Corinne Spence (shown left, with Di & Geoff Catley) has been working for almost a year now in a post jointly funded by Saint Michael’s Hospice and our MNDA Branch. We asked her to tell us more about her work and the difference she is making to people living with MND… Continue reading
Association Visitors…
… are Branch volunteers who have a vital part to play in supporting people affected by MND – both those with the disease and those close to them. They offer free and confidential emotional support, and information about the MNDA and other services, helping people to make informed choices. In our next edition of Chatter, look out for more on how our AVs and the paid staff from the MND Association work in our area to make a difference to people living with MND.
If you are interested in volunteering as an AV, please do get in touch with us.
Record breaking Christmas Raffle
Thank you to everyone who did their bit to sell (or buy!) tickets for the Christmas Raffle. We raised our highest total for at least 5 years – a fantastic £1,128. The raffle was drawn at the Christmas lunch and we were very pleased that first prize was won by our fantastic chef for the event – well done and thanks for catering for us so well and making it a really lovely festive occasion.
Lose 5lbs to raise £50 for MND…
If losing a few pounds is a target for you, help is at hand!! It isn’t too late to put that new year resolution into practice… contact Liz for a sponsorship form to take part in our challenge. Just ask 10 people to sponsor you for £1 for each pound you lose – and you will soon have raised £50 and feel better too! (liz.burnley@gmail.com; 07786 171246).
Antiques Fair – can you help?
We are delighted to have a stand for a second year at the Harrogate Antiques Fair, 3-7 May 2012. It is a great chance for us to tell people about MND and raise money at the same time. Do let us know if you can spare a couple of hours on any of the days to be part of a team on the stand. Many hands make light work… and it’s good fun too!!
Thank you to Pike Hills Golf Club
As Lady Captain, Hazel Cushing (left of picture) chose the MNDA as her charity of the year and at a recent lunch presented a fantastic £1,000 cheque to Geoff & Di Catley, on behalf of the Branch. Hazel said “my father died from MND over 25 years ago and it was very difficult at the time and I don’t recollect there being any support so I am delighted to donate to a local group as well as the National Organisation”. Thank you so much – that is very much appreciated Hazel.
Club to d’Feet MND??!!
Branch member Paul Bradley raised £550, with a novel idea… sponsored clubbing! Paul was put through his paces by his family; Louise, an expert clubber, with support provided by Fleur and Richard. The dance floor at Space, one of Ibiza’s most exclusive clubs, will never be the same! Well done all!!
If you have a novel fundraising idea, let us know and we can help you to organise it (although for clubbing enquiries, Paul’s your man, it seems!)
Chairman’s Message: Review of 2011
Care of People with MND
As flagged in last year’s review Corinne Spence duly took up her post on 1st April as Community Specialist for MND at Saint Michael’s Hospice, a post that is jointly funded by the Yorkshire Dales Branch and the Hospice. This appointment has been a great success and Corinne has provided invaluable support to many with MND in the area and to their carers. Naturally the branch is committed to providing further support in 2012 and, funds permitting, into 2013. Her efforts have been complemented by Sue Smith and Colin Pearson, the Regional Care Development Advisers, and our Association Visitors whose devotion is greatly appreciated across the Dales area. Home visits and telephone support are supplemented with regular social gatherings, mainly at garden centres and establishments with wheelchair facilities to which all members and supporters are invited. Please look at the events calendar for future gatherings. Continue reading
Dates for your diary
We have lots of events coming up – all are welcome – we would love to see you!!
Informal Social lunches
Why not join us for a social gathering, in a friendly atmosphere? Dates are:
Thursday November 10th, 12.00 at Thirsk Garden Centre, Blakey Lane Thirsk YO7 3AB (junction with A168 and A19)
Friday 16th December for our Christmas lunch at The Chapterhouse, Pannal
So, how can I help?
As the inspirational stories in this edition of Chatter show, so many people are helping us to raise funds, in so many different ways, and having a great time while they do it! A huge thank you to everyone – it really does all make a difference. If you have a fundraising idea, why not give it a go? We can provide you with MND materials – to promote it, collect money and raise awareness of why the MND Association is such a good cause. Why not get in touch and chat through your idea? Contact Liz at liz.burnley@gmail.com or on 07786 171246. Continue reading