previous years, the sleepout raised over £23,000.

Harrogate CEO sleepout

Harrogate CEO sleepout at the RUFC launch

This year, the funds raised from the sleepout will be sent to YMCA Ripon, Harrogate RUFC community projects, Trussell Trust Harrogate, Walking With The Wounded and CEO Sleepout with 10% of all funds raised going to the DEC Ukraine appeal.

Bianca Robinson, chief executive of CEO Sleepout, said:

“Harrogate isn’t particularly associated with rough sleepers, but this doesn’t mean that homelessness doesn’t exist. We see people sleeping in cars with their children, on friends’ sofas, or worse; risking exploitation in exchange for a roof over their heads.

“The event is a chance for local people to learn about hidden homelessness in the area and what’s been done to help those at risk.”

CEO Sleepout UK was started in 2013 by Andy Preston, now the mayor of Middlesbrough, and has raised over £2.7m to combat homelessness and poverty.

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Harrogate Town to sell match-worn shirts tonight to fund defibrillator

Harrogate Town hopes to raise £1,500 tonight to fund a defibrillator on Commercial Street in central Harrogate by selling match-worn shirts.

Shirts signed by captain Josh Falkingham and long-serving midfielders Lloyd Kerry and George Thomson are among those on sale.

A club statement today said:

“The 2020/21 campaign was a historic one for Harrogate Town as it marked the club’s debut season in the English Football League.

“Now you have the chance to own a bit of Harrogate Town history.”

Shirts will be available online from 7pm today on the Harrogate Town club shop. They will be split into categories of £20, £50, £70, £100, and £150 and sold on a first come, first served basis.

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Harrogate transplant patient completes 850-mile charity walk

A double transplant patient from Harrogate received a warm welcome at the hospital today when he completed a year-long 850-mile charity walk.

Mark Smith, who received a new kidney and pancreas, is a keen walker and has completed various challenges raising £17,000 in total but this latest feat was his most difficult yet.

Hospital staff, representatives of Harrogate Hospital and Community Charity, as well as Harrogate borough mayor and mayoress Trevor and Janet Chapman cheered as he arrived at the hospital this afternoon.

His 850-mile target represented the 850 million people who suffer with kidney disease across the world.

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His latest challenge has raised £615 for Kidney Care UK and Harrogate Hospital and Community Charity. You can donate by clicking or tapping here.

Mr Smith told the Stray Ferret:

“My favourite walk was a 23-mile walk from my home in Jennyfields. I first went to Ripley then all the way out to Birstwith and then to Winksley and back. I got some ice cream on the way.

“It’s about determination and resilience. You can’t think about the ‘what ifs’. Life is short. The transplants have not stopped me and neither have my other conditions.

“When you go on the organ donor register you are not just saving someone’s life but you give them the chance to lead a better life they never imagined.”

Stray bonfire organisers appeal for more donations

The organisers of the 50th anniversary charity bonfire and fireworks on the Stray have appealed for more donations to ensure a successful event in nine days time.

An online gofundme page set up by Harrogate and District Round Table has so far attracted £1,220 in donations towards a goal of £8,000 with just over a week to go until the event on Saturday, November 6.

There will be a bucket fundraising collection on the night and people will be encouraged to text to donate £5. But with the current total being so short of the goal, the organisers have appealed for a flurry of online donations over the next week.

The event is organised by volunteers, who try to keep costs low but they have to spend money on fireworks, transportation of pallets and road traffic management.

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The £8,000 figure is how much the event costs to put on, and the Round Table always donates any profits to charity. This year’s charity is the Friends of Harrogate Hospital.

John Carter, who is in charge of organising the bonfire for the Round Table this year, told the Stray Ferret:

“We are going to put on a big bonfire and fireworks display. We hope people will enjoy the event after a pretty miserable 18 months.

“There is the online fundraiser but we will have lots of bucket shaking on the night as well as the text to donate. It is the first time we have done the online fundraiser.

“Over the years the amount we have raised on the night has dwindled as people don’t tend to carry cash so we are encouraging donations in other ways.”

Race for Life returns to Harrogate today

The charity fundraiser Race For Life is set to return to Harrogate today after being cancelled last year due to covid.

Five events will take place on the Stray to raise money for Cancer Research UK. There will be three, five, and 10 kilometre runs. plus two muddy obstacle courses.

Some groups have already generated significant sums ahead of the race, including Tracy and Lorraine’s Angels, which has raised £1,200.

The group. which met through their involvement in the Dishforth Military Wives Choir, will be taking on the pretty muddy obstacle course. Out of the eight in the group, two have been affected by breast cancer since 2020.

Dishforth Military Wives Choir where Tracy and Lorraine’s Angels met

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Tracy Seavers said:

“I was the 1 in 2 to have a cancer diagnosis and spent all of 2020 and the beginning of 2021 undergoing treatment.

“It has been a long hard slog but made easier by all those people who have gone before me trialling medications to make treatment kinder. Without research I would not be where I am today.”

Pretty Muddy 5K

All five events will be held on The Stray, starting with the 10 kilometre run at 9.30am and ending with the pretty muddy five kilometre obstacle course at 1.15pm.

Oatlands Drive will be shut today for the event.

Adult entry is £19.99 and child entry is £10. Men have been able to join in since 2019.

For more information about Sunday’s race for life in Harrogate, see Cancer Research UK‘s website.