Inside Inspired... 3
Welcome to our newest young fundraising ambassadors
4
Thank you to all our amazing supporters
6
George runs away with it
8
Run with us
9
Come and join one of our fabulous events
A big
Hello
and welcome to
Inspired
10 Frankie’s story 12
Alder Hey PJ Day
13
Daisy’s Story
14
Charity Partner News
15
How your support has made a difference
16
Designs for new Alder Centre revealed
17
Alder Play App
18
Own a piece of Alder Hey History
19
Help us to fight the monsters
20 #GetSpotted 22 Come and join in one
of our fabulous events
24 Katie’s story 26 International Challenges 28 Your Inspiring Challenges 30 In memory of Scarlett 31
Join the Alder Hey Lottery
32 Oli’s Safari Walk
Hi, my name is Katie, I’m 10 years old and I’m the guest editor for this edition of Inspired. I have cerebral palsy and have been a patient at Alder Hey for 8 years. I love coming to the hospital, especially to the hydrotherapy pool and to see my favourite nurse Millie. I also really, really love the pizza that they serve in the Treetops Restaurant and I have it every time I come in! I recently became an ambassador for Alder Hey Children’s Charity which I’m really excited about. I love fundraising for the Charity and helping out with their marketing. I enjoyed the beanie and bobble campaign (I was a bobble!), had a great time walking Oli’s Safari Walk and especially enjoyed making a film to help raise money for the new hydrotherapy pool in the new hospital - particularly as I use it so often! I hope you enjoy the newsletter! Happy reading Katie x
WELCOME
TO OUR NEWEST CHARITY FUNDRAISING AMBASSADORS
SONNY AND RIA
ROSE
C A I T LY N
K AT I E
FFLUR
FRANKIE
WILLIAM AND ISABELLE PRINCE
Congratulations to Young Ambassador George Mathias for winning both the Pride of Britain Young Fundraiser Award and the Liverpool Echo Young Personality of the Year Award (see page 6-7 for George’s Story). Congratulations to Young Ambassador Hayden Connett on winning a Yorkshire Child of Courage Award and The Diana Award. Congratulations to Young Ambassador Erin Cross for winning a Wellchild Award. Congratulations to Young Ambassador Ted McCaffery for winning The British Citizen Youth Award.
Welcome to our newest young fundraising ambassadors 3
A huge thank you to all of our remarkable supporters. We continue to be amazed by your generosity and the efforts you put in to fundraising for Alder Hey. Please keep your fundraising exploits and photos coming - we love to see and hear what you’ve been up to. Here’s just a selection...
TO ALL OUR AMA
Adam Simpkin smashed the Great North Run, completing it in an incredible 1 hour and 29 minutes and raising a stunning £931.75 in the process.
Anthony Grice held a blue collar boxing event and raised a knock out £2,957.36
The 2017 Lawrence Walker Memorial Bike raised a phenomenal £6,577
ASDA Golborne raised an amazing £1027.20 in memory of a colleague. 4 Thank you to all our amazing supporters
The South Lakes Tractor Run raised a magnificent £1,500
ZING SUPPORTERS
Lambert Leonard & May Vets had a great time at their Vetfest event and donated a rocking £2,600
Cops Cycle for Kids completed the Six County Challenge from Penrith to Colwyn Bay and raised a stupendous £2271.75
Ben Greenwood raised a tremendous £630 by completing the Welsh 3000s Peak Challenge… scaling an incredible 16 peaks and covering 30 miles!!
The Rotary Club of Sandbach Crosses continued their long standing support with a brilliant £750 donation
Former patient Helen Newlan came to visit and donated a wonderful £40.00
Jerry Healy from the Character Group presented a cheque on behalf of The Toy Trust for a whopping £9,377 Thank you to all our amazing supporters 5
GEORGE RUNS AWAY W I T H I T 2017 WAS AN AMAZING YEAR FOR 11 YEAR OLD AMBASSADOR GEORGE MATHIAS
Inspired by his little brother James, whose life Alder Hey saved as a baby, George has raised over £50,000 for the hospital by running a mile for every month that he has had James in his life. His amazing efforts were recently recognised on a national stage when he won the Good Morning Britain Young Fundraiser of the Year at the 2017 Pride of Britain awards. George, from St Helens, received his award from X Factor’s Louis, Nicole, Sharon, and Dermot alongside Good Morning Britain’s Ben and Susanna at a star studded awards night in London. He was then invited to Downing Street to meet the Prime Minister. 6 George runs away with it
George explained his motivation to fundraise saying, “Because Alder Hey saved James’ life, I just wanted to raise as much money as I could. I was coming up with different ideas and I came up with the idea of running one mile for every month I’ve had James… from the day he pulled through he’s been a pain in the neck, but he’s still my best friend!” On 1st January 2017, George ran his first mile. To date he has run an incredible 100 miles, drafting in a host of celebrities including Jason Manford, Beth Tweddle, John Bishop, Steven Gerrard and Leighton Baines to join him along the way.
