Page 77 - Phonebox Magazine November 2014

Climbing high for Dravet Syndrome awareness
of the whole day. We were tired, our feet were tired and some of us had blisters, but the end was in sight. We had two hours to return to Horton.
Determination and sheer stubborness got us back to the Post Office car park, clocking us in at 19.09. We had done it, and in 11 hours 44 minutes! Everything hurt, but it was well worth it for the awesome sense of achievement we all gained.
We’ve been overwhelmed by the amazing support and generosity of our friends and family who have helped us raise £2,400 so far for Toby and other families living with Dravet syndrome. Thank you, we are very grateful.
We are still accepting donations and more information can be found on the hike through the team’s Just Giving page; justgiving.com/3-peaks-for-Dravet To find out more about Toby’s story and his journey with Dravet syndrome, please visitTobystrust.org.
Local girl digs deep for Macmillan
face of this sadness.
At first I felt powerless. After all, I’m just a regular mum with two young children, trying my best to keep on top of the day to day and keep my sadness at bay. It’s not like I’m a scientist working on a cure, or a millionaire with deep pockets. But then I saw the plea from MacMillan Cancer Research for volunteers to raise £3,500 and take part in the (self-funded) trek to Petra. I decided to take the challenge for my loved ones. To push myself out of my comfort zone for them. Every step, for them. Every pound raised, for them. Hopefully, by the time you read this, I’ll be back safe and sound with not too many blisters on my feet but lots of pounds in my Just Giving account. And I’ll be focusing on my next fundraising challenge: to organise an 80s night at The Carlton Club on the 15th November from 8pm.
Most of us know what it’s like for illness to touch our lives, whether it’s our own or that of friends or family. It’s easy to sit at home and reach for the wine to drown
our sorrows. But, I beg you, don’t! Just because illness can be depressing, that doesn’t mean that fundraising can’t be fun. So, please, dig out your leg warmers and your best 80s moves and come and join me on the dance floor on the 15th. I’d love to see you.
Sarah’s 80s night is on 15th November at the Carlton Club from 8pm. Tickets
are only £10 and tickets sold before 8th November will include a first drink (T&Cs apply). You can collect your tickets from CT Wilsons or by contacting Sarah on 07941 413 934. All proceeds go to MacMillan.
To support Sarah’s fundraising efforts, please visit go to justgiving.com/ S-Leese.
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