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

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

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.

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.

Two appointments at Roecliffe pub

A new chef and general manager have been appointed at the Crown Inn in Roecliffe, near Boroughbridge.

The 16th century coaching inn was bought by the Coastal and Country Inns Group in September 2020 and was subsequently refurbished.

The group has hired chef Paul Murphy, who previously helped to establish the Timble Inn near Otley into a five-star hotel. He also worked with fellow chef Frances Atkins at the Michelin-starred Yorke Arms near Pateley Bridge.

Paul Bennington will also join the team as general manager.

Mr Binnington, who first teamed up with Paul Murphy at the Station Inn in Birstwith, previously ran the Black Lion in Thirsk.

Chris Hannon, managing director of Coastal and Country Inns, said:

“These two appointments are crucially important for the future of the Crown. The two Pauls, who are both very experienced and very talented, are a true dream team. They work brilliantly together.”

Harrogate’s Duchy Hospital sends medical supplies to Ukraine

The Duchy Hospital in Harrogate has worked alongside a UK-based Ukrainian Doctor to deliver more than 110 tonnes of medical supplies to Ukraine.

Working with the Ukrainian doctors’ union and the British Red Cross, the Duchy Hospital has identified the supplies needed by war-hit hospitals.

The Duchy Hospital is one of 53 Circle Health Group hospitals that has stockpiled supplies such as ventilators, crutches, respiratory masks, scrubs, wound kits and operating tables for Ukrainian hospitals.

The latest delivery contained £185,500 of medical equipment loaded on 35 pallets.

Staff and doctors at Duchy Hospital have raised additional funds with a bake sale, food collection and a 12-hour continuous cycle, which have raised more than £2,000.

Sports clubs in Harrogate could get free life-saving defibrillators thanks to a cricket club’s fundraising efforts.

Luke Trower, a member of Bilton in Ainsty CC, who play in the York and District Senior Cricket League, wanted to do something after his dad died while playing football. He might have survived if a defibrillator had been available at the ground.

Mr Trower and 10 other club members embarked on a sponsored climb of Ben Nevis to raise money for the machines, which revive people having cardiac arrests. Those taking part included umpire Jim Stevens, who is 67 years old.

So far their efforts have generated almost £6,000, which has funded new machines at Bilton in Ainsty CC’s ground and Wetherby bandstand. Donations can still be made here.

Drew Walker, one of those who climbed Ben Nevis last month, said:

“We are looking to put defibrillators in other sports clubs in the Harrogate area that need them. We think we can fund another three.”

Mr Walker said any organisations interested should contact Mr Trower on 07897409689.

Those that climbed Ben Nevis were Luke Trower, Drew Walker, Alex Bowden, Grace Piechocki, Chris Newby, Adam Stobert, Henry Gardner, Andrew Wilson, Jim Stevens, James Good and James Wilkinson.

Here are some images from their expedition.

Back in the 1970s, It’s A Knockout was one of the most popular family game shows on TV – it was essentially a sports day for adults.

Now, Harrogate Hospital and Community Charity (HHCC) is inviting friends, families and work colleagues to take part in its version in June.

Teams of 10 entrants will battle it out on an It’s a Knockout inflatable assault course at Harrogate Railway Athletic Football Club on Sunday, June 5.

An ‘Around the World in 80 Days’ challenge of wacky games will see contestants face water and foam in their quest to be crowned champion.

Community spirit

Sammy Lambert, business development, charity and volunteer manager, said:

“HHCC are so excited to be able to host the Summer Extravaganza and bring people together once again.

“We want to bolster community spirit by creating the opportunity for families, friends and colleagues to meet for a day of summer fun while supporting their local NHS at the same time.”

Members of the community have the chance to rise to the challenge or come and support their team.

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The event forms part of this year’s Summer Extravaganza, which will raise funds for NHS services at Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust.

It will include a range of shopping stalls, summer game stands, a bar and barbecue.

Entry to It’s A Knockout Game is £30 per person. Participants must be over 16 and each registration includes entry to the Summer Extravaganza.

Challengers can sign up as an individual or as part of a team. Teams will be entered into one of three groups, with limited availability.

Tickets

Tickets for entry to the Summer Extravaganza are available for a donation of £2 for adults and children over the age of five. Children under the age of five go free.

Register for It’s A Knockout or buy tickets by emailing hdft.hhcc@nhs.net or visit the HHCC website.

The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, made a rare visit to St Andrew’s in Kirkby Malzeard to honour one of the church’s most loyal servants.

In what was the first visit by an archbishop to the church in living memory,  he presented a specially-commissioned silver medal to Chris Slater.

Mr Slater retired from his unpaid role of parish sexton and  verger at the church near Ripon last year.