“
“
George is my hero
J A M E S M AT H I A S , GEORGE’S BROTHER
The £50,000 raised by George has been used to purchase specially heated cots for Alder Hey which will help babies to regulate their temperature. Dad, Richard said: “I don’t think proud really covers how I feel about George.” On Sunday 8th October George, along with a group of his friends, ran one of the miles at the inaugural Alder Hey 10K & Family Fun Run at Croxteth Park - he even persuaded Mum Sue and Dad Richard to run the full 10K on the day!
And as for James who is now 7, he simply states: “George is my hero.”
You can find out more about George and his runs at www.runwithgeorge.com
George runs away with it 7
RUN WITH US If you’ve been inspired to start running or are a seasoned runner looking for an event to participate in, why not join our growing community of runners who are keeping fit and raising money along the way? BY JOINING TEAM ALDER HEY YOU’LL RECEIVE;
• A fundraising pack • A fantastically bright and colourful running vest (or tech t-shirt – the choice is yours!)
ALDER HEY 10K Following the success of the inaugural Alder Hey 10K at Croxteth Hall and Country Park, the event will return for a second year in October 2018. The date is yet to be confirmed but keep an eye out on the Alder Hey website for further information and entry details.
8 Run with us
WHATEVER YOUR DISTANCE OR SPEED, THERE ARE A HUGE NUMBER OF RUNNING EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE UK AND BEYOND. A FEW OF THE MOST POPUL AR ONES ARE LISTED BELOW…
MARCH ST HELENS 10K Sunday 4th March LIVERPOOL HALF MARATHON Sunday 25th March
SEPTEMBER GREAT NORTH RUN Sunday 9th September *We have a limited number of guaranteed charity places for this event* ENGLISH HALF MARATHON (Warrington) Sunday 16th September
APRIL GREATER MANCHESTER MARATHON Sunday 8th April LONDON MARATHON Sunday 22nd April CHESTER HALF MARATHON Sunday 29th April MAY LIVERPOOL ROCK ‘N’ ROLL MARATHON & HALF MARATHON Sunday 20th May
OCTOBER THE ALDER HEY 10K Croxteth Park, Liverpool *TBC* October MANCHESTER HALF MARATHON Sunday 14th October
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON ANY OF THE ABOVE EVENTS PLEASE EMAIL
e: community@alderheycharity.org OR CALL OUR TEAM ON t: 0151 252 5716
The show, presented by wacky twins Dr Chris and Xand Van Tulleken, explores the ins and outs of the human body and investigates what the various different roles in a hospital.
Alder Hey are once again featured on CBBC’s Operation Ouch!
If you missed any of the show, you can still watch the latest series on the CBBC website.
The BAFTA winning show, now in its sixth series filmed many of our patients and staff and highlighted some of the amazing work at Alder Hey.
CAPESTHORNE HALL
MANCHESTER
SATURDAY 12TH MAY 2018 D E S I G N E D BY R OYA L M A R I N E S CO M M A N D O S, B O R N S U R V I VO R I S A 10KM COURSE FEATURING MORE THAN 30 EPIC OBSTACLES.
As a competitor you’ll face water, climbs, leaps and of course, mud. Lots and lots of mud... It’s a challenge, not a race, and teamwork is encouraged. Fitness alone won’t get you round the course. You’ll need courage, determination and spirit, and at the end you can enjoy a well-earned drink in the event village. *DISCOUNTED ENTRY FEE OF £50 WHEN USING ALDERHEY AS A PROMO CODE* REGISTER AT WWW.BORN-SURVIVOR.COM OR CALL SOPHIE ON 0151 252 5705 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
Come and join one of our fabulous events 9
FRANKIE’S STORY Five year old Frankie Bowen is one of Alder Hey Children’s Charity’s newest Young Fundraising Ambassadors.
He recently became an internet sensation with his Michael Jackson dancing, despite being diagnosed with Juvenile Arthritis just two years ago. Frankie was born at Whiston Hospital in 2012. He was a perfectly healthy baby; a bundle of energy keeping mum Kat on her toes. However, at 18 months old - once Frankie started toddling, Kat noticed that he had developed a limp. Initially their local GP thought it was ‘growing pains’, but by the time Frankie was three years old, the limp had worsened. “Frankie woke up one morning and just couldn’t walk,” Kat explained. “He was really upset. He also had terrible conjunctivitis and couldn’t understand what was going on as he was only three.” It was already a stressful and busy time for Kat who had a six month old baby, Bobby to look after as well as Frankie and his older sister Kyiah. With local doctors unable to find answers, Kat eventually took Frankie to Alder Hey. “The nurses and doctors at Alder Hey were amazing and so reassuring. After many scans and tests he was eventually 10 Frankie’s story
“Now Frankie is just so full of energy. He can’t keep still; he loves to dance, does acting classes, jujitsu and plays football. There are still a few things he can’t do, like riding his bike but nothing seems to stop him.”
