We are delighted to say that entry for our 2025 Fun Run is open, we are expecting the event to be very popular as usual so would recommend registering early to avoid disappointment!
You can book your place through the following link:
https://www.riderhq.com/events/p/nkkzq3rw/f/bromsgrove-10k-and-5k-for-blood-cancer-uk-2025
We would like to take a moment to express our heartfelt thanks to all the wonderful prize sponsors for the Blood Cancer UK Bromsgrove Fun Run. Your generous support has played a crucial role in making our event a success, and has helped us maximize our fundraising efforts to combat blood cancer. Each and every sponsor has contributed to the success of this community-driven event, and we are incredibly grateful for their partnership.
First up, we are excited to introduce one of our newest sponsors, Bremi’s, a high-quality bar set to open soon at 7 Stoke Road, Aston Fields. As they prepare to bring their premium selection of drinks and a fantastic atmosphere to the local area, we are thrilled to have their support for our cause. Bremi’s will be a wonderful addition to Aston Fields, and we’re looking forward to seeing them thrive in the community.
A special thank you to Ormerod Rutter, a Worcestershire-based firm of Chartered Accountants with over 40 years of experience. Their award-winning services have made them a trusted name in the region, and we are grateful to have their backing. Ormerod Rutter’s support helps us continue to make a positive impact, both for the Fun Run and for those affected by blood cancer.
We are also thankful to Pure Home Solutions, specialists in home improvements who are based right here in the local area. Their expertise spans across kitchens, bathrooms, and small extensions, offering a full turnkey service. With their involvement, we are able to enhance our event and fundraising efforts, all while spotlighting the importance of local business in supporting charitable causes.
Another valued local business, Decor Design, has also stepped forward to lend their support. Located in Aston Fields, they supply and install a range of flooring options for both residential and commercial settings, and their full Karndean showroom is a must-visit for anyone looking to revamp their floors. Decor Design’s generosity plays a vital role in helping us create a more impactful fundraising event for Blood Cancer UK.
To all our incredible sponsors, we extend a sincere thank you for your involvement and generosity. Your contributions not only enhance the Fun Run but also allow us to raise crucial funds that will go towards life-saving research and support for individuals affected by blood cancer.
We encourage everyone in the Bromsgrove and Aston Fields areas to visit and support these wonderful local businesses. Together, we can make a real difference in the fight against blood cancer.
Thank you once again for your unwavering support, and we look forward to seeing you all at the Blood Cancer UK Bromsgrove Fun Run!
We hope you are well and would like to thank you for your support and donations over the last few months.
Paul Pittaway, our auditor for the past nine years, is now retiring from this position and we would like to thank him for his help. His support has been much appreciated. We also would like to thank and encourage Jo Holmes who is going to be running the London marathon for us. Should you wish to sponsor her: https://2024tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/jo-holmes
A huge thank you to Steve, our quiz master, who with his family does such a great job and helped to raise £504.81at the last quiz. We are planning another quiz night for the autumn but may change our venue, details to follow in next newsletter. We are also grateful to the helpers who took part in our Tesco collection which raised a record amount of £640.
We are pleased to announce that we have raised £19, 635 this year. This would not be possible without your help and support. We are a very small committee and could do with new members, so if you felt you could give some of your time to help us out, it would be really appreciated. We only have 4 committee meetings a year and those are on zoom on a Friday night. Please have a chat with Nicole on nicnoelharris@aol.com
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 APRIL
We have been given a collection on Saturday the 20th April and we are still looking for collectors on the day between 1 and 3pm. Please, if you can help, email Nicole. (nicnoelharris@aol.com)
RUN 50 MILES IN MAY
We’re the generation who’ll beat blood cancer, but we need your help to get there ❤️
Take on our Run 50 Miles in May challenge, whenever and however suits you and get your friends involved and fundraise together. You will receive a t shirt if you raise a minimum of £50. This may be ideal for some of our runners who may find the 5k or 10k too much of a challenge. If you are interested, please do let us know on nicnoelharris@aol.com
https://bloodcancer.org.uk/get-involved/fundraising-events-and-challenges/sports-challenges/run-50
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.
So far just under 200 runners are taking part, but we are finding it difficult to get back to the pre covid number of participants. If you know some friends who would like to take part or if you are able to hand out leaflets or put posters up for us, do let us know.
MORRISON COLLECTION BROMSGROVE 8TH JUNE
We haven’t contacted any of our supporters yet, therefore, should you be able to help us between 10.00 and 17.00, contact Nicole.
ELIZABETHAN MARKET 22ND JUNE
We will be having a tombola on Saturday 22nd June. If you can spare a couple of hours to help on the day, contact Nicole.
UNWANTED GIFTS
When doing your spring cleaning, if 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
Louis Walsh reflects on his diagnosis with blood cancer after coming fourth on Celebrity Big Brother. Louis said: “For anyone reading this, if you don’t feel well, please, please go and get checked.” “If this interview encourages one person to go to a doctor, then this has all been worth it.”
