Flying the flag for Action For Kids at Gold Challenge Charity event
by Ethos public relations
Young people and staff from Hornsey-based charity, Action For Kids, had a day out with a difference when they took part in the Gold Challenge Charity test event and parade at London's Olympic Stadium on Sunday 1 April 2012.
Students, staff and volunteers from the national disability charity - one of the Gold Challenge’s 150 charity partners – were among thousands of people taking part in the event, watched by a crowd of 20,000 spectators.
In addition, fundraisers who signed up to the Gold Challenge to help raise money for Action For Kids had the chance to run 100m in the Olympic Stadium, competing alongside other Gold Challengers, as well as celebrities and sports stars.
The Gold Challenge is the UK’s only Olympic and Paralympic sport based charity event and the staff and students at Action For Kids have signed up to the 2012km Challenge, and have pledged to run, walk, swim, cycle and row to meet the total.
Lyn Prodger, Corporate Partnerships Manager at Action For Kids, who took part in the parade on Sunday 1 April, said: “It was a fantastic day! One we will never forget!
“It was amazing to be part of such a truly momentous occasion and be able to experience the Olympic track for ourselves alongside our fundraisers and all the other amazing challengers, celebrities and sports stars.
“It was a real celebration which helped to build even more excitement and anticipation ahead of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. It was a privilege to be part of it.”
Everyone who attended the Gold Challenge Charity event played an important role in helping London 2012 prepare for the Games as it was one of the key test events in the Stadium.
Action For Kids is a charity that is dedicated to helping transform the lives of children and young people with physical and learning disabilities across the country by removing barriers to independence.
To find out more about Action For Kids and its work, please visit the website www.actionforkids.org.
To read other news from Action For Kids click here.
Posted at 3rd April 2012
Two specialist mobility trikes donated to Columbus School and College, Chelmsford; courtesy of national disability charity
by Ethos public relations
To help pupils at The Columbus School and College in Chelmsford learn how to cycle and find out more about bicycle and tricycle safety as part of a national campaign, two specialist trikes have been donated by Action For Kids.
Learning to cycle is one of the milestones of childhood, and the specialist trikes will not only enable pupils with a range of disabilities to learn how to cycle but they will also help them to develop self-confidence and increase their sense of independence.
The trikes will now be used as part of the school’s ‘Cyclability’ programme designed to teach primary aged children about road safety for trikes and bicycles.
“Cycling enables our students to enjoy new levels of independence and challenge,” said Ginny Bellard, Deputy Chief Executive of Columbus School and College.
“These trikes also provide therapeutic benefits; helping to strengthen muscles and improve balance and co-ordination. We extend our sincerest thanks to Action for Kids for this kind donation.”
On a recent visit to Columbus School and College, a special school for children and young people with profound and complex learning difficulties, Sally Bishop and Beryl Hall from Family Support Services at Action for Kids, had the chance to see how much the children are already benefitting from the donated trikes.
“It is no exaggeration to say that a tricycle can really change a disabled child’s life for the better,” Sally Bishop said. “And it has been fantastic to see the difference this equipment is already making to the lives of the children here at the school.”
Ginny Bellard added: “This donation enables our young people to develop a skill they will retain for life. A skill they can enjoy with their friends and their families whether in school or out in the local community. We look forward to celebrating the students’ achievements with Action for Kids in the future.”
Action For Kids is a charity that is dedicated to helping transform the lives of children and young people with physical and learning disabilities across the country by removing barriers to independence.
To find out more about Action For Kids and its work, please visit the website www.actionforkids.org.
To read other news from Action For Kids click here.
Posted at 28th March 2012
Stephen James Enfield presents specialist car seat to six-year-old local boy
by Ethos public relations
A six-year-old Enfield boy with Dystonic Cerebral Palsy has been presented with a brand new specialist car seat today – thanks to the fundraising efforts of the team at Stephen James Enfield and Action For Kids.
Fundraisers at London’s number one BMW and MINI Dealer managed to raise nearly £2,000 to purchase the car seat for Kai Surrey, as part of the organisation’s commitment to supporting national disability charity, Action For Kids.
The specialist car seat will enable Kai to sit perfectly straight and comfortably in the car, while travelling long distances with his mum, Amy, to and from school every day. Thanks to a special swivel turntable on the car seat, Amy will be able to get Kai in and out of the car with much more ease.
“Kai is absolutely thrilled with his new car seat,” Amy says. “He had grown out of his previous one and really needed a specially designed car seat that would help him maintain an upright position and make travelling much safer and hopefully more fun!
“We are extremely grateful to the team at Stephen James Enfield and Action For Kids for the brilliant new car seat!”
Trevor Jones, Dealer Principal at Stephen James Enfield, who presented the new car seat to Kai and Amy today, said: “We are delighted to hand over the specially designed car seat to Kai and his mum.
“It’s a great piece of kit which we know will help Kai and his mum travel in much more ease and comfort and we are all really looking forward to seeing what a difference it makes to them both.”