K AT B O W E N , FRANKIE’S MUM
“
“
The nurses and doctors at Alder Hey were amazing and so reassuring.
diagnosed with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA), a condition which affects 12,000 children in the UK under the age of 16. JIA is similar to arthritis in adults where inflammation inside the joints can lead to swelling, warmth and reduced movement.”
Frankie and Kat still visit Alder Hey for regular check-ups and to visit the Alder Hey Children’s Charity who they have been busy fundraising for as a way of giving something back to the hospital. They recently raised £1,200 at Oli’s Safari Walk where Frankie walked 3km, and a further £142 at his birthday party after he moonwalked to Michael Jackson’s Billie Jean, which proved very popular after it was posted on Twitter. Recently Frankie was made a Young Fundraising Ambassador for Alder Hey Children’s Charity; “When I found out Frankie was chosen to be an Ambassador, I cried because I was just so proud of him after what we have all been through. He melts my heart because he is my little angel.”
Frankie was put on an IV drip and given various forms of medication to help with his conjunctivitis and his JIA. After just five days Kat could see an improvement. “When he was first diagnosed we couldn’t even have much of a conversation with him because he was so tired, but after just a week or so he was sitting up and pretending he was Spiderman which was incredible and a massive relief because at one point I didn’t even know if he would be able to walk again.” Frankie was eventually up, walking and even dancing. He hasn’t let his condition get in the way of life since!
Frankie’s story 11
COME AND JOIN THE ALDER HEY
‘ PJ DA Y ’
You’ve probably heard about our #getspotted campaign with Matalan (if not please read pages 20 and 21).
CALLI NG ALL SCHO OLS
We’ve loved coming into work in our PJs so much that we thought it would be a great idea to share the love and invite schools to join in the fun and hold their very own PJ Day to help the 275,000 children and their families treated at Alder Hey every year.
WHAT YOU NEED TO DO TO HOLD A PJ DAY
1. Ask your teacher if you can hold a PJ Day. (if you are a teacher please go straight to no.2!) 2. Choose a date for your party. 3. Let us know by emailing sophie.saunders@alderheycharity.org or calling 0151 252 5716. 4. Decide how you are going to fundraise on the day (we’ve put together some ideas below). 5. Let everyone know. 6. Choose which PJs to wear (don’t forget your slippers and dressing gowns!) 7. Have an amazing day! FUNDRAISING IDEAS…
• £1 for PJs (ask each child/teacher to bring in a pound to wear their PJs) • Have a sponsored ‘bedtime readathon’ • Perform in your PJs with your choir or band
• Hold a sponsored ‘PJ plod’ • Have a sponsored snooze • Have a ‘midday’ feast • Have a coffee morning • Have a sleeping bag race
HOW WE CAN HELP…
• One of our fundraisers can come to speak to your class, assembly, year group • We can provide you with resources (posters, stickers, collection boxes, buckets) • We may be able to arrange for Oli, our mascot, to visit your school FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO BOOK A CHARITY REPRESENTATIVE TO VISIT YOUR SCHOOL PLEASE CONTACT SOPHIE:
Tel. 0151 252 5705 Email. sophie.saunders@alderheycharity.org 12 Alder Hey PJ Day
REMARKABLE RESEARCH
Daisy’s story Four year old Daisy was born with Spina Bifida which is when a baby’s spine and spinal cord doesn’t develop properly in the womb, causing a gap in the spine - a gap that required Daisy to have surgery on the very day she was born. Unfortunately following the surgery she developed hydrocephalus - a build-up of cerebrospinal fluid which carries nutrients to the brain. This excess fluid puts increased pressure on the brain, damaging brain tissue. The condition affects one in every 500 births and is one of the most common developmental disabilities in children. Hydrocephalus is regularly treated by inserting a shunt into the brain to drain the excess fluid into the abdominal cavity. However, many patients later become seriously ill from infections related to the shunt insertion with prolonged hospitalisation, additional surgery and possible intravenous and intrathecal antibiotics. There is also a risk of damage to the brain which can lead to reduced cognitive function and which can seriously affect the patient’s outcome. Mr Mallucci, Consultant Neurosurgeon at Alder Hey explains: “Insertion of a shunt for hydrocephalous is now one of the most common procedures performed in neurosurgical units with between 3,000 and 3,500 shunt operations carried out each year. However, shunt infection has plagued this advanced technique ever since it was developed.”
This study could have a huge impact on the outcomes of patients with hydrocephalus MR MALLUCCI, C O N S U LTA N T N E U R O S U R G E O N
Daisy was the first person to take part in a ground-breaking research project to see if one of three different shunts worked better for her, therefore reducing the risk of infection. This research, led by Neurosurgeons at Alder Hey and the Walton Centre could significantly impact upon the treatment of children and adults with hydrocephalus. “This study could have a huge impact on the outcomes of patients with hydrocephalus. It will investigate whether shunts coated in various agents can reduce the risk of infection.” Mum Jessica said “ We took part in the trial because we want Alder Hey to find a more effective and less risky way of treating this condition, to not only help Daisy but children like her. At 20 weeks pregnant I was told that Daisy may have complications and was warned that she was likely to have a very poor quality of life and wouldn’t be able to walk. Now she’s doing really well, she’s walking, she’s so chatty and she absolutely loves school; she’s my little miracle.”
