We are pleased to tell you that we have been very busy this past six months and have managed to raise over £23, 000 so far since April. We are grateful to all the runners and helpers who turned up for our annual Fun Run and helped raise £19,066. A special thank you to St John’s Surgery who contributed  £6739.59 of this.  Thank you to everyone who helped at the Elizabethan Market which raised £240. We were proud to receive the cup for the best stall.  We are also very grateful to you for helping us with our collections at Tesco and Morrisons which raised respectively,  £482 and £641 plus the benefit of the Gift Aid Small Donations Scheme on both (extra 25%).

TESCO COLLECTION 12^th OCTOBER:

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. If you are free anytime on that day, please contact Nicole nicnoelharris@aol.com 

QUIZ NIGHT FRIDAY 18TH OCTOBER

This will take place at the Bromsgrove Rugby Club 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  8^th NOVEMBER

We will be having another Curry Night at Dine India in Catshill at 7.30pm. The cost of the meal is £25 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. 

GREETINGS CARDS 

Judy Hurst is selling some greetings cards at Avoncroft Museum, sending us the profit she makes from her sale. If interested, you can buy them at the shop. 

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. 

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. 

TREK TO EVEREST CAMP BASE

Karen Cartlidge is embarking on a challenging journey of over 100km to a height of 5364 metres in memory of a good friend, Pete Allen,  who sadly passed earlier this year. She is doing this to raise money for Blood Cancer UK and to support her please go onto: https://www.justgiving.com/page/karen-cartlidge-1722428434857

FUN RUN MAY 11th 2025

We are already taking entries for this event. Should you wish to register you may do so now on:

https://www.riderhq.com/events/p/nkkzq3rw/f/bromsgrove-10k-and-5k-for-blood-cancer-uk-2025

RESEARCH NEWS

New blood test to help diagnose myeloma among research boost to Birmingham

Blood Cancer UK have marked Myeloma Awareness Week, which ran from the 17th of June to 24^th June by announcing £1.3m of new funding to new myeloma research projects!

Over half of this money is being awarded to research at the University of Birmingham. It includes a £310k grant to a team who are developing a new blood test to help diagnose the disease.

In the UK around 5,900 people are diagnosed with myeloma each year. It’s the disease that insurance leader, now chair of trustees at Blood Cancer UK, Matthew Wilson has. In 2020 Matthew felt permanently exhausted but put it down to stress. He spent two years in a cycle of diagnosis and treatment, before seeking the expertise of another doctor where he received the life-changing blood cancer diagnosis that often presents challenges in diagnosis and treatment.

While myeloma can be treated, it currently has no cure. Now stable and living with his condition, Matthew set up the Matthew Wilson Multiple Myeloma Fund, which is funding four projects to transform outcomes for people with the disease.

A small percentage of people with myeloma do not produce sufficient amounts of a specific protein found in the blood and used to monitor their disease. This is often referred to as non-measurable myeloma. In the new £310k project, Dr Tracey Chan, Dr Jen Heaney and their team at the University of Birmingham are developing a new technique to help diagnose and monitor people with non-measurable myeloma.

The technique takes blood samples from someone with myeloma and separates proteins found in the blood based on their electrical charge. It detects specific proteins that would not be visible with standard blood tests.

The team will be testing their new technique on a large group of people with the disease and will also conduct group conversations with people with non-measurable myeloma to understand their opinions of using this type of test as an alternative.

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.

A Big Welcome to Bremi’s!

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.

Ormerod Rutter – A Legacy of Excellence

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.

Pure Home Solutions – Local Expertise You Can Trust

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.

Decor Design – Crafting Stunning Spaces

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.

A Heartfelt Thank You

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 20^TH APRIL 

We have been given a collection on Saturday the 20^th 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 12^TH 

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 8^TH 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 22^ND JUNE

We will be having a tombola on Saturday 22^nd 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 20^TH JANUARY 

We have been given a collection on Saturday the 20^th 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 30^TH 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 12^TH 

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!