Lyn Prodger, Corporate Partnerships Manager at Action For Kids, who attended the presentation, said. “We are always pleased to be able to help support young people like Kai.
“We know that the new car seat will offer him great benefits and we look forward to hearing how Kai is getting on over the next few months.”
Action For Kids is a charity that is dedicated to helping transform the lives of children and young people with physical and learning disabilities across the country by removing barriers to independence.
To find out more about Action For Kids and its work, please visit the website www.actionforkids.org.
Posted at 27th February 2012
Sophie Habibis pays a surprise visit to the Action For Kids Christmas Party
by Ethos public relations
X Factor Finalist, Sophie Habibis, helped to make the Action For Kids Christmas party this year a singing success, after paying a surprise visit to the event held at the Pavilion, home of North Middlesex Cricket Club, in Crouch End.
Sophie, from Highgate, met with Action For Kids students and their families as well as some of the children and young people the charity has helped over the years and entertained guests with a soulful rendition of classic Christmas carols, which she sang with the youngsters.
Sophie also posed for photographs before the Action For Kids students performed a Bollywood dance extravaganza, and members of staff put on a secretly rehearsed concert of pop classics.
“It was a fantastic event,” said Sally Bishop, Founder of Action For Kids. “And we were absolutely delighted that Sophie could make it.
“A lot of our students and the young people we work with just love the X Factor and they were thrilled to meet Sophie in person and be able to sing a few Christmas carols with her! It really did get us all into the festive spirit.
“Sophie created a storm of excitement and joy at the event and helped to make it a night to remember for so many deserving young people affected by disability. We cannot thank her enough.”
The evening was donated by a generous anonymous sponsor with gifts provided by Next, Sainsbury's Muswell Hill, Marks and Spencer Crouch End and Thornton's Budgens of Crouch End.
Sally Bishop added: “I would like to thank all those involved in helping to make our Christmas party such a fantastic event and we wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!”
Action For Kids, based in Hornsey, is dedicated to helping transform the lives of children and young people with physical and learning disabilities across the country by removing barriers to independence.
The charity’s latest appeal is ‘12 Trikes for Christmas’ and you can donate now to help Action For Kids purchase and deliver new tricycles for twelve children with varying special needs and disabilities in time for them to open on Christmas morning.
To make a donation and to find out more about Action For Kids, please visit the website www.actionforkids.org
Click here to read more press releases for Action For Kids from Ethos public relations.
Posted at 20th December 2011
Plymouth hopeful to hit Big Apple for one of world’s largest marathons
by Ethos public relations
A 20-year-old student from St Budeaux is in training for the New York City Marathon – one of the largest marathons in the world - to help raise money for national disability charity, Action For Kids.
Emily Marley, who is currently studying Mechanical Engineering at Loughborough University, is one of 15 runners taking part in the marathon on Sunday 6 November to help raise funds for the charity that is dedicated to helping transform the lives of children and young people with physical and learning disabilities across the country by removing barriers to independence.
“The New York City Marathon is an incredible opportunity for me to give something back,” Emily said. “My brother has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy – a life threatening, wheelchair bounding physical disability – and I know first-hand just how invaluable the support from charities like Action For Kids is for young people with physical and learning disabilities.
“My plan is to raise £2,000 to help provide the chance for others, in my brother’s situation, to be given all the necessary support to remove the barriers to their independence.”
The New York City Marathon is a major annual marathon with the course running through all five boroughs of New York City, and is one of the largest marathons in the world, with 45,103 finishers in 2010.
Carolyn Mwaniki, Events and Community Fundraising Manager at Action for Kids, said: “It is fantastic to have Emily and the whole team running for us. They have all set themselves fundraising targets and hope to raise £21,000 or more for the charity, which is just brilliant! We are truly grateful to everyone who is taking part.”
The marathon, organised by New York Road Runners (NYRR) has taken place every year since 1970. It is held on the first Sunday of November and attracts professional competitors and amateurs from all over the world.
Action For Kids helps to support children and young people with physical and learning disabilities and their parents and carers across the country. Through its “Towards Independence” programmes, the charity helps disabled children, young people and their families lead more independent lives through the provision of specialist services such as: training in independent living skills and work related learning; a family support service; a national help line and much more.
The charity also provides disabled young people, up to the age of 26, with specialist mobility equipment, and an on-going maintenance program to keep wheelchairs working. The equipment, which is provided on a permanent loan scheme, means that Action for Kids covers the cost of maintaining and servicing the wheelchairs on an ongoing basis, removing a major financial burden from families.
To sponsor Emily, please visit her personal sponsorship page at www.justgiving.com/emily-m.
To find out more about Action For Kids and its work, please visit the website www.actionforkids.org.
And for more information about the New York Marathon, please visit www.nycmarathon.org.
To read other news from Action For Kids click here.
Posted at 4th November 2011
West Sussex hopeful to hit Big Apple for one of world’s largest marathons
by Ethos public relations
A 20-year-old student from Chichester is in training for the New York City Marathon – one of the largest marathons in the world - to help raise money for national disability charity, Action For Kids.