A donation of just £3 a month can support research at Alder Hey and help children like Daisy. To donate visit www.alderheycharity.org Daisy’s Story 13
The new Thomas Cook Children’s Charity Theatres Department is officially open!
In December 2015, Thomas Cook Children’s Charity donated £150,000 to enhance Alder Hey Children’s Hospital’s Theatres department. Covering the Daycase Unit, In-patient waiting areas, corridors to theatres and anaesthetic rooms, this generous donation has allowed us to install a wide range of games and equipment to suit children and young people of all ages visiting the department. Including interactive digital games, traditional soft play activities for younger children and a bespoke Teenage Room, the newly enhanced Theatres department now provides distraction and entertainment for our young patients and families from the moment they arrive, all the way through their journey to Theatres.
The Veolia Environmental Trust supports Alder Hey Children’s Hospital’s ambitious plans to create a magical Woodland Walk in Springfield Park! In November 2017, The Veolia Environmental Trust granted £28,120 to Alder Hey Children’s Charity to create a magical Woodland Walk in Springfield Park. Helping us transform Springfield Park into a fun and welcoming area, our new Woodland Walk will include edible planting trails, interactive signage and seating
14 Charity Partner News
for families, patients and the local community to enjoy. This generous support from The Veolia Environmental Trust will make the wonderful natural environment around Alder Hey in the Park easy to access and enjoy, and will open in 2019.
HOW YOUR SUPPORT HAS MADE A DIFFERENCE TO OUR CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES… Every donation to Alder Hey Children’s Charity enables us to improve the lives of our patients and their families by providing specialist equipment, enhanced facilities, and vital research into childhood diseases and the safety of medicines for children.
Your support has enabled us to pass the half way point in our £6million appeal to build our new Research facility on site at Alder Hey – thank you!
H E R E A R E S O M E M O R E O F T H E WAY S YO U H AV E MADE A DIFFERENCE IN THE PAST 6 MONTHS…
RESEARCH STUDIES
£519,327.70
MEDICAL EQUIPMENT
£116,658.90 including… NEW RESEARCH BUILDING
PATIENT EXPERIENCE
£1,071,733
£299,040.40 including…
• Children’s Entertainer • Digital Alder Hey – the creation of a world-class ‘digital hospital’ which harnesses • Distraction the latest in digital therapies including communication interactive and applies it in the decorative vinyl’s children’s hospital en route to theatres environment and in soft play to transform areas communication and engagement between care providers, young patients and their families. • Parent training
£32,000 Vacuum modules blood processing devices used in Cardiac and Orthopaedic Surgery. £42,636 Heated Cots for use in Critical Care, an intermediate step between an incubator and a standard cot.
£11,000 3D printing – 3D prints for cardiac and spinal patients to assist with surgery. £22,000 Access drills specialist electric drills used to access the bone cavities of patients when it is difficult to find a vein.
THANK YOU!
How your support has made a difference to children and their families… 15
DESIGNS FOR NEW ALDER FOR A NEW £1.4M C E N T R E R E V E A L E D DESIGNS DEDICATED BEREAVEMENT CENTRE WITHIN ALDER HEY IN THE PARK HAVE BEEN UNVEILED.
The Alder Centre is dedicated to providing a comprehensive range of bereavement support services, tailored to the needs of those that have suffered the tragic loss of a child. The new design by Allford Hall Monaghan Morris includes therapy rooms, flexible recreational space and a number of holistic rooms, with every room having a view and access to the communal gardens. In addition a large central space, easily accessible on entry, will enhance the service by offering an open access approach for bereaved families to drop-in for support.
families in the immediate event of the death of a child, and also runs the National Child Death Helpline (NCDH) in partnership with Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH). Funding for the new Centre was recently secured by Alder Hey Children’s Charity. It will sit within Alder Hey’s evolving health campus and will create the perfect facility to provide a whole host of new and varied therapeutic services for bereaved families and hospital staff.
The Centre also provides an emergency bereavement care service to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, for 16 Designs for new Alder Centre revealed
JOHN ARMSTRONG, DIRECTOR OF P H I L A N T H R O P Y AT ALDER HEY CHILDREN’S CHARITY SAID:
“We are delighted to see how the money we secured is going to be used. To see the new designs for the Alder Centre really brings the project to life and we look forward to the building work starting so that this important centre can continue its work in its own dedicated building.”
THE NEW ALDER CENTRE WILL OPEN IN 2019.
INTRODUCING THE AMAZING...
