Dorset Spotlight - Nov Dec 2022 - Issue No .5

IN THIS ISSUE

"What an extraordinary couple of months we have had. Saying goodbye to our incredible monarch Queen Elizabeth II was not only sad but reflecting on her astonishing reign reminded us that there are people who go above and beyond for others where in a current world of uncertainty brings us hope and inspiration.

And this is why I feel bringing the Dorset Spotlight magazine to you is so important we recognise our local athletes hard work and dedication as they strive to be at the top of their game. We also appreciate how many of you continue to selflessly give up your time and raise money for others locally in need. Which is why we continue to collaborate, inspire, connect, and support!

In this issue, we had the pleasure of chatting with British Paracanoe champion Jack Eyers about his recent success at the Canoe

We also check in with British Trampoline

and

International Showjumper

The organisers

events, and

the

And if all that isn't enough, we celebrate our

with

So, sit back, relax, and enjoy

Have a

and

the

Run

talk about the success of their

Prince of

in our charity section and

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FEATURE PARACANOE CHAMPION

JACK EYERS

Jack Eyers, 33, is a shining example of someone who makes the best of life. The loss of his leg has only propelled him to snap up the fantastic opportunities that have come his way, leading to sporting success and becoming a role model for all.

Not only is Jack a 2x ICF Paracanoe World champion. He is a personal trainer, a successful male model, and is Mr England 2017. This August, in Munich, he won gold and became European champion at the Canoe Sprint and Paracanoe World Championships.

DS: Hi Jack, Wow! What an exciting and eventful life you have lived so far. Take us back to the beginning and tell us what led to the amputation of your leg.

JACK: "I was born with a condition in my leg called proximal focal femoral deficiency (PFFD), which stunted the growth and development of my leg and hip and got progressively worse throughout my early childhood years

"I underwent numerous operations to straighten and rebuild my femur and hip joint; but even at a young age I became increasingly aware that my leg was never going to function as a normal limb. It was frustrating for me as a young boy who loved to play sports and felt free in the outdoors

"After many meetings with surgeons and specialists I was still no clearer on my future! Until one day, I met a guy in a hospital waiting room who recognised my condition and started talking to me about my leg. He was born with a similar condition but had his leg amputated and walked with a hi tech prosthetic leg He showed me photos (which he kept in his wallet) of him on film sets with Leonardo DiCaprio, filming The Mummy and being blown up on the beaches, filming Saving Private Ryan His adventurous lifestyle and positive attitude completely captivated me. I decided the best decision for me was to amputate my leg. So, at 16 years old, I had elective surgery; to have my leg amputated above the knee "

DS: You have certainly not let losing a limb hold you back... Massive congratulations on recently winning the gold medal at the Canoe Sprint and Paracanoe World Championships. Tell us a bit about the race and how it felt to win

JACK: "Losing my leg has not held me back it has opened up many opportunities. Winning gold at the Canoe Sprint and Paracanoe World Championships this year is certainly something I will never forget

"At the World Championships in Canada, I delivered a world best time, and one week later, I won the European Championships in Munich, again with a European best time Both results are incredible achievements for me I am unbelievably proud of my growth within the sport, as it has been a long journey to get here

"In 2017, I parked my personal training business in Bournemouth and relocated north to pursue my dream of becoming an athlete with British Canoeing

"In 2018, I was selected to represent GB for the first time. I had a successful year and won a bronze at the World Championships in Portugal

"Unfortunately for me, 2019 did not go to plan. I was devastated to find out that I was not selected for an international competition, and furthermore, I was not selected to attend the Tokyo formularisation camp ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games It hit me hard! I felt like I had a lot to unpack to try and understand what went so wrong after such a successful previous year

"In 2020, there were no international competitions because of the pandemic.

"Early 2021, we had our selection race for the now 2021 Tokyo Paralympic games. Unfortunately, it was not my time, and I just missed out on the top spot and was not selected for the games but they held me as reserve

"I then had to focus on the World Championships in Copenhagen that was taking place later that year. The highs and lows of elite sport have taught me that emotions are a powerful source of energy if you channel them productively.