Verity Turner, who is currently studying Sport and Exercise Science at Loughborough University, is one of 15 runners taking part in the marathon on Sunday 6 November to help raise funds for the charity that is dedicated to helping transform the lives of children and young people with physical and learning disabilities across the country by removing barriers to independence.
“I love New York,” Verity said. “And after speaking to people who had taken part in the New York City marathon, and finding out that I could go with the team of students from Loughborough University, I just had to sign up for it! I am really looking forward to the challenge and hope to raise £2,000 for Action For Kids.
“I have been doing many different forms of training to prepare for the marathon, including aqua jogging,” Verity added. “I developed shin splints through all the training and found that this was the best way for me to keep my mileage up and the impact on my shins down!”
The New York City Marathon is a major annual marathon with the course running through all five boroughs of New York City, and is one of the largest marathons in the world, with 45,103 finishers in 2010.
Carolyn Mwaniki, Events and Community Fundraising Manager at Action for Kids, said: “It is fantastic to have Verity and the whole team running for us. They have all set themselves fundraising targets and hope to raise £21,000 or more for the charity, which is just brilliant! We are truly grateful to everyone who is taking part.”
The marathon, organised by New York Road Runners (NYRR) has taken place every year since 1970. It is held on the first Sunday of November and attracts professional competitors and amateurs from all over the world.
Action For Kids helps to support children and young people with physical and learning disabilities and their parents and carers across the country. Through its “Towards Independence” programmes, the charity helps disabled children, young people and their families lead more independent lives through the provision of specialist services such as: training in independent living skills and work related learning; a family support service; a national help line and much more.
The charity also provides disabled young people, up to the age of 26, with specialist mobility equipment, and an on-going maintenance program to keep wheelchairs working. The equipment, which is provided on a permanent loan scheme, means that Action for Kids covers the cost of maintaining and servicing the wheelchairs on an ongoing basis, removing a major financial burden from families.
To sponsor Verity, please visit her personal sponsorship page at www.virginmoneygiving.com/VerityTurner.
To find out more about Action For Kids and its work, please visit the website www.actionforkids.org.
And for more information about the New York Marathon, please visit www.nycmarathon.org.
To read other news from Action For Kids click here.
Posted at 3rd November 2011
Bangor hopeful to hit Big Apple for one of world’s largest marathons
by Ethos public relations
A 20-year-old student from Bangor is in training for the New York City Marathon – one of the largest marathons in the world - to help raise money for national disability charity, Action For Kids.
Gethin Jeffreys, a Maths and Sport Science student at Loughborough University, is one of 15 runners taking part in the marathon on Sunday 6 November to help raise funds for the charity that is dedicated to helping transform the lives of children and young people with physical and learning disabilities across the country by removing barriers to independence.
“The New York City Marathon is an incredible opportunity and challenge for me,” Gethin said. “And I want to raise at least £2,000 for Action For Kids.
“Knowing that the money I manage to raise will help to make a real difference to someone’s life, is a great incentive and I’ve been doing a lot of regular training in preparation for the event!”
The New York City Marathon is a major annual marathon with the course running through all five boroughs of New York City, and is one of the largest marathons in the world, with 45,103 finishers in 2010.
Carolyn Mwaniki, Events and Community Fundraising Manager at Action for Kids, said: “It is fantastic to have Gethin and the whole team running for us. They have all set themselves fundraising targets and hope to raise £21,000 or more for the charity, which is just brilliant! We are truly grateful to everyone who is taking part.”
The marathon, organised by New York Road Runners (NYRR) has taken place every year since 1970. It is held on the first Sunday of November and attracts professional competitors and amateurs from all over the world.
Action For Kids helps to support children and young people with physical and learning disabilities and their parents and carers across the country. Through its “Towards Independence” programmes, the charity helps disabled children, young people and their families lead more independent lives through the provision of specialist services such as: training in independent living skills and work related learning; a family support service; a national help line and much more.
The charity also provides disabled young people, up to the age of 26, with specialist mobility equipment, and an on-going maintenance program to keep wheelchairs working. The equipment, which is provided on a permanent loan scheme, means that Action for Kids covers the cost of maintaining and servicing the wheelchairs on an ongoing basis, removing a major financial burden from families.
To sponsor Gethin, please visit his personal sponsorship page at www.justgiving.com/Gethin-Jeffreys.
To find out more about Action For Kids and its work, please visit the website www.actionforkids.org.
And for more information about the New York Marathon, please visit www.nycmarathon.org.
To read other news from Action For Kids click here.
Posted at 2nd November 2011
Loughborough hopeful to hit Big Apple for one of world’s largest marathons
by Ethos public relations
A 20-year-old student from Loughborough is in training for the New York City Marathon – one of the largest marathons in the world - to help raise money for national disability charity, Action For Kids.