ALDER PL AY APP
A new approach to children’s stay in hospital has been launched that will help Alder Hey improve patient care at its facility and across the NHS. Created by Alder Hey Children’s Hospital and Alder Hey Children’s Charity in partnership with leading digital studio ustwo and designed with the help of young patients, the Alder Play app is powered by the very latest digital and cognitive advances. It has been supported by NHS England and NHS • Take a look around Alder Hey • Scan stickers at the hospital to unlock playful rewards • Learn about routine procedures like having a blood test and what it’s like to have an X-ray • Collect a special badge for being brave • Bring Alder Hey characters to life and watch them dance • Access exclusive content
Digital and has great potential to help other hospitals across the NHS. Alder Play - The Alder Hey Children’s Hospital App is designed to make your children feel more comfortable at Alder Hey and reward them through fun and playful experiences during their visit.
DOWNLOAD THE APP FROM THE APP STORES NOW!
The challenge of a lifetime, for alder hey children’s charity...
Inca Trail trek 12 - 21 October 2019
0151 252 5716 info@alderheycharity.org www.alderheycharity.org Registered Charity No. 1160661.
18 Own a piece of Alder Hey History...
C O M PA N I E S H E L P US TO FIGHT THE
M O N ST E R S
At Alder Hey Children’s Hospital we see childhood disease as a monster. Monsters come in all shapes and sizes, at any time, day or night. Monsters can, however, be fought and the expansion of our Institute in the Park will provide a dedicated research facility to do just that. WONGS BALL
his involvement in research. Both reminded guests about why they were supporting the charity and received a standing ovation.
For the second year running, Wongs Jewellers hosted their Winter Ball at the iconic Royal Liver Building in support of Alder Hey. This year the event raised over £44,000 for the charity through sponsorship as well as auctions, games and a raffle on the night. Alder Hey Ambassador, Archie Veale, and Consultant Paediatric Neurologist and Neuromuscular Lead Clinician Dr Stefan Spinty, spoke on the evening about Archie’s amazing journey and
Clare White, CEO Alder Hey Children’s Charity: “Wongs Jewellers organised the most spectacular event to support Alder Hey. The team worked tirelessly during the evening to fundraise as well as ensuring the guests had a fantastic time. We are overwhelmed by their generosity and support and would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who made the event such a success. The money raised will support research at Alder Hey, helping us to continue to make advancements in children’s healthcare for future generations, so the support from Wongs Jewellers is invaluable.”
WHITE CROSS VETS
Family run White Cross Vets, with practices throughout the North West, has joined forces with Alder Hey Children’s Charity to raise as much
money as possible by donating £1 for every pet vaccinated at its West Derby, Gateacre, St Helens and Widnes practices until the end of the year.
Managing director Tim Harrison, says: “It’s our job to care for pets, but we also really care about the communities in which we operate, and we have a real affinity with the hospital. This partnership means we’re protecting pets by vaccinating them against a wide range of nasty diseases, as well as raising money to support the invaluable work that the hospital does.”
CAN YOUR COMPANY HELP US TO FIGHT MONSTERS AND IMPROVE THE LIVES OF CHILDREN NOW AND FOR GENERATIONS TO COME?
Please contact our Corporate Team on 0151 252 5716 or email info@alderheycharity.org Help us to fight the monsters 19
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
Jacob and Harry
#Get Spotted Did you
THI S YEA R?
Matalan continued their amazing support for Alder Hey Children’s Charity this year with another hugely successful campaign in partnership with the charity. The retailer gives back 100% of the profits from the campaign and this is now the fourth year they have supported the work of the charity. “It is so important - the partnership allows us to be part of something truly special”, says Jason Hargreaves, CEO of Matalan. “Family is at the heart of our business, so it’s an honour to be a part of such a worthy cause”. Staff, patients, supporters, families and celebs came out in full force to #GetSpotted in this years must have PJs – and happily shared their pictures with the world on Twitter and Facebook! 20 #GetSpotted
The girls with Oliver Proudlock
The Matalan photo shoot was a fantastic experience for the families from Alder Hey. From staying in London at a hotel overnight, to the pampering in hair and make-up before the shoot, they were treated like celebrities and enjoyed every moment. It was lovely to see all of our Alder Hey patients playing with each other and making some new friends throughout the day with celebrities Daisy Lowe, Louisa Johnson and Oliver Proudlock - not forgetting Henry the model dog!