"September 2021, I won the World Championships, and after having a tough couple of years, this was the best result I could have hoped for to finish my 2021 season "

JACK: "Our race season has now finished until April 2023, when we have selection for the World Cup and the 2023 World Championships So, between now and then it is just lots of hard training in the gym and race practice on the water.”

DS: You are also a successful model, modelling for famous brands such as Orlebar Brown, Gymshark, Boohoo, and ASOS, also having the opportunity of walking down the catwalk in New York Fashion week. Tell us what you love about modelling, and which is your favourite - being an athlete or a model?

JACK: “After meeting the guy at the hospital who inspired me to have my leg amputated, as soon as I turned 18 years old, I joined an agency that got me work on film sets and the occasional modelling jobs. Over the years, I have built contacts with agencies and photographers who got me bigger jobs with clothing brands etc. It soon became apparent that the fashion industry was not representing people living with disabilities.

"I worked with an agency called Models of Diversity to challenge this issue Through modelling and my growing presence on social media I made it my mission to challenge the perception of disability and embrace it as beautiful and relevant! I was lucky enough to be invited to New York to walk on the New York Fashion Week catwalk and represent disabled models I was the first ever amputee to walk at New York fashion week.

"A few years later, I was featured on the front cover of Men’s Health magazine. I really enjoy modelling because it allows me to travel, be creative, meet interesting people and do something completely different

"I am also extremely passionate about the message I try to get across

"Having said that, when asked which is my favourite athlete or modelling… Life as an athlete wins every time! There is something very rewarding about the harder you work at sport, the greater the outcome. Whereas modelling has pros and cons, it can feel superficial being judged by someone’s opinion of how you look, compared to sport which is obviously performance driven "

DS: What is next? Do you have any more competitions coming up?

DS: Tell us a bit more about yourself. What do you like to do when you get

JACK: "I have a real love for the sea. I spend most of my downtime at the beach with my family (my 11 month daughter and my partner) or swimming in the sea, scuba diving, freediving, and spearfishing I train with British Canoeing in Nottingham 3 days a week, so the four days I spend in Bournemouth with my family are important to me.

DS: Amputating your leg couldn't have always been easy for you and your mental health. What advice would you give to someone going through something similar?

JACK: "We all know life can be challenging Living with a disability can be really hard work at times, but for me the good days outweigh the bad. I honestly feel that living with a sense of purpose is extremely powerful I believe that having something to work towards projects, hobbies, new skills etc, forces you to focus on your abilities and your values in life, rather than what you can’t do or what’s stopping you

My favourite quote is… Life begins outside of your comfort zone so embrace it!”

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Photo credit:

JACK EYERS

BRITISH TRAMPOLINE CHAMPION

ISABELLE SONGHURST

FEATURE

Trampolining is undoubtedly a spectacle to watch - as the athlete performs their breath taking routine of aerial tricks and stunts up to 20 feet in the air it must feel close to flying!

It has been an exciting year for Poole Olga athlete Isabelle Songhurst. The 23-year-old athlete and her competition partner Bryony Page smashed their routine on 4th June 2022 in Rimini, Italy, becoming European Synchronised Trampoline Senior British Champions. Izzy's achievements did not stop there on 2nd October 2022, at the Utilita Arena venue in Birmingham, she became the Individual Trampoline Senior British Champion.

So, what is next for this trampolining sensation? We chat with Izzy about the highs and lows of being a top-level athlete.

DS: Hi Izzy, what a fantastic year you have had. First, take us back to the beginning - where did your love of trampolining come from?

IZZY: "My love for trampolining started thanks to my mum, who took me to work with her when she was coaching and signed me up to a beginner’s class when I was around 2 years old.

"Trampolining stayed a consistent part of my life from then onwards I tried many other sports alongside it growing up, including athletics, cross country running, artistic gymnastics and horse riding I loved trampolining as I knew there was no limit to anything I could learn more skills, I could always jump higher, and I could always get better, and I think knowing I was pretty good at it from quite a young age did help a little!"

DS: Congratulations on your 2022 successes, individually and with your synchronised partner Bryony Page. Tell us about both events - how does it feel to be a British and European champion?