A big thanks to Louis for helping us raise awareness of the fifth most common cancer in the UK. Read the full article here: https://bit.ly/3IT9n0w
THANK YOU!
We are delighted to say that entry for our 2024 Fun Run is open, we are expecting the event to be very popular as usual so would recommend registering early to avoid disappointment!
You can book your place through the following link:
https://www.riderhq.com/events/p/t1t8j64q/f/blood-cancer-uk-bromsgrove-fun-run-2024
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!
We are glad to say that we have been very busy this past six months and have managed to send £18,621 to Blood Cancer UK. We are not raising as much money as we used to but considering the economy and the break we had to take from fund raising during Covid, we are very pleased with this achievement. We are grateful to all the runners and helpers who turned up for our annual Fun Run and helped raise £12,850. After a two-year break, we are slowly getting more participants but the numbers are still low compared to pre-covid times. We were able to restart our quiz at the Court Leet and raised £672. Thank you to everyone who helped at the Elizabethan Market which raised £303. We were able to help with the Walk of Light at Cannon Hill Park and thanks to Martyn, Chris Stuart, and Harry Singh, we raised over £3000 for our branch. Finally, we also would like to add that our thoughts are with Clare, a former committee member, who lost her dad recently to blood cancer.
September is not far away, and we have prepared a few events for you to enjoy.
MORRISON COLLECTION FRIDAY 28TH JULY
We will be using buckets rather than tins and now have access to a card reader as we are aware that not everyone carries cash anymore and it may be easier to get a donation that way. We took over £80 from cards at the last collection, so this is well worth having. If you are free anytime between 3 and 5 on that day, please contact Nicole nicnoelharris@aol.com
QUIZ NIGHT FRIDAY 13TH OCTOBER
This will take place at the Court Leet (Hungry Horse) Worcester Road Bromsgrove at 7.30pm. Teams of 4 at £25 per team. Steve and his family will be present again. Contact Nicole on nicnoelharris@aol.com
CURRY EVENING FRIDAY 10th NOVEMBER
We will be having another Curry Night at Dine India in Catshill at 7.30pm. The cost of the meal is £22 per person and includes a choice from 3 starters and 3 mains, with rice and naan bread as well as a dessert. Dayl has also organised a fantastic raffle for the evening. Contact Nicole asap on nicnoelharris@aol.com
CHRISTMAS CARDS
Blood Cancer UK is now selling Christmas cards. I am waiting for a link to send to show you the stock. You will then be able to contact me to place an order.
TOMBOLA ITEMS
We have used up 400 tombola prizes and will need to replenish our stock for the Fun Run next year. A lot of those unwanted presents you may have, raise a great deal of money for our branch. So now that the children are on holiday and whilst doing some clearing out, you may find something which would be of use to us. We also would appreciate some raffle prizes if you have any.
BOTTLES WANTED
We always need some bottles for our raffle prizes. It doesn’t have to be alcoholic, we can raise money from anything you give us.
PERSIAN RUG
We have been donated a very dark blue rug. This is brand new and was worth £98 but would accept any reasonable offer for it. Just contact nicnoelharris@aol.com Measurements: 120 X 180.
TINS IN PUBS OR SHOPS
If you are able to put a collection tin in your shop or pub, do let Sue know and she will let you have a tin. A great deal of money can be raised that way
RESEARCH NEWS
Targeting tumour stroma could improve immunotherapy response in those with lymphoma
Researchers at King’s College London have shown how specific cells known as ‘fibroblast cells’ in lymphoma tumours suppress the body’s immune cells and immunotherapy treatment. The Blood Cancer UK funded work highlights the potential of harnessing these fibroblasts to help rejuvenate the body’s immune cells (T-cells) using novel immunotherapy drugs. The scientific paper, the Journal of Clinical Investigation published the results.
Blood cancer drug trial results in better outcomes than those on best-available existing medication
A drug, ruxolitinib, has been found to be better at treating the blood cancer – polycythaemia vera (PV) than the best currently available treatment. Researchers looked at how well the drug worked in those who don’t respond well to the first line of treatment in a randomized phase-II clinical trial. Blood Cancer UK funded the work through the Trials Acceleration Programme.
Research suggests drug improves stem cell transplants for those with multiple myeloma
Researchers in the US have shed light on a way to carry out stem cell transplants in people with multiple myeloma more efficiently, using a drug called motixafortide. The scientific journal, Nature Medicine, published the findings, today (Monday 17 April).
We’re delighted to be funding 16 new research projects
We are delighted to announce funding for 16 new research projects across the UK, worth over £4million. The projects span all types of blood cancer and bring our total funding portfolio to 74 different research projects across 23 different institutions in the UK.