Isobelle, Alayna and Lottie
Although it was a long day, they were all absolute stars and the final photographs really captured the fun they were having. An unforgettable day for an unforgettable campaign! H AY L E Y - C O R P O R AT E FUNDRAISING MANAGER
If you missed out on getting the PJ’s but still want to get involved you can donate to Alder Hey Children’s Charity by texting SPOT33 followed by the amount you wish to donate to 70070. You can donate £1, £2, £3, £4, £5 or £10. As an example, to donate £5, you would text ‘Spot33 £5’ to 70070: All the money you donate goes to Alder Hey Children’s Charity. You may be charged for your text message. Please refer to your network operator’s standard rates. If you have any questions about JustGivingText, visit justtextgiving.co.uk
#GetSpotted 21
COME AND JOIN IN ONE OF M AY 2018
OLI’S SAFARI WALK Knowsley Safari Park, Sunday 13th May, 10am Join Oli for his 3km family friendly sponsored walk at Knowsley Safari Park. Suitable for both prams and wheelchair users, the route will take you on a ‘behind the scenes’ walk not available to the general public. After completion of the walk all entrants will have the opportunity to enjoy the sea lion show, birds of prey experience and 5 mile safari drive. REGISTER ONLINE: www.alderheycharity.org/events/ or call Helen on 0151 252 5364
JUNE 2018
ALTERNATIVE ASCOT Thursday 21st June 2018 Come and join us at Alternative Ascot for a fantastic afternoon of racing and entertainment including a 2 course meal, welcome drink and afternoon tea. This event sells out every year so make sure you reserve your tickets early. Tickets £45.00 per person. Tables of 10 available. FOR TICKET RESERVATIONS AND ENQUIRIES
Please contact Helen on 0151 252 5364 or email helen.hughes@alderheycharity.org
J U LY 2018
THE CONISTON CHALLENGE Coniston, Lake District, Saturday 7th July 2018 Push yourself with this challenging alternative triathlon for teams of 4 or 6 people in the beautiful Lake District. Trek the Old Man of Coniston, kayak 3km across Coniston Water and cycle 17km through Grizedale Forest. REGISTRATION: £50 per team MINIMUM SPONSORSHIP: £1,500 per team FOR FURTHER DETAILS AND TO REGISTER
Please contact Helen on 0151 252 5364 or email helen.hughes@alderheycharity.org 22 Come and join in one of our fabulous events
OUR FABULOUS EVENTS… J U LY 2018
LIVERPOOL NIGHTRIDER 14th/15th July 2018 Starting at the Pier Head this fantastic moonlit bike ride links The Wirral and Liverpool city centre and takes in some of the area’s most iconic landmarks, offering great cycling and beautiful views across the city. The route is made of 2 loops, each approximately 50km. You can therefore choose a 50km Wirral route, 50km Liverpool route or go for the full 100km and experience it all. REGISTRATION: £39 MINIMUM SPONSORSHIP: £200 REGISTER AT:
www.nightrider.org.uk/liverpoolcharitypartners AUGUST 2018
LIVERPOOL ANGLICAN CATHEDRAL ABSEIL Saturday 11th August Face your fears and Abseil 150ft down one of Liverpool’s most iconic landmarks taking in the views as you go. REGISTRATION: £35 MINIMUM SPONSORSHIP: £165 TO REGISTER call Irene on 0151 252 5742 or email community@alderheycharity.org
MOST WEEKENDS
SKYDIVE Dates available most weekends Enjoy the thrill of a lifetime by jumping from a plane at 10,000ft… for free! REGISTRATION: £70 (refundable) MINIMUM SPONSORSHIP: £395 TO REGISTER PLEASE VISIT
www.alderheycharity.org/events/latest/skydiving Come and join in one of our fabulous events 23
KATIE’S STORY
Ten year old Alder Hey Ambassador, and guest editor, Katie from Cheshire is a remarkable girl who has been helping Alder Hey raise vital funds for many years. After development problems with her movement as a baby, Katie was diagnosed with Diplegic Cerebral Palsy, a form of cerebral palsy marked by tense muscles and spasms. Following her diagnosis Katie began coming to Alder Hey for physiotherapy and annual check-ups to keep a close eye on her spine and hip development in case her spine became very twisted. Katie’s family were told she would have to undergo surgery when she was seven years old but they knew when the time came Katie would face it with a smile on her face. In February 2015 Katie underwent major surgery to improve her posture and help with her standing and walking. After nine hours in theatre she then had to endure six weeks lying on her back – a difficult task for someone as bubbly as Katie! In May 2017, after being given botox in her legs to help relax her muscle tone, Katie underwent further surgery to remove blade plates which were fitted during her first surgery. Despite having been through so much Katie has always had a positive attitude. Mum Clare said: “Katie gets on with what she needs to do in life with a smile on her face. She’ll pass children on the
24 Katie’s story
“
“
Everyone at Alder Hey has always been very kind to me ALDER HEY AMBASSADOR & GUEST EDITOR
corridor in Alder Hey and be concerned that they’re unwell. She doesn’t see herself as poorly and I’m proud of how she deals with all her appointments.” Katie has been an active supporter and fundraiser for Alder Hey Children’s Charity helping to promote the Matalan #getyourstripes and #getspotted campaigns, participating in Oli’s Safari Walk, involving her school, and even recording a voiceover for a film about life in Alder Hey which was displayed in the Tate Liverpool in 2017.
“Everyone at Alder Hey has always been very kind to me; the nurses, my surgeon Mr Colin Bruce, Jo and the rest of the physiotherapy and hydrotherapy team. They are all helping me to get strong again.” Katie is now able to walk unaided, albeit only a few steps at a time, but her positivity has rubbed off on almost everyone she meets “I’m so proud of Katie,” explains Clare. “She has come such a long way. She is constantly smiling and just loves to help and cheer up other people.”
