Previous Fundraising Projects

In previous years we have supported the following charities

Bubble Foundation (£6045.78 was raised during 2008-9)
This charity works in partnership with the Children's Bone Marrow Transplant Unit is based in  Newcastle. As one of only two specialised centres in the British Isles, the unit treats babies born without an immune system, by bone marrow transplantation. Unable to fight infection, the most severe condition, Severe Combined Immune Definiciency (SCID), is fatal if untreated within a year of birth.

The only way of keeping them safe from infection is to care for them in a BUBBLE, a high-tech sterile space, measuring 8 feet square, their 'home' for the duration of their treatment. The only chance of survival for these 'BUBBLE' babies is to give them a new immune system. Giving them a Bone Marrow Transplant, a difficult and painful treatment, is the only way.  And the process typically takes 6 months, but can be longer, up to 2 years. The good news is that if successful, the babies grow new immune cells and can leave their BUBBLE and go home to live normal lives.

The BUBBLE Foundation raises funds for medical equipment, toys and educational aids, welfare of babies, children and their families, and importantly to fund research at this cutting edge of paediatric practice.

Water Aid (2007-8)
This is an international charity, whose mission is to overcome poverty by enabling the world's poorest people to gain access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene education.

• Water Aid was founded by the UK water industry in 1981 and have developed into a leading water and santiation charity.
• They aim to help one million people gain access to sanitation every year.
• Water Aid enables the world's poorest people to gain access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene education. These basic human rights underpin health, education and livelihoods and form the first, essential step in overcoming poverty.
• They work with local partners, who understand local issues, and provide them with the skills and support to help communities set up and manage practical and sustainable projects that meet their real needs.

RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution)
The RNLI is the charity that provides a lifesaving service 24-hours a day, 365 days a year around the UK and Republic of Ireland. The volunteer crews give up their time and comfort to carry out rescues in difficult and often dangerous conditions. Details of the Durham branch can be consulted to look for local activities.

To kit one crew member in protective gear costs £1170.

• Lifejacket and lifeline  (£499)
• All weather protection jacket  (£235)
• Helmet  (£176)
• Gloves  (£16)
• Trousers  (£206)
• Non-slip boots (£38)

The Great North Air Ambulance - £2353 was raised during 2007

Bishop Joseph of the Methodist Miathene Synod, Kenya (2006 & 2007) - £3428 was raised during 2007.
Rachel Thomas, one of our members, visited Kenya as part of her training, and on her return to the UK she wrote this report to share some of her experiences.

St Cuthbert's Hospice
Durham City Website
http://www.stcuthbertshospice.com/

Grace House (£8158.92 was raised during 2005)
http://www.gracehouse.co.uk/

The Grace House North East Children's Hospice Appeal strives to raise funds to build, equip and run an eight bed children's hospice for children across the North East. Over 1,200 families in our region require hospice care and Grace House will provide a home from home, loving environment where children and their families may turn to for support.