Simon Phillips, an Aeronautical Engineering student at Loughborough University, is one of 15 runners taking part in the marathon on Sunday 6 November to help raise funds for the charity that is dedicated to helping transform the lives of children and young people with physical and learning disabilities across the country by removing barriers to independence.
“The New York City Marathon is an incredible opportunity and challenge for me,” Simon said. “And I have been doing a lot of training in preparation for it - 30 to 40 miles of road running each week!
“My aim is to complete the marathon in less than three and three quarter hours and I hope to raise at least £1,500 for Action For Kids.”
The New York City Marathon is a major annual marathon with the course running through all five boroughs of New York City, and is one of the largest marathons in the world, with 45,103 finishers in 2010.
Carolyn Mwaniki, Events and Community Fundraising Manager at Action for Kids, said: “It is fantastic to have Simon and the whole team running for us. They have all set themselves fundraising targets and hope to raise £21,000 or more for the charity, which is just brilliant! We are truly grateful to everyone who is taking part.”
The marathon, organised by New York Road Runners (NYRR) has taken place every year since 1970. It is held on the first Sunday of November and attracts professional competitors and amateurs from all over the world.
Action For Kids helps to support children and young people with physical and learning disabilities and their parents and carers across the country. Through its “Towards Independence” programmes, the charity helps disabled children, young people and their families lead more independent lives through the provision of specialist services such as: training in independent living skills and work related learning; a family support service; a national help line and much more.
The charity also provides disabled young people, up to the age of 26, with specialist mobility equipment, and an on-going maintenance program to keep wheelchairs working. The equipment, which is provided on a permanent loan scheme, means that Action for Kids covers the cost of maintaining and servicing the wheelchairs on an ongoing basis, removing a major financial burden from families.
To sponsor Simon, please visit his personal sponsorship page at: www.justgiving.com/simonphillips91.
To find out more about Action For Kids and its work, please visit the website www.actionforkids.org.
And for more information about the New York Marathon, please visit www.nycmarathon.org.
To read other news from Action For Kids click here.
Posted at 28th October 2011
Action For Kids secures London 2012 Inspire Mark
by Ethos public relations
National disability charity, Action For Kids has been granted the Inspire Mark by the London 2012 Inspire programme, in recognition of its Multi Activity School Holiday Programme.
The London 2012 Inspire programme recognises innovative and exceptional projects that are directly inspired by the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and Action For Kids has been awarded the mark for its holiday activity programme for young disabled people, which includes a range of Paralympic sports.
Sports such as boccia, volleyball and tennis are featured within the charity’s participative and stimulating holiday programme, to help build anticipation and excitement amongst its students ahead of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Seb Coe, Chair of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, said: “We want to use the power of the Games to inspire change. The Inspire programme is recognising the work our partners all round the UK are doing to help us achieve this vision now – one year away from the start of the Games. I congratulate everyone involved in the Action For Kids’ Multi Activity School Holiday Programme for securing the Inspire mark and wish you every success with your work.”
In addition to its range of Paralympic sports, the Action For Kids Multi Activity School Holiday Programme includes music classes, gardening, arts and crafts, dance workshops as well as picnics and day-trips. The programme also gives students the chance to develop their office skills and confidence in a vibrant and fun environment as part of the charity’s Work Related Learning programme.
“We are absolutely delighted to have been granted the Inspire Mark for our Multi Activity School Holiday Programme,” said Sally Bishop, founder of Action For Kids.
“The mix of activities and the range of sports which we feature in our programme enables our students to really get involved and feel a part of the build up to the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and it is great to see just how enthusiastic and excited they are, with just one year to go!”
Action For Kids is a charity that is dedicated to helping transform the lives of children and young people with physical and learning disabilities across the country by removing barriers to independence.
To find out more about Action For Kids and its work, please visit the website www.actionforkids.org.
To read other news from Action For Kids click here.
Posted at 4th October 2011
Couple to celebrate first wedding anniversary by running Royal Parks Half Marathon for charity
by Ethos public relations
Keen charity supporters, from Lewisham, will be celebrating their first wedding anniversary in a unique way this October, by running the Royal Parks Half Marathon in London to raise money for charity.
Luke Slatford and his wife Roxsanne, who live in Forest Hill, are in training to complete ‘the most beautiful city run in the world’, on Sunday 9 October, to raise as much money as they can for their nominated charities.
The Royal Parks Half Marathon is one of the most scenic city runs in the world. Starting and finishing in Hyde Park, the 13.1 mile route races through four of London’s stunning Royal Parks - Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, Green Park and St James’s Park - and offers runners magnificent views of some of the capital’s most iconic landmarks, including Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, Marble Arch and the Royal Albert Hall.
Luke, an Associate Director at Takeda Global R&D Centre (Europe) Ltd in Aldwych, along with his work colleagues, has already worked hard this year fundraising for the organisations’ nominated charity, Action For Kids, and so far they have managed to raise almost £11,000. Now Luke and his colleagues are determined to raise another £500 for the charity to ensure they exceed this, by completing the half marathon.