IZZY: "Thank you! I think both are very different feelings Going into the European Championships, me and my partner Bryony knew that we could win because we had a huge advantage with our difficulty score, and that belief became a reality when we won. It was amazing to win my first Senior European title, and to share that moment with one of my close friends made it so special.

“Going into the British Championships, I knew I was capable of a medal I had a bad year in terms of my individual competition success, so all I was focused on was trying to do a performance that would make me and my coach proud to some extent this just meant completing my routine, which I did! It was a huge relief at the time, and it felt like the perseverance of picking myself back up every time after I had not done well individually throughout this year had paid off, which was very overwhelming ”

DS: You must have the utmost confidence in yourself when bouncing so high into the air. Has there ever been a time when you have misjudged a part of your routine and hurt yourself?

IZZY: “I have had my fair share of injuries over the past five years, one major injury, a few minor injuries and one minor surgery. As you become more spatially aware, you learn how to ‘ save yourself’ to avoid any injuries as best as you can This is easier to do when you are higher because you have more time to see where you are and make the right adjustments to protect yourself the best you can. Most of my injuries have come from a lack of concentration or overuse/ overtraining rather than a misjudgement "

DS: The Olga Gymnastic clubs are locally renowned for producing some fantastic athletes - the club must be incredibly proud of you. Tell us what a typical training session consists of.

IZZY: “A typical training session for me starts off with a 30 45 warm up on the floor/off the trampoline. The time varies depending on how much my body needs before starting on the trampoline After that, I would be on the trampoline doing some simple elements and basic drills to orientate. My session on the trampoline would last between an hour and 1 hour and a half If we are practising full routines, the session doesn’t take as long Whereas if I am doing sections of my routine the session may take longer. After I have finished my technical work on the trampoline, I would spend another hour to an hour and a half doing some physical work I have what we call ‘conditioning’ programs for different parts of my body to keep them strong, normally after jumping I will do my core (we call it trunk), ankle and/or hip and glute programme Within this time, I will also have a stretch to help recover as well as I can, then I will go home!"

DS: What advice would you give to anyone reading this who would like to give trampolining a go?

IZZY: “Trampolining is an amazing sport for so many reasons As well as it obviously being the most fun sport on the planet, it is also fantastic for building up spatial awareness. It is a great way to keep fit, and it helps you learn how to move your body in different ways. I would always say to anyone who wants to try it to do so, but make sure you go to a British Gymnastics recognised club so that you can learn in a safe environment with qualified coaches!"

DS: So, what is next? Do you have any competitions coming up?

IZZY: "Yes, I have the World Championships in Sofia, Bulgaria from the 16th 19th November, where I will be representing Great Britain in the Individual and Synchronised Trampoline events, which I am super excited for as I have recently upgraded my routine to a more difficult one, so this competition gives me the opportunity to show what I have been working hard on."

ollow Izzy on Instagram

just fly. soar"

There is something quite special about watching showjumping - how the rider and the horse become one, working together to complete a number of jumps whilst avoiding faults, such as knocking down jumps or the horse refusing to go over the jump. Speed and accuracy are essential to complete the course within the allotted timeit's the perfect place to showcase the rider's skill and the horse's ability.

Dorset Spotlight chats with International Showjumper Yazmin Davies, 28, about her love of horses and showjumping.

DS: Hi Yazmin, can you tell us where your passion for horses comes from, and at what age did you ride your first horse?

YAZMIN: "To be honest I’m not sure where my passion for horses comes from. My mum rode low level when she was younger, so I guess I got a taster of it then. I first started riding around 2 years old. I was on a horse before I could walk!!"

DS: Showjumping, eventing, and dressage are all sports at the Olympic Games what made you pick showjumping over the other events, and what did you find the most challenging part of showjumping?

YAZMIN: "I competed in Eventing when I was younger at pony club but never dressage I've always preferred showjumping to x country as the jumps fall if you hit them The most challenging part of showjumping is trying to leave all the jumps up, I guess It's easier said than done and having to get the horse to cooperate, at the end of the day they have a mind of their own!"

DS: Have you competed in many events this year? Did you get the results you were expecting?

