Latest 7 looks at upcoming charity events
Latest 7 looks at upcoming charity events to get involved with & spread the festive cheer
Christmas may seem a little way off but on Thursday 15 November the Christmas lights will be switched on in Brighton’s East Street, adding festive sparkle to the streets. Before long, the whole city will be aglow with fairy lights and sparkling window displays.
As our thoughts turn to Christmas, a time for giving to loved ones, it is also a time to think of those in need. Most of us are prone to first and foremost look after ourselves and those closest to us, but we can all recognise the satisfaction of extending our generosity to others. Giving is receiving.
“Charity fundraisers are a great way to spend time with friends and family”
Spread the festive feeling by participating in one of the many charity events happening across the city. Charity fundraisers are a great way to spend time with friends and family, keep active and support a good cause at the same time. Why not sign up with your work mates for a great team-building experience? With its characteristic community spirit, Brighton and Hove has a larger number of charity events than most other places in the country, so take your pick.
If you were infused by the Olympic spirit, fan the flame a little further by donning a Santa suit and joining forces with 500 other runners in the Brighton Santa Dash. This annual event is always great fun and is guaranteed to get you into the Christmas spirit. For the more hard-core athletes, sign up your team for Brighton Marathon 2013 with Macmillan Cancer Support and get training! Since its inception, Brighton Marathon has proved to be a popular addition to the local events calendar, alongside the Brighton Half Marathon and variety of midnight walks, fun runs and swimathons. Marathon places go fast so sign up as part of Team Macmillan today. Not only are you supporting a worthy cause, it’s also a fantastic personal achievement and will leave you with a great feeling of accomplishment.
In a more contemplative spirit, remember a loved one by lighting a candle with the Martlets