Roxsanne, who works for QVC, is competing to raise £1,000 or more for her company’s nominated charity.
“We are both really looking forward to taking part in the event,” says Luke. “It’s a bit of a different way to celebrate our first wedding anniversary, but it will be great fun and I am sure we’ll both enjoy it! Training wise, we have done the British 10K together. Roxsanne runs twice a week I have been training for the London Triathlon which took place on Sunday 31st July!
“In terms of time, I am trying for one hour 50 minutes, which is quite ambitious as I’ve never done over a 10K before! If Roxsanne runs under two and a quarter hours, she will be very pleased.”
Carolyn Mwaniki, Events and Community Fundraising Manager at Action For Kids, said: “We are very grateful to Luke for taking part in the event to raise money for Action For Kids - particularly as it’s his and Roxsanne’s first wedding anniversary. The pair of them are true charity champions! The Royal Parks Half Marathon is always great fun and a fantastic day out for all the family. And we still have spaces left for the event, so to avoid missing out, we urge anyone interested in taking part to contact the events team on 020 8347 8111 or email events@actionforkids.org.”
Action For Kids is a charity that is dedicated to helping transform the lives of children and young people with physical and learning disabilities across the country by removing barriers to independence.
To sponsor Luke in The Royal Parks Half Marathon, please visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/takedaroyalparkshalf.
To find out more about the costs involved and for more information about Action For Kids and its work, please visit www.actionforkids.org.
To read other news from Action For Kids click here.
Posted at 3rd August 2011
Local fundraiser completes Extreme 5 Challenge for Action For Kids
by Ethos public relations
Keen charity supporter and personal trainer, Andy Shaw, from Crouch End has raised £1,155 for Action For Kids after completing the Extreme 5 Challenge.
31-year-old Andy completed the challenge, which included a 1.5km swim, followed by a 10km kayak, then a 40km cycle and finally a 10km run at Willen Lake in Milton Keynes, on Sunday 10th July in an attempt to raise over £1,000 for the charity.
Andy, who recently set up his own personal training company, ‘Intelligent Exercise’ in Crouch End, was asked to join the Queenswood Medical Practice team who had signed up to the Extreme 5 Challenge and, after agreeing to take part, decided to raise money for his local charity, Action For Kids.
“I have done a number of charity events in the past including the Three Peaks Challenge, five Great North runs and others,” Andy said. “But this has been quite a different event altogether, especially with the 10km kayak - something I had never done before!
“With setting up my new business, it has been a busy period for me, and finding the time to train properly for this challenge, was pretty tough. But the aim of my business is to inspire and educate the local community to enjoy regular exercise to enhance their lives, and so I wanted to show what can be achieved when you put your mind to something.
“My aim was to raise over £1,000 by doing the Extreme 5 Challenge, the first of many for Action For Kids, so I am delighted that I’ve managed to raise £1,155 for the charity, with more donations still to come. Thank you to everyone who has donated,” he said.
Action For Kids is a charity that is dedicated to helping transform the lives of children and young people with physical and learning disabilities across the country by removing barriers to independence.
Sally Bishop, founder of Action For Kids, said: “We are so grateful to Andy for his efforts and his continued commitment and support – we are very lucky to have such an inspirational fundraiser on our doorstep!
“The money Andy has managed to raise will help make a real difference to our work - helping provide more independence, opportunities and support to disabled children and young people all around the UK, so a big thank you to Andy!”
To sponsor Andy in the Extreme 5 Challenge, please visit www.justgiving.com/QueenswoodIntelligenceExtreme5Challengeforthekids.
To find out more about Action For Kids and its work, please visit the website www.actionforkids.org.
To read other news from Action For Kids click here.
Posted at 11th July 2011
Local fundraiser raises over £5,000 for Action For Kids
by Ethos public relations
Keen charity supporter, Jo Peasland, from Wimbledon, has raised more than £5,000 for Action For Kids, by selling car-parking spaces in her driveway to tennis fans.
Running enthusiast and mum-of-two Jo, 40, has been selling car parking spaces on her driveway to Wimbledon-goers in an attempt to beat her fund raising target. Jo’s efforts have paid off as she managed to raise a total of £5,025 for the national disability charity.
Jo’s fundraising started earlier in the year, when she completed the London Marathon in April, despite serious injury.
“I developed heel pain after completing the Brighton half marathon in February,” Jo said. “An ultrasound scan confirmed a severely bruised calcaneus (heel bone). I was advised that any further running on the foot would result in a stress fracture. Parys Edwards, from PhysioSW19 clinic, began treatments to reduce the pain and devised a non-impact training program involving aqua-jogging and cycling to help keep up my Cardio Vascular fitness up until the day of the marathon.
“I just knew that pulling out of the marathon was not an option especially as I had already received some £2,000 in sponsorship. The fact that I couldn’t do any running in preparation was tough, and when it came to the event itself, I was really nervous. However, my foot held up, and I completed the marathon in just over five and a half hours – not exactly the four hours I’d been training for but it was a fantastic day and the crowds were amazing!