YAZMIN: "I've competed in many events this year and had one of my most successful seasons yet with my top horse ‘Zanbowa Z’ We’ve had lots of international success and Grand Prix placings up to 3* level Also winning not 1 but 2 area trials!"

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:

3rd U23 WORLD CLASS CHAMPIONSHIPS OLYMPIA

3rd WORLD RANKING GRAND PRIX CHEPSTOW

3rd WORLD RANKING GRAND PRIX - KEYSOE

DS: How often do you train in preparation for competitions, and what other exercises do you do to maintain peak performance?

YAZMIN: "I train the horses six sometimes seven days a week to maintain maximum fitness I hardly jump at home though especially on my older more established horses. They will jump once a week and the rest of the time is spent hacking or doing flatwork I also take them to the water treadmill once a week which is very good for building fitness and muscle strength. For me my fitness is mostly built by mucking out, pushing wheelbarrows, lifting bales etc I use to go to the gym and do boxing training but since the lockdown that came to an end."

DS: Tell us about the horse/s you ride. What do you need from the horse to be good at showjumping?

YAZMIN: "I ride various horses from 4 5 years old up to older Grand Prix horses I produce all my own horses from unbroken I find it so satisfying to make my own superstars I don’t come from a huge horsey background either, so I find I have to work extra hard to be able to compete at the level I do with little support But hard work always pays off eventually

"For the horse to be good at showjumping they’ve got to have a big heart and a good brain. Without either of those, it’s highly unlikely they have what it takes to make it top level. They can have all the jump in the world but if they don’t want to do it you will never make them"

DS: Has there ever been a moment when the horse doesn't perform or the tack breaks; what did you do?

YAZMIN: "Yes, there have been moments when the horses don’t perform at the end of the day, they aren't machines, and all have off days

"I remember on one occasion I was trying my horse at a competition in a bit less bridle and it snapped. I had no control but luckily neither of us was hurt. I guess You have to take the good days with the bad...that’s life."

DS: So, what is next? Do you have any competitions coming up?

YAZMIN: "Next we head into the winter indoor season. I will contest the winter classic shows up until Christmas and then over Christmas and new year the horses will have some downtime after a very busy summer " Follow Yazmin on Instagram @yazmindavisequestrian

GABI COACHES THE PRINCE OF WALES

Gabi, a Coach Core apprentice working at England Boxing in Dorset met with Prince William on Thursday, October 13 as part of Coach Core’s 10th Anniversary Celebration event at the Copper Box Arena in London. Coach Core is a national social mobility charity that uses sports and apprenticeships to change young lives.

The Royal Foundation of the Prince and Princess of Wales launched the Coach Core programme in 2012, in response to the London Riots and to contribute to the legacy ideals of the London Olympic and Paralympic Games. Since then, the now independent charity has supported over 750 disadvantaged young people in community sports coaching apprenticeships, which will enable them to start meaningful careers, re engage with education and increase physical activity levels in their local areas

Gabi is part of Coach Core’s 2022 programme run in partnership with England Boxing and was invited to take part in the celebration and help lead sports activities. Gabi started boxing when she was 9 because her mum wanted her to learn how to defend herself. Now she loves the sport and it has given her purpose in life When the opportunity to do the apprenticeship with Coach Core and England Boxing came along, she seized the chance to start a career doing the thing she loved most

She gave Prince William some boxing coaching and said: “He picked it up very fast and he said he had boxed before. I didn’t have to teach him much I’m not going to forget this experience, it was crazy I just went over the fundamentals of boxing I showed him the jab, backhand and I showed him how to throw a one-two, and his stance and guard. He enjoyed it.”

Other special guest participants at the event included 6 time Olympic medallist Max Whitlock, Commonwealth gold winning netballer Eboni Usoro Brown, Premier League winner Glen Johnson and Nathan Dawe, DJ and producer

WELLBEING BY THE LAKES

The organisers of the ever-popular 'Wellbeing by the Lakes' returned for their third festival, bringing like-minded people together within the beautiful grounds of the 26-acre lakeside sculpture park in Dorset.

The four day festival gave guests access to experts in the wellness industry. They could also participate in daily workshops in yoga, Pilates, sound healing, drum circles and forest bathing, to name a few.

