Health & Beauty

KIDS & FAMILIES

COUNCIL CHAIRMAN BREAKS ALL FUNDRAISING RECORDS!

A record-breaking £79,500 has been raised by North East Derbyshire District Council’s Chairman for Ashgate Hospice.

Cllr Martin Thacker MBE organised dozens of events during his year in office to raise cash for the good cause - the largest amount EVER received by the hospice from a council appeal! families across North Derbyshire.”

The hospice added the figure is ‘the largest amount ever received by the hospice from a council appeal’

Cllr Martin Thacker MBE, said: “I’m absolutely over the moon with the amount raised.

“Everyone is aware of the excellent work the charity does in providing specialist palliative and end of life care, as well as support to adults and their families across North Derbyshire.

“I always hoped we could hand over a substantial amount of money to the charity, but this has surpassed my expectations and I couldn’t be more delighted.

“I’d therefore like to thank everyone who helped organise or attend events for helping me raise such a large sum for such a worthy cause.”

Barbara-Anne Walker, Chief Executive at Ashgate Hospice, said: “I can’t express how grateful we are to Councillor Thacker, Jean Spencer, North East Derbyshire District Council and everyone who’s supported the fundraisers over the past 12 months.

“There is no doubt that Councillor Thacker and his team have gone above and beyond in their fundraising efforts – organising fun and exciting events all year round for everyone to attend and enjoy. Dozens of fundraising events have taken place over the last year to bring in the money for Ashgate Hospice, including music events, talks, a talent show, themed nights, markets and craft fairs, tours of stately homes, a Chairman’s special edition gin and much, much more!

Cllr Thacker and Consort Jean Spencer, handed over the cheque during a special presentation event at Ashgate Hospice on Monday 23 May.

“To have raised such a significant amount of money will help us provide care for so many patients and their At the event, Cllr Thacker praised the hospice for working so closely with him for his fundraising appeal and also the ‘brilliant team’ for all they do in caring for the people who use the hospice’s services.

communityfr@ashgatehospice.org.uk

More information about Cllr Thacker’s fundraising events over the past year, can be found on our website:

www.ne-derbyshire.gov.uk

If you’d like to support Ashgate Hospice’s vital work through fundraising in the community, go to:

www.ashgatehospice.org.uk/ fundraising

or get in touch on:

01246 567 250

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HEALTH & BEAUTY SELF-CARE FOR BUBBLE BATH HATERS

Is it just me? Am I the only woman who flinches at the mention of a spa day or a Prosecco fuelled bubble bath? I’m a hugger so it’s not the idea of being touched that bothers me. Although, I have to say, that being pummelled, wiped, exfoliated, and generally messed about with holds pretty much zero appeal to me. I just get so BORED. Loafing around doing nothing (and being done to) is just not for me.

I don’t want to mislead you into imagining that I’m physically constantly on the go, but mentally, my happy productive place is to have many ‘tabs’ open, just like my computer. Often, that means juggling an open phone, iPad, good old fashioned notebook and a pen at the same time. Which is tricky if you’re covered in some mystic oil and balancing remnants from Stonehenge between your shoulder blades!

And yet, I get the self-care mantra thing that surrounds us; so many of the clients coming to me for support are burned out and worn down by stresses, responsibilities and caring for others. None of us are exempt from the need to take care of ourselves, but when did it become the accepted wisdom that we have to halt everyday life and take time out to be engaging in self-care? If we are genuinely looking after ourselves to be as well as we can and be fit enough to manage the responsibilities of the people and tasks in our lives, that is not a switch to turn off and on. Selfcare, at a fundamental level, looks like listening to our bodies…. eating well and eating well every day, not just when we want to drop some pounds. Recognising if we’ve fallen into destructive habits of misusing alcohol to escape from the day… being proactive about getting better sleep (if we’re constantly complaining about being tired). It’s also about recognising what gives you energy and brings you joy or satisfaction. I’ve often written on this page about Personality Profiling (get yours free at www.16personalities.com) that can confirm whether you get your energy from being alone or being with others. Being an Introvert, or an Extravert has nothing to do with whether you are sociable or not, it’s about what charges your batteries. If you are an Introvert by nature, you will naturally be drawn to solitary hobbies like fishing or painting, whist the Extraverts among us will feel refreshed by engaging in activities with others, like Zumba or a walking group. Self-care is being aware of this and letting it influence your decisions. So, when faced with an invitation to lunch with a group of friends, the Extravert knows that this is what selfcare looks like for them, whilst an Introvert may still go to lunch, but can be aware that they’ll need some time alone afterwards to recharge. Aside from that, it’s horses for courses in terms of lifestyle: a busy working parent who never gets a minute to themselves will probably love the gift of a massage (unless they’re like me!), whereas someone with a more solitary life might prefer your company over a cup of coffee.

Don’t get me wrong, if your idea of a good time is a bubble bath, go for it! Here’s to looking after ourselves EVERYDAY.

Article written by Sarah Kallend. Sarah is an Emotional & Mental Health Therapist offering a variety of therapies at her base at Ogston Reservoir. You can find out more about Sarah at