“I’m really grateful to my Personal Trainer, Mark Trinidad and my Physiotherapist, Parys Edwards, for their support and belief in me. They knew how determined I was to complete my first Marathon. I’ll definitely do it again next year although I’m also considering cycling from London to Paris.”
Sally Bishop, founder of Action For Kids, said: “Jo is an inspiration! Her efforts are amazing and we are so grateful to her for all her fundraising achievements and continued support.
“The money Jo has managed to raise will help make a real difference to our work - helping provide more independence, opportunities and support to disabled children and young people all around the UK.
“The funds will go towards the provision of specialist mobility equipment - one of the services we provide for disabled young people up to the age of 26 - helping children and young people be independently mobile. So a big thank you to Jo!”
To find out more about Action For Kids and its work, please visit www.actionforkids.org.
To read other news from Action For Kids click here.
Posted at 6th July 2011
Fundsport Group fundraiser sets off on London to Paris charity bike ride
by Ethos public relations
A keen charity fundraiser from Fundsport Group in Nottinghamshire has set off on the prestigious London to Paris bike ride today in a bid to raise as much money as possibly for Action For Kids.
Luke Smith, who was due to take part in the three-day challenge with colleague, Mark Craddock, who sadly could not compete due to a serious injury, departed London for the French shores this morning, setting off from Twickenham. The 200 plus mile bike ride will conclude along the famous Arc de Triomphe in Paris on Sunday evening.
Luke has been in tough training for a lengthy period of time and has been gradually increasing his distances to prepare himself for the 90 miles he’ll have to endure each day.
"It’s been a tough training period for me," said Luke. "I am obviously disappointed Mark is injured and unable to take part – it’s a blow for him and us too, but I’m focused on lasting it out and achieving our goal."
Despite going alone, he is determined to complete the cycle to Paris and raise as much money as he can for the charity - Fundsport’s chosen charity of the year 2010/2011 - which helps to support children and young people with physical and learning disabilities and their parents and carers across the country.
Last year Kirkby-based firm Fundsport donated over £6,000 to the charity at their headquarters in London and hopes this bike ride will raise awareness of the charity and its work. Lightmain, based in Rotherham, generously donated the road bikes for the event and is sponsor of 'Team Fundsport'.
To follow Luke’s progress throughout the weekend, visit the Fundsport website - www.fundsport.co.uk, or follow Luke on Twitter @FundsportGroup.
For more information about Action For Kids, visit www.actionforkids.org.
To read other news from Action For Kids click here.
Posted at 24th June 2011
Action For Kids' Beach Volleyball Championship a hit
by Ethos public relations
The crowds were out in force at Broadgate Circle for the third annual City Beach Volleyball Championships, which helped raise money for national disability charity Action For Kids.
The event saw teams from across the City of London being cheered on by city workers, Great Britain Beach Volleyball Olympic stars Tom Lord and Jake Sheaf and even 2012 Olympic mascot Mandeville.
The event raised over £40,000 for the charity which supports children and young people with physical and learning disabilities and their families and carers across the country, and was won by commercial law firm Mischon de Reya, who defeated La Fosse Associates in the final.
The teams battled on through the changeable weather while Rob Walker, best known as television MC for the BBC TV Snooker coverage, was on hand to commentate on all the games.
Sally Bishop, Founder of Action For Kids, said: “The event was a great success and the fact that over £40,000 was raised, with more money still to come in, is just amazing. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves – especially the kids from the charity who got to show off their beach volleyball skills.
“We would like to thank all the teams that took part – without them there wouldn’t have been a competition.
“The money we get from events such as these, as well as donations, is really important as it gives kids with disabilities and their families and carers invaluable help.”
In addition to the finalists the other teams to take part were: The Parthenon Group, Addleshaw Goddard, Mission, Marshall Wace, ICAP, Virgin Active, and The Bank of Tokyo - Mitsubishi UFJ Ltd.
National disability charity, Action For Kids not only provides disabled young people up to the age of 26 with specialist mobility equipment, but it also offers an on-going maintenance programme to keep wheelchairs working.
To find out more about Action For Kids and its work, please visit www.actionforkids.org.
To read other news from Action For Kids click here.
Posted at 17th June 2011
Brian the Snail completes London Marathon
by Ethos public relations
Fundraising champion, Lloyd Scott, has completed the London Marathon dressed as Magic Roundabout character Brian the Snail, after finally crossing the finishing line at the Mall this morning at 10am.
Averaging a mile a day, Lloyd and the Magic Marathon team are hoping to raise £200,000 for national disability charity, Action For Kids, which helps to support children and young people with physical and learning disabilities and their parents and carers. The money raised will be spent on providing life-changing equipment for children and young people with disabilities.
Lloyd, over the years, has raised more than £5million for charity running marathons, and took five days to complete the 2002 London Marathon in a deep sea diving suit. He has also cycled across Australia on a penny-farthing, and was awarded an MBE in 2005 for his charity work.
