Other people making a difference

Supporting people in third world countries

For Christmas '05, the staff of Sara Ward, Addenbrooke's paid for the training of a healthcare worker, 500 school dinners, schooling for 5 children and planted 50 trees. This was achieved through Oxfam Unwrapped.

Our friends David and Vicki who live in Singapore bought 2 buffalos for their helper, who due to urgent family circumstances would have had to use her life savings to buy the buffalos and keep this essential livestock in the family. Here's a little picture of the buffalos.

Other people in the third world have been helped through:

• Sponsoring a child through Plan International - Plan International helps children in 45 developing countries. It works with children, their families and communities to build a world where children are safe, healthy and capable of realising their full potential.
• Buying a goat for a family in Africa through Farm Friends.
• Sponsoring a child in Sudan through SOS Children's Villages.

Supporting children in the UK

Here are a few things that have been done for children in the UK:

• Lighting a light in memory of Fergus (donation made to the local children’s hospice).
• Sending phones to the Blue Peter Treasure Trail Appeal.
• Donating to Childline.
• Our nephew Rowan also pedal pushed for Childline.
• Our mate Dave provided free chiropractic sessions to two looked after children.

Supporting medicine

A few weeks ago we got some nice news when we found out that Fergus’ heart valves had been transplanted into two small babies with heart defects. Over 6000 people are waiting for a transplant. Sign up to be a donor by visiting www.uktransplant.org.uk

The world of medicine was also helped through Martin and his mates who did a 24 hour charity bike ride for the CLIC Sargent Charity. Here's what he had to say about it.

“After reading your card at Christmas Rachel and I wanted to do something good, we struggled for a while thinking what we could do. Back in January we heard about the CLIC24 bike race and we thought it would be a great way to raise some money while at the same time doing something we enjoy. I emailed a few riding friends and told them about Fergus and how we'd like to do something good in his name. My friends instantly took up the challenge and in went our entry form.

The event itself was amazing, the atmosphere was really relaxed and people had amazing stories about people close to them who were benefiting from the CLIC Sargent charity. During the long night time laps it really helped to keep the pedals turning knowing that you were raising money to help make a difference to individuals and families who were going through such tough times. All in we completed 23 laps covering 230 miles and climbing 23460 feet. At the last count we managed to raise £1588 which is far and away much more than we ever imagined!”

The picture on the right is of a (very) tired team just after the end of the event, from left to right we have: Steve, Martin, James and Tony.

• Collecting money for the Kidney foundation.
• Giving blood - to find out about the next blood donor session near you visit www.blood.co.uk
• Raising money for the Special Care Baby Unit at Addenbrooke's