The award was in recognition of his work over more than six decades, which included meticulously caring for the  grounds at St Andrew’s while keeping the building’s fabric in good condition and the clock on time.

Chris Slater, wearing his silver medal for long-service, is pictured at St Andrew’s.

Mr Slater married his wife Mary at St Andrew’s 58 years ago and the church, where they and their daughter Susan were christened, has been supported by the family for decades.

Mr Slater, who is 81, told the Stray Ferret:

“This church has been my life for more than 60 years and I looked after it in the way I have looked after Mary and Susan, with care and devotion, taking great pride in everything I have done there.

“It was a surprise, when I heard that the archbishop was coming to Kirkby Malzeard and I was honoured to receive the long service medal from him.”

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As well as looking after the grounds and the fabric of the church, Mr Slater attended, without fail, funerals there while his wife and daughter prepared the church for wedding services.

An indication of his dedication to St Andrew’s came in 2003 when he  raised £3,000 with the help of family and friends to pay for the installation of an electronic mechanism to wind the church tower clock and its chimes.

He said:

“Before then, I had to wind the clock twice a week – with hundreds of turns each time – one to keep the clock going and the other to set the chimes. It was hard work.”

The presentation of his medal was made as part of the Plough Sunday service at the church.

A national charity has called for more funds to help make a wish come true for eight-year-old Harrogate boy George Hinkins, who was born with half a working heart.

George lives with a rare congenital heart defect called Ebstein’s Anomaly and had his first open-heart surgery at just 36 hours old. The defect means he can’t pump blood to his lungs as well as other people and struggles with oxygen levels.

In his eight years, George has had three major open-heart surgeries “to correct as much as they can”, said dad Matthew Hinkins.

With more surgeries inevitable, George has asked Make-A-Wish UK to help him become a ‘Ghostbuster for the day’.

However, due to the pandemic, the charity has had a 40% drop in funding. It said it needs £155,000 to grant the wishes of the 62 children living with a critical condition in the North East.

George Hinkins dressed as a ghostbuster.

George’s love for the Ghostbusters franchise started when he was six years old. He took his Ghostbuster figurines into his third surgery in March 2020.

George’s mum, Jane Hinkins, said:

“We can’t go out with George very much, especially in winter as his heart makes it difficult for him to regulate his temperature. So we’ve had to find alternative ways to keep him entertained.

“Ghostbusters really captured his imagination – he talks about the characters being brave, facing the unknown, going into scary situations. It’s been an amazing tool for us to talk about how he’s feeling.”

George said:

“When I’m in hospital, it’s a bit scary. But just like the Ghostbusters, I try to face my fears. I try to be brave.”

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His family said more surgeries are inevitable and a transplant may be considered when George is older.

The charity has said it hopes to raise the money by World Wish Day on April 29. In total, there are 503 critically ill children waiting for a wish to be granted in the UK, which would cost £1.25 million.

To find out more or donate to Make-A-Wish UK, click here.

A Harrogate woman with severe sight loss and her friend are set to walk 100km continuously for almost 40 hours whilst tethered together in aid of Retina UK.

Penny Uglow has been losing her sight since she was 13 and is now left with just a 10 pence piece area of her vision in focus. Her condition is called retinitis pigmentosa which progressively breaks down the cells in the retina.

Her sight loss makes the challenge of 100km continuous walking even harder.

But Penny will have the help of her personal trainer and friend James Winder, a crew manager at Harrogate Fire Station, who has to describe each step to Penny and alert her to any obstacles.

Penny chose to fundraise for Retina UK as the charity is currently funding a research trial into a possible cure for her condition. The treatment is attempting to stop the cells dying to maintain as much sight as possible.

Penny is undergoing tests to be part of the trial and although her sight will never return this treatment may help pause any further degeneration.

The pair are taking on the Yorkshire Ultra Challenge and instead of spreading the distance across two days, they have chosen to push through in one go.

When asked why she wanted to take on such a challenge, Penny said:

“I am very excited but also nervous, I don’t know how it will go until I’m there. Maybe it was a slightly crazy plan but I knew it had to be a huge challenge to get people to donate.

“It’ll be such a big achievement for me and that is what will keep me going, especially through the night.”

The pair will be connected by a 60cm tether rope.

Due to Penny’s sight loss and the need for constant guidance the pair expect to walk at a reduced pace of 3km an hour meaning they are likely to be walking for up to 40 hours.

The route is split into two 25km loops going north and south of Pateley Bridge, the pair will walk each loop twice to reach their total distance.

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James Winder said:

“This is a huge challenge for anyone never mind someone with such reduced sight like Penny. When she first came to me with the idea of a marathon for charity I, of course, said yes and then it just progressed. How could I say no when the charity is working so hard to help people like Penny?”

Penny has set her target at £3,500 and has nearly reached £3,000. To donate and support the pair click here.