To find out more about Lloyd’s challenge and Action For Kids, please visit www.actionforkids.org/how-you-can-help-us/events/magicmarathon.php
To read other news from Action For Kids click here.
Posted at 13th May 2011
City Beach Volleyball Championships head to London!
by Ethos public relations
As momentum is building for the third annual City Beach Volleyball Championships, national disability charity, Action For Kids is asking London businesses to sign up to the challenge!
The charity is hosting the fun-filled event on Friday 10 June 2011 at Broadgate Arena in the heart of the city, and is eager to hear from businesses who are keen to compete in the exciting tournament to raise money for Action For Kids.
This year’s charity beach volleyball event promises to be even bigger and better than ever, with teams from across Greater London battling it out to win the coveted title and raise money for the charity, which helps to support children and young people with physical and learning disabilities and their parents and carers across the country.
Last year, a record number of 14 London business teams, including those from Intercontinental Hotels, HSBC, ICAP, City of London Police and Mitsubishi - a total of 138 players – took part in the tournament, and helped to raise £50,000 for Action For Kids.
"This really is a fantastic charity event for London city workers," said Carolyn Mwaniki, Events and Community Fundraising Manager at Action For Kids. "Last year, our teams were cheered on by hundreds of spectators from balconies around the court and the grand final was amazing, with just one point in it!
"This year, with London 2012 just around the corner, we are encouraging more and more city businesses to swap their suits for their sports gear and take part in this exciting tournament to help raise money for the charity."
Any company can enter a team and competitors needn’t have played before as the rules are very simple. Those interested in competing, need to get together a team of five to ten people. There will be five people on court at a time and each team must also have one person of each gender on court at all times.
Teams have the chance to play at least three matches on the day lasting around 20 minutes each, with pre-match training provided by Action For Kids. And the games will take place, whatever the weather!
Four groups will compete against each other and the winner of each group will go into the semi final – the winners of which will go onto the grand final. Trophies will be presented to the winning team and runner-up at the end of the day.
For more information about Action For Kids and the City Beach Volleyball Championships 2011, visit the website at www.actionforkids.org.
To read other news from Action For Kids click here.
Posted at 9th May 2011
Guy’s Hospital Tower abseil for Action For Kids – back this weekend by popular demand
by Ethos public relations
Following daredevil disability charity founder, Sally Bishop’s brave abseil down Guy’s Hospital’s famous tower last month to raise money for Action For Kids, the event is back again this weekend.
Back by popular demand, the abseil event will return to the capital on Sunday 3rd April and already, another 30 fearless fundraisers have signed up to the challenge to raise money for the national disability charity.
Standing at 469 feet, Guy’s Hospital Tower is a very noticeable feature on the city's skyline and taller than the London Eye. It is also the highest structure in the capital that it is possible to abseil, making it one of the most exciting ways to raise valuable funds for Action For Kids.
There are just five places left for the abseil on Sunday, so to avoid missing out, please contact the events team now on 020 8347 8111 or email events@actionforkids.org.
To find out more about Action For Kids and its work, please visit the website www.actionforkids.org.
To read other news from Action For Kids click here.
Posted at 29th March 2011
Sonny outlook for Brighton boy, thanks to Action For Kids
by Ethos public relations
An 11-year-old Brighton boy with cerebral palsy has been presented with a brand new stand-up powered wheelchair today – thanks to local fundraisers and two disability charities, Action For Kids and GamesAid.
“I desperately needed a powered wheelchair, and now I’ve got one - it’s super,” said Sonny, as he received his new wheelchair at Woodingdean Primary school.
Local fundraisers from the school and Rottingdean & Saltdean Lions Club joined forces with Action For Kids and GamesAid, to raise over £20,000 to purchase the new chair, which is not available on the NHS.
The powered wheelchair will enable Sonny to stand up and move independently for the first time in his life, giving him a greater sense of independence and making a huge difference to his quality of life. Sonny’s mum, Sharon, says that the chair will play a crucial part in her son’s life.
“Sonny is absolutely thrilled with his new chair,” Sharon says. “With better mobility and a greater sense of independence, it will be fantastic to see just how much Sonny’s confidence will grow every day. And especially now, as he’s getting ready to go to secondary school. We are extremely grateful for all the support we’ve received from the fundraisers, the school, Rottingdean & Saltdean Lions Club, and particularly GamesAid and Action For Kids.”
Half of the Rottingdean & Saltdean Lions Club contribution came from the legacy of former Lion, Jack Simmons – whose wife Sally had asked for money for a worthy cause instead of flowers when her husband died. And Sally Simmons was there to see Sonny receive his new chair, along with Graham Stapley from Rottingdean & Saltdean Lions Club.
Mrs Jo Fish, Assistant Headteacher at Woodingdean Primary School, said: “We are delighted and overwhelmed by the support that we have received from Action for Kids, Rottingdean & Saltdean Lions Club and Sally Simmons, The Sussex Clay Pigeon Shooting Association CPSA and the local community. We also want to thank all the school staff who have worked really hard at raising funds. This new wheelchair will transform Sonny's life. Thank you so much to everyone.”