HAS KATIE’S STORY INSPIRED YOU TO FUNDRAISE? Every year about 275,000 children from all around the UK are treated by the hospital and thanks to the research at Alder Hey, many of their lives are transformed. A donation of just £5 a month can help more remarkable young people like Katie. Visit www.alderheycharity.org for more information. Katie’s story 25
INTERNATIONA
Kirsty McNeil’s youngest child Sonny is a typical mischievous six year old, and she wouldn’t change him for the world! When Sonny was just eight weeks old, Kirsty and husband Rhos discovered that he had a heart murmur and that they needed to take him to see a specialist at Alder Hey. On seeing the specialist they were told the devastating news that no parent wants to hear, that he had a heart condition called Tetralogy of Fallots, and at six months of age Kirsty and Rhos took their beautiful baby to Alder Hey hospital where he had open heart surgery. Despite his surgery Sonny showed remarkable resilience, and though he had to stay in hospital for six days post-surgery, he set a record recovery time for such a young baby! 26 International Challenges
Kirsty explained, “He was so strong throughout the whole process. Knowing the amazing hands he was in with the incredible nurses and doctors making sure he had the best care possible was what got me and my husband through such a tough time.” “For 6 weeks after the operation we had to be very gentle with him and very careful with how we held him and fed him when all we wanted to do was hold him tight and tell him how much we loved him!” Sonny has now fully recovered but continues to visit Alder Hey for his annual check-ups. Inspired by the work of the staff at Alder Hey, mum Kirsty decided to give something back and set about a variety of challenges to raise as much money as possible. Four half marathons and a trek on the Great Wall of China later, Kirsty decided to take herself well out of her comfort zone
and sign up for the Alder Hey Vietnam to Cambodia cycle challenge in October 2017. Through fabulous scenic banana and coconut plantations, rice fields and river beds, Kirsty battled through 420km of buttock chafing 80% humidity cheered on by the joyous local people with a never ending supply of smiles. “The cycle challenge was definitely the toughest, most amazing experience of my life. It pushed me to my limits, but the fabulous group of people on the challenge and the knowledge that I was helping such a fantastic cause got me through the toughest days and to the amazing finish at Angkor Wat.” TO DATE KIRSTY HAS RAISED AN INCREDIBLE £15,000 FOR ALDER HEY CHILDREN’S CHARITY. HER NEXT CHALLENGE? THE ALDER HEY CHILDREN’S CHARITY INCA TRAIL TREK IN 2019…
“If I can repay Alder Hey an ounce of what they have given me and my family I will do whatever I can to do so.” Sonny’s Mum, Kirsty
L CHALLENGES CONQUERING KILI…
combine the adventure with raising vital funds for a fantastic cause. In order to prepare for this enormous task, the couple trained hard with gruelling early morning gym sessions, hill running, and mountain climbing at the weekends - including The Three Peaks Challenge.
Since a young age Joanna Truchan had a dream to climb to the top of Africa’s highest mountain, Kilimanjaro. A former medical student at Alder Hey, and now a junior doctor at the hospital, Joanna’s experience of its fantastic work inspired her and partner James, an opposition analyst at Liverpool FC, to sign up for the challenge of a lifetime. Having climbed the highest mountain in Cuba, Pico Turquino in 2015, Joanna and James felt inspired to take on a much harder, more challenging expedition, and what better way to achieve one of their dreams than to
KILIMANJARO TREK
Joanna and James successfully climbed Kilimanjaro in June 2017, reaching the 5,895m summit after 8 days with the words of one of their guides, Kissima, ringing in their ears, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way!” Joanna and James were delighted to raise over £10,000 for Alder Hey by ticking off a bucket list adventure which Joanna describes as “an incredible experience that I’ll never forget”. To experience this adventure for yourself, why not join the Alder Hey Kilimanjaro Trek 4 – 14 October 2018... 4TH - 14TH OCTOBER 2018
CONQUER 5,895M OF THE HIGHEST FREESTANDING MOUNTAIN IN THE WORLD AND HIGHEST MOUNTAIN ON THE AFRICAN CONTINENT.
Following the beautiful Machame route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the south, this trek takes you through dense tropical rainforest and moorland until you reach the snow-capped summit where breath-taking views and beautiful ice formations are the reward for pushing your limits, both physically and mentally on this fabulous bucket list challenge. REGISTRATION FEE: £399
MINIMUM SPONSORSHIP: £4,500
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT CATH ON 0151 282 4795 OR EMAIL COMMUNITY@ALDERHEYCHARITY.ORG
SKYDIVING AT 60
W H AT B E T T E R WAY T O M A R K Y O U R 60 T H (O R A N Y O T H E R ) B I R T H D AY T H A N T O T H R O W Y O U R S E L F F R O M A N A E R O P L A N E AT 10 ,0 0 0 F T ? I F Y O U ’ R E A L D E R H E Y P R O J E C T M A N A G E R D AV E H O U G H T O N , T H E A N S W E R I S N O N E !
roped in and seven others, including his partner Debs and his children!