Local trade stalls offered delicious food and drink, and local crafters showcased their talent and sold their jewellery, homeware, and art ceramics.

We talk to Vikki Taylor about the success of the growing festival and what they have in stall for next year's event.

DS: Hi Vikki, congratulations on a successful third festival. So much work goes into pulling an event of this size together. Tell us about the first festival, why you started and how the festival has grown over the years.

VIKKI: "For a while at Sculpture by the Lakes, we held small scale yoga retreats, meditation sessions and Pilates classes It was with the help of Nasreen El Mariesh, who was running several yoga retreats at the sculpture park that the idea of a wellbeing festival took hold, and we launched our first festival in September

DS: Give us an insight into the incredible team you have working with you.

VIKKI: "The team behind it all is actually very small, but we have the support of some amazing staff who work at the sculpture park all year round that help the smooth day to day running of it all. The planning team consist of Simon Gudgeon, the owner of the sculpture park; Nasreen El Mariesh, the Festival Director; Jennie Veale, the Sculpture by the Lakes Events Director, Ellie Loves, Jo Rich and me "

DS: In events, you must prepare for the unexpected, but we were all surprised by the passing of our beloved Queen Elizabeth II. The Queen passed away on 8th September, day one of the festival. How did this impact the event?

VIKKI: "We were all very shocked when we heard the news and deliberated cancelling the event, but in the end, we decided to hold a two minute silence at the start of the Friday and play the national anthem across the site this was very moving for many of us "

DS: Tell us about your guest speakers and what workshops guests were able to attend.

VIKKI: "There was a huge variety of speakers, classes and workshops. On the Riverside Stage we had best selling authors such as Donna Lancaster and Cheryl Rickman, world renowned DJ Brandon Block, podcast hosts Zoe Blaskey and Ellie Loves and so many more

"In the Move + Flow tent, we had all different types of yoga, from Laughter Yoga to Acro Yoga. We had Tai Chi, Pilates, Qoya, Breathwork and Swell Fitness Classes.

"We also had creative art therapies such as Flower Crown Workshops, a Cyantope Creative Workshop and a Crystal Mala Bracelet Workshop, to name a few

"We had sound baths including Tibetan singing bowls, Gong Baths and Shamanic Healing Meditation and lots going on outdoors and around the sculpture park such as one to one healing therapies, forest bathing and mindfulness walks."

DS: What is

VIKKI: "There is such a broad range of talks, workshops and classes it is rather difficult to know which the most popular attraction is I think

comes for very different reasons

"Some sit by the Riverside Stage and listen to the speakers, authors and leaders in the field of wellbeing engaging talks. Others enjoy yoga, Pilates or breathwork classes, or relax in a sound healing class or a meditation session on our floating platform on the lakes. Whilst many like to wander around the sculpture park, eat some delicious food and have a little shop at all the market stalls

"This year we even had a sauna and plunge pool that was very popular There really is something for everyone "

DS:

VIKKI:

RUN BOURNEMOUTH

From the 8th to the 9th of October 2022, thousands of runners took to the streets and coastline of the South Coast to take part in the iconic Run Bournemouth festival.

The festival kicked off with four junior races on Saturday, closely followed by the ever popular Supernova 5K at dusk. On Sunday, Supersonic 10K and Bournemouth half marathon runners took centre stage, taking in the stunning coastal views and crossing the line on Bournemouth’s Pier Approach. Around 6,500 runners took part, each with their own reason for running.

Tom Merson of Exmouth Harriers AAC finished first in the Supersonic 10K with a time of 0:31:32. He was followed by Quinn Miell Ingram of Radley AC in 0:33:03 and Ben Lloyd in 0:34:07

The first female to cross the line was Charlie Arnell, she finished in a time of 0:36:05. Emily Hilliar of Poole AC (0:38:55) and Louise Fox of Dorchester RIOT (0:41:15) took second and third place respectively.

Half Marathon runners set off at 10 am and shortly after 11 am, Jaymee Domoney of City of Salisbury AC & RC was breaking the tape to take victory in a time of 1:08:00. Kate Drew of Taunton AC was the first female home in a time of 1:22:46, she commented:

“The race was good, it was really enjoyable. The route is lovely, I love running along the coast. I would come and do it again next year, I think it is really well organised, especially at the start, you’re really well looked after.”