Caroline Miller from GamesAid added: “We’re delighted we’ve been able to contribute to such a fantastic new chair for Sonny. We can see what a difference it will make.”
National disability charity, Action For Kids not only provides disabled young people, up to the age of 26, with specialist mobility equipment, but it also offers an on-going maintenance program to keep wheelchairs working.
Sally Bishop, Founder of Action For Kids said: “We’re always pleased to help support young people like Sonny. We know that the new chair will offer him fantastic physical and emotional benefits and we look forward to hearing how he’s getting on over the next few months.”
To find out more about Action For Kids and its work, please visit www.actionforkids.org.
To read other news from Action For Kids click here.
Posted at 25th March 2011
Fundraising reaches new heights for Southwark disability rights campaigner
by Ethos public relations
Courageous Southwark campaigner, Sharon Coleman, who won a landmark legal case giving new rights to millions of carers in the UK, has completed her latest challenge by abseiling down Guy’s Hospital Tower at the weekend (Saturday 12 March) to raise money for national disability charity, Action For Kids.
Sharon, as part of a team of 35 fearless fundraisers, including Action For Kids’ Founder, Sally Bishop, braved the 469 foot drop to complete the charity abseil down the tallest hospital building in the world.
A renowned campaigner for disability rights, Sharon, whose son Oliver has hearing difficulties and suffers from serious respiratory problems, won a legal case in 2008 that changed UK law in regards to disability discrimination by association in the workplace, giving the same rights for parents and people caring for disabled people as other staff.
Sharon, who took the abseil challenge completely in her stride, said: “It was absolutely amazing! Terrifying but amazing. And by far the scariest fundraising thing I’ve ever done!
“I’m so pleased I did it though, and we’ve managed to raise well over £1,000 for Action For Kids in the process, which is fantastic.”
Founder of Action For Kids, Sally Bishop, said: “We are delighted that Sharon was brave enough to join the team and take on the abseil challenge.
Action For Kids helps to support children and young people with physical and learning disabilities and their parents and carers across the country. Through its “Towards Independence” programmes, the charity helps disabled children, young people and their families lead more independent lives through the provision of specialist services such as: training in independent living skills and work related learning; a family support service; a national help line and much more.
The charity also provides disabled young people, up to the age of 26, with specialist mobility equipment, and an on-going maintenance program to keep wheelchairs working.
The equipment, which is provided on a permanent loan scheme, means that Action for Kids covers the cost of maintaining and servicing the wheelchairs on an ongoing basis, removing a major financial burden from families, the maintenance scheme has also recently been extended to cover privately-owned wheelchairs.
To find out more about Action For Kids and its work, please visit the website www.actionforkids.org.
To read other news from Action For Kids click here.
Posted at 15th March 2011
Charity Founder to abseil Guy’s Hospital Tower for Action For Kids
by Ethos public relations
63-year-old daredevil, Sally Bishop, founder of national disability charity, Action For Kids, together with some of her fearless colleagues and a sell-out number of 35 brave supporters, will abseil down Guy’s Hospital Tower - the tallest hospital building in the world – on Saturday 12 March - to raise money for the charity.
Standing at 469 feet, Guy’s Hospital Tower is a very noticeable feature on the city's skyline and taller than the London Eye. It is also the highest structure in the capital that it is possible to abseil, making it one of the most exciting ways to raise valuable funds for Action For Kids.
Fundraising champion Sally, who set up the charity almost twenty years ago, certainly has a head for heights and is no stranger to danger after bungee jumping a few years ago for Action For Kids. However now, at the age of 63, she is gearing up for what might be her last daredevil challenge in her fundraising career.
“I am really looking forward to the abseil challenge,” Sally said. “With the support of my team at Action For Kids and the fantastic supporters, it promises to be one of the most exhilarating fundraising challenges we’ve done to date!”
“And, as it may well be the last time I agree to take on such an awesome, adrenalin pumping challenge, I am really going to make the most of it and raise as much as I can for Action For Kids.”
Action For Kids helps to support children and young people with physical and learning disabilities and their parents and carers across the country. Through its “Towards Independence” programmes, the charity helps disabled children, young people and their families lead more independent lives through the provision of specialist services such as: training in independent living skills and work related learning; a family support service; a national help line and much more.
The charity also provides disabled young people, up to the age of 26, with specialist mobility equipment, and an on-going maintenance program to keep wheelchairs working.
The equipment, which is provided on a permanent loan scheme, means that Action for Kids covers the cost of maintaining and servicing the wheelchairs on an ongoing basis, removing a major financial burden from families, the maintenance scheme has also recently been extended to cover privately-owned wheelchairs.
To sponsor Sally in the abseil, please visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/SallyBishop.
To find out more about Action For Kids and its work, please visit the website www.actionforkids.org.
To read other news from Action For Kids click here.
Posted at 25th February 2011
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