Dave turned 60 on the 15th August – and to celebrate he not only threw himself from the plane, but
Dave explained his motivation to undertake his first skydive, “I feel truly privileged to work for the children in Alder Hey who never fail to inspire me every day and wanted to help to improve the health of not just
today’s children but future generations too.” Dave self-funded his jump and raised over £1,000, making an ‘old man happy’ (his words not ours!)
DO YOU DARE TO
SKYDIVE?
JUMP FOR F R E E!
FEELING BRAVE? TAKE ON THE OUR MOST EXHILARATING CHALLENGE BY JUMPING OUT OF A PLANE FOR ALDER HEY.
Skyline have sites located around the country offering the chance to try either a Tandem or Static Line jump with availability throughout the year. MINIMUM SPONSORSHIP: £395 TO BOOK PLEASE VISIT WWW.ALDERHEYCHARITY.ORG/EVENTS/LATEST/SKYDIVING 28 Your Inspiring Challenges
SWIMMING the CHANNEL… Two years ago Karen Ennis participated in her first open water swim, a mile in Windermere with a wetsuit on. In true Hollywood style Karen wanted her second to be bigger and better! So during 2017 Karen decided to take the ultimate plunge and swim the English Channel, a minimum of 22 miles… without the aid of a wetsuit!
gales to prepare herself to tackle one of the biggest shipping lanes in the world with 600 tankers and 200 ferries passing through daily! On 26th August, on a strong spring tide, Karen set off and successfully completed her challenge, swimming an incredible 41 miles and raising a remarkable £13,265 for Alder Hey Children’s Charity.
Karen spent a tough 18 months swimming four to five times per week, including open swims in rain, hail and
Well done and THANK YOU Karen!
SPEEDO MICK’S EUROPEAN TOUR
Everton super fan Michael Cullen, better known by his alter ego ‘Speedo Mick’, smashed his original fundraising target of £15,000 raising over £19,000 by walking an incredible 700 miles from Everton FC to Olympique Lyonnaise FC in nothing but his trademark budgie smugglers, goggles and swim hat.
THA NK YOU MIC K!
Covering over a marathon every day and walking for nine hours at a time, Mick made it to Lyon, blisters and all, in time to watch his beloved Everton in the Europa League. Your Inspiring Challenges 29
IN MEMORY OF SCARLETT To commemorate the short life of Paul Astley’s niece Scarlett, Paul and with three other team members, partner Charlotte, brother Daniel and family friend Bianca decided that they wanted to complete a fundraising challenge in her memory. “Scarlett was cared for by the wonderful team at Alder Hey and there was no hesitation in choosing who our fundraising would go to.” Bianca came up with the idea to complete a 100km challenge and the team opted to go for the Thames Path Challenge in September 2017. “We contacted Alder Hey began and received
full support and amazing training t-shirts, collection boxes and leaflets to help us start up our fundraising.” Training began almost immediately and proved to be a challenge in itself as none of us had completed an event of this magnitude before. We fitted training around work and family life over the course of 12 months, cycling to work and back, running, walking and swimming.
The team set themselves a target of £3,000 which they hit the very morning they were on the London underground heading to the start point of their challenge. Despite acute leg pains and horrendous blisters cutting two of the team’s challenge short at a highly commendable 50 plus km – the remaining two team members crossed the finish line, gratefully receiving two glasses of champagne and their medals.
THE TEAM AND THEIR FAMILY AND FRIENDS RAISED AN INCREDIBLE £3,376.59.
ALDER HEY ANGELS TRIBUTE FUNDS Losing someone you love is one of the hardest experiences you’ll ever go through. An Alder Hey Angels Tribute Fund gives family and friends a special, loving on-line place to remember and celebrate your loved one. Tribute funds are free and easy to set up. For more information please contact Sophie on 0151 252 5705 or email tributefunds@alderheycharity.org
30 In memory of Scarlett
JOIN THE
L
O T
T
E
R
Y
JOIN THE ALDER HEY CHILDREN’S CHARIT Y LOTTERY AND YOU’LL BE I N W I T H A C H A N C E O F W I N N I N G U P T O £ 1 ,0 0 0 E V E R Y W E E K W H I L S T HELPING TO MAKE A REAL DIFFERENCE TO THE LIVES OF CHILDREN A N D T H E I R FA M I L I E S .
The prize pot for each week is as follows: • 1 x £1000 • 1 x £200 • 1 x £100
• 4 x £25 • 10 x £10
Playing the Alder Hey lottery costs just £1 a week and all proceeds currently go towards building a dedicated research facility on site at Alder Hey which will allow researchers and clinicians to work with industries to develop better, safer medicines for children.
To play please complete a registration form and return it to us at: Alder Hey Children’s Charity, Eaton Road, Liverpool, L12 2AP. Registration forms are available from the Charity Office, by calling 0151 252 5716 or as a download from our website at www.alderheycharity.org/support-us/ play-the-alder-hey-lottery/ Results are available on our website each week.
You must be aged 16 or over to play the Alder Hey Children’s Charity Lottery.
Join the Alder Hey Lottery 31