During the weekend some incredible people were running for some equally incredible causes

Team Twiners ran this year ’ s Bournemouth Half Marathon for Rethink Mental Illness in memory of Liam Twine who they sadly lost earlier this year

Having raised £3000 collectively, Team Twiners chose to run the Bournemouth Half Marathon as the location holds a special place in their hearts

"Liam and the rest of the team attended Bournemouth University together which is why we chose this event in particular as we have lots of great memories here.” Sam from Team Twiners explains.

Sam and the rest of the team hope that their e awareness surrounding mental health and hel

R U N B O U R N E M O U T H

Sandra Scott, Event Director said:

“It’s been a fantastic weekend for Run Bournemouth. We’re always left in awe of the number of incredible participants who put so much time and passion into their running challenge. Massive congratulations to everyone who took part this weekend. The runners have collectively raised over half a million pounds for over 200 of our affiliate charities, and we're so proud of all their efforts."

“A huge “Thank You” goes to the local residents and businesses of Bournemouth who have supported the runners across the route, along with our 1,000 strong Event Team who have worked so hard to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the runners this weekend. A special thanks to the Seafronts Team who have worked over the past few days clearing the promenade of sand."

“We hope the runners enjoyed the incredible coastal routes and sea views that Christchurch, Boscombe & Bournemouth offer. We look forward to welcoming you all back next year!”

BRIDGE HEALTH & WELLBEING CHRISTCHURCH RUGBY CLUB

Bridge Health & Wellbeing in Christchurch, Dorset, has renewed its sponsorship of Christchurch Rugby Club for a third consecutive year.

Opening its doors in 2019, Bridge Health & Wellbeing began providing physiotherapy services for club players, including injury support and rehabilitation. When the 2020/2021 season began, Bridge Health & Wellbeing increased its involvement with the club by becoming a key sponsor. As the club enters the 2022/2023 season, the clinic has extended its sponsorship into a third year.

Paul O'Connell, physiotherapist and co founder of Bridge Health & Wellbeing said: "It has been great to see the rugby club develop over the past three years. Alongside the men, we now regularly see several women's players coming in for physiotherapy and sports massage.

"As a family run clinic, being part of our local community and working with the town's rugby club is really important. We look forward to supporting them through the 2022/23 season."

Christchurch Saxons men's team finished last season in an impressive second place, only losing one home game During the year, they welcomed ten new players to the club This expansion promises an exciting lineup for the 2022/2023 season, in which the men's team will compete in the Hampshire Merit Leagues

You can keep up to date with the club's fixtures by following their Facebook page: www facebook com/ChristchurchRugbyClub

Bridge Health & Wellbeing provides physiotherapy, chiropractic treatment, sports massage, rehabilitation services, Pilates and yoga classes from their state of the art fitness space on Bridge Street in Christchurch, Dorset. Their team of experts can help you get better, build strength and feel happy and healthy in your mind and body To find out more or book your appointment, contact 01202 473800 or email info@bridgehw.com.

MSP CAPITAL VOLLEYBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

MSP Capital raised £5,000 for two local hospice charities by staging a beach volleyball tournament on Bournemouth Beach.

The Poole based property finance lender welcomed ten teams from the Dorset business community to do battle on the beach the winners were Bournemouth IT consultancy QuoStar

They saw off the challenge of six a side teams representing MSP Capital, NatWest, AFC Bournemouth, asset management firm Ridge, estate agents Frost & Co, lawyers Ellis Jones, accountants Saffery Champness, internet marketing specialists Uprated and office rental agency Venaspace.

Among the spectators cheering on their favourites were AFC Bournemouth striker Kieffer Moore and ex Cherries forward Steve Fletcher, who also presented the winners' trophy

The £5,000 raised from the competition has been split evenly between charities Julia’s House and Lewis Manning Hospice.

