We hope that you have all stayed healthy since our last newsletter and would like to wish you a Happy New Year for 2024.
We would like to thank everyone for their kind donations at Christmas. We must mention Horace Jukes, Val Kennewell and Judy Hurst who have been sending us regular donations. A special thought for Denise Bonham’s family who sadly lost Nick this year to blood cancer. A huge thank you to the Lickey End Striders who have helped us with our run and raised money for the branch. We are also grateful to the helpers who took part in our Tesco and Morrisons collections which raised £347 and £379 respectively. Sadly, people do not carry much cash nowadays but we are now using a card reader which I hope will make some difference.
We were able to organise a curry night again and were delighted to raise £467. We also held a quiz night at the Court Leet which raised over £500.
Remember, if your company is choosing a charity of the year, think of us! As you may have read in the press, a lot of successful research is being done at the moment. Every pound raised does make the difference. You may also be interested in sponsoring our annual Fun Run (to fund prizes). Contact Nicole if you can help.
Blood cancer has an open line for anyone who is undergoing treatment or who would like to speak confidentially with the support services team (0808 2080 888).
FUTURE EVENTS
TESCO COLLECTION REDDITCH 20TH JANUARY
We have been given a collection on Saturday the 20th January and we are still looking for collectors on the day. I fear we may not have enough collectors for this date as two regular supporters will be away. So far, we only have 9 till 10 covered. Nicole will contact regular collectors for this date but please, if you can help, email Nicole. (nicnoelharris@aol.com)
QUIZ NIGHT MARCH 8th
This will take place at the Court Leet (Hungry Horse) Worcester Road, Bromsgrove. £25 for teams of 4. Steve and his family will be present again.
WALK OF LIGHT MARCH 30TH at Cannon Hill Park in Birmingham
This consists of a 2.5km or 5km night-time walk to light the way to beat blood cancer. Collect your free lantern upon arrival and become part of the light spectacular!
Join in with activities before your Walk of Light begins at 7pm and hear from our exciting line-up of speakers Share your reasons for walking, whether in memory or in celebration of your loved ones and meet other like-minded walkers. Celebrate with your finisher’s medal and a hot drink in the event village. Raise £50 and you’ll receive your exclusive Walk of Light t- shirt, only available to Walk of Light participants. The suggested arrival time will be around 6pm and the walk will begin shortly after the sun sets around 7pm. Both routes are accessible for pushchairs and wheelchairs. Cannon Hill Park is served by public transport and there is limited car parking on site.
https://walkoflight.bloodcancer.org.uk/ If you can help on the night or simply take part, please let Nicole know on nicnoelharris@aol.com as any money raised from you will then go directly to our branch!
FUN RUN MAY 12TH
Our annual Fun Run will take place at Bromsgrove Rugby Club and will consist of a 10k and a 5k race. All runners will receive a medal and all fundraisers with £30 sponsorship will get a T-shirt. The 5k route, which can be walked, follows the canal towpath for some of the route so children aged 10 or under, must be accompanied by an adult. The 10k is more challenging and attracts runners from a wide area. The run will be using chip timing. We would like to stress that the event is limited to 500 runners so do not wait to register. You can do this online on
https://www.riderhq.com/events/p/t1t8j64q/f/blood-cancer-uk-bromsgrove-fun-run-2024
Remember you will need to collect your number and chip on the morning of the race and to be present at least an hour before the race as we do need to take you to the start at 10.50. You will also receive your t-shirt on the morning of the race if you have raised the minimum amount needed. Should you be able to help, please do contact Nicole.
UNWANTED GIFTS
When clearing up after Christmas, should you have any items which could be useful for our tombola or raffles (bottles welcome), please let Nicole know as we are very short of items.
NEWS FROM BLOOD CANCER UK
This year we got the amazing opportunity to work with Omaze once again and the Omaze Million Pound House Draw raised a staggering £1.95m in just six weeks to support vital blood cancer research. Yes, you read that right – £1,950,000!
Money raised from our Omaze partnership has already been put to good use, funding four new research projects working on saving the lives of children with blood cancer. All this was only possible through the incredible work that you do with spreading the word, entering and sharing with friends and family!
THANK YOU!