Becky Harris, MSP Capital’s Finance Director, said: “The event was brilliant fun and as well as all that good natured serving, setting and spiking on the sand, it was a great way for businesses to network with each other and help raise funds for two such worthwhile causes. Next year we want to see a bigger event, more teams and raise even more money for charity.”

Caroline Attreed, Corporate Fundraiser for Julia’s House, said: “It was great to go along and we're so grateful to everyone who took part It's wonderful to know we have such brilliant support in the local community Everyone looked like they had lots of fun fundraising, along with some friendly 'business rivalry', especially as we've not been able to hold events such as these for a while due to the pandemic. The MSP Capital team did a wonderful job in pulling the teams together and everyone at Julia's House, especially the children and families we support, want to say a huge thank you. ”

Nicki Culley, Corporate Partnerships Fundraiser for Lewis Manning, said: “A massive thank you to the MSP Capital team and all of the teams that took part on the day It was such a brilliant atmosphere and made even better knowing that they had all raised such a lot of money which will make a huge difference to our patients and services Thank you!”

Beachfront restaurant West Beach kept the teams going with supplies of drinks and fish and chips while individual competitors received a tote goody bag containing eco friendly treats to help them stay energised throughout.

Beach volleyball specialist Deep Dish helped organise the event and supported MSP Capital on the day with a compere, referees and DJ

Deep Dish was founded by beach volleyball stars Chris Gregory and Jake Sheaf who have both represented Team England at the Commonwealth Games and Team GB at other international tournaments and world tour events

HOPE FOR FOOD

Christmas is one of Hope for Food's busiest time of the year.

Can you help?

Would your family, street, organisation, works team, church or school like to take part in their early Reverse Advent collection during November in aid of Hope for Food.

Each day put an item or items in a box and by 30th November 2022 deliver to Unit 13, West Howe Industrial Estate. Elliott Road, BH11 8LZ. This will then enable Hope for Food to put some extra items into their food parcels for Christmas.

Hope for Food send out approximately 160 food parcels to local families a week

Richard Macmillan, a trustee at Forest Holme

in Poole,

£5,000 for Forest Holme, which

match

a final amount of £10,000,

completing the 130km

Composite Profiles UK Ltd, in Poole,

30 years of

raising nearly £500 by walking 30km from New Milton to Poole Quay.

FOREST HOLME EVENTS

Nuno Almeida, from Poole, CEO of Nourish, raised £2020 in sponsorship for running the half marathon at Run Bournemouth.

Izzy Cherritt, from Bournemouth, a pupil at Glenmoor and Winton Academies, came second female under 18 in the 5k at Run Bournemouth raising £240

DCCF EVENTS

Christmas Bazaar

Come along to our Christmas Bazaar, on Saturday 19th November 2022, 1pm to 4pm, at the Haven Hotel, Sandbanks BH13 7QL with festive stalls, mince pies and Father

Art Deco Black Tie Event

Our

Brothers,

Henrietta Young has organised a touring exhibition, Pictures for the Beehive

Bournemouth, Salisbury, Kent, Suffolk and London to raise money for the charities’ Splash Appeal and raise awareness about

in the community.

Wednesday

Wednesday

Fantastic Fundraiser's

Sam Cole, a visually impaired member of DBA, organised a fantastic 80s night in Weymouth. Fancy dress was encouraged, and the venue saw an array of marvellous costumes from Beetlejuice to Cyndi Lauper!

The event raised an impressive sum of £1,002.

Pam, one of our visually impaired members, and Jack Monk held a coffee morning at Royale Heights, Beacon Hill (their gated community). They raised a fab £312 and have also donated a large collection of new items from their market stall for sale in our charity shops across the county

DORSET BLIND EVENTS

Do you or a friend or relative have poor sight? Dorset Blind Association are hosting a Low Vision Day at The Dorford Centre in Dorchester with NHS Dorset County Hospital

Don’t miss this opportunity to join DBA’s Community Support workers and NHS nurses from the Eye Department for advice and information on Saturday, 19th November The event runs from 10 am to 2 pm and will have a range of low vision aids on display to explore. Talks from guest speakers will cover subjects including macular conditions, cataracts, and life as a younger person with sight loss and a guide dog. Join us for information about support groups, aids and equipment and services to help you to remain independent for longer Come along and get help for yourself or someone you know on Saturday, 19th Nov.

Low Vision Day on Saturday, 19th November, 10 am 2 pm

THE DORFORD CENTRE, BRIDPORT ROAD, DORCHESTER, DT1 1RR

For more information about this event, call 01202 712869

For more information about the Dorset Blind Association, please follow @dorsetblind on Facebook or Instagram, call 01202 712865 or email communityrelations@dorsetblind.org.uk.

Dorset Blind Association

Hosts Low Vision Day on 19th November, with NHS Dorset County Hospital

Nick made his 790km

completing their trek of the Camino St Francis

Thank you, Nick. This mega 60th

fundraiser, raised

What

off

A team of Waitrose Branch Managers completed a trek of the Jurassic Coast

Starting at Waitrose Bridport and finishing at Corfe Castle The team raised a fantastic £1,529.

Fantastic Fundraiser's

Natalie Scotney, Zoe Pollock and Harriet Mulcahy, from Bournemouth, cycled from Saigon to Angkor Wat during October to raise money for Julia's House, the Dorset & Wiltshire children’s hospice charity They covered 450+ kms over seven days through the Mekong Delta to Cambodia, raising more than £2,000.

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/nat harriet zoe

JULIA'S HOUSE EVENTS

Julia's House Santa Dash

Beat the winter blues by pulling on your trainers and signing up for the Julia’s House Santa Dash on 27 November

There’s fresh air and festive fun to be had with your family and friends at this cracker of a fundraising event, held in partnership with Bournemouth Christmas Markets. Whether you choose to walk or run the 5k route along the seafront from Bournemouth Pier, it’s a great way to welcome in the Christmas season and support your local children’s hospice charity Santa suits optional!

As you enjoy the bracing sea air and beautiful coastal views, you’ll be raising vital money which will help Julia’s House support the families of local seriously ill children And as if that’s not enough of a reward, there’s a free mulled wine from the Bournemouth Christmas Market for everyone who takes part

You can choose to complete the route on your own or as a family group (children under 5 can join in for free) There’s even a chance to win a PlayStation 5 worth around £500, simply by setting up a JustGiving page and raising at least £75.

To sign up visit https://www.juliashouse.org/event/santa dash

Fundraiser's

Victoria's Fundraising Story

Hello everyone. This a big thing for me to share my story, I am typically a very private person, but the ethos, resilience and overall positivity of the hospice made me really want to tell my tale and help them in any way I can My story begins in 2021, I first heard about Lewis Manning Hospice Care when I saw an advert on Facebook for a charity coffee morning being held locally to me. I’d not long moved to Dorset, and I had been thinking about volunteering some of my time.

So, I pushed through my social anxiety and went along! I cannot tell you how glad I am that I went along because as well as meeting some of the hospice’s lovely staff (and having some nice coffee and cake), I was so impressed to hear how well Lewis Manning had managed to continue providing care throughout the pandemic That was the icing on the cake, my decision was made that I would definitely like to help them in some sort of way.

I started the process of registering to be a volunteer but, sadly, my health took a downward turn. In March 2022 I noticed a lump in my breast, so I was fast tracked to the breast clinic and the following month I was told that I have Grade II Invasive Breast Cancer. Nothing really prepares you for that. My own experience of this illness has made me think about things I never really thought I’d have to consider The irony of perhaps needing to use the services of a charity I had intended to be helping is not lost on me I am, however, remaining positive No one really knows what their future holds, but I do know that there are people with life limiting illnesses that need care at this very moment, and I’d like to be able to help them I decided to fundraise for Lewis Manning by shaving my hair and have raised over £2,500 so far!

Mike Jefferies Art Exhibition

Mike Jeffries’ wonderful watercolour paintings were displayed in a charity exhibition in Poole to raise funds for Lighthouse, Poole and Lewis Manning Hospice Care. The event was sponsored by Lewis Manning’s wonderful supporter, Peter Harding Wealth Management. A huge thank you to our kind Patrons Pam and Mike Jeffries The event raised over £5,000 for our charity alone!

Pictured: Clare Gallie CEO LMHC, Mike and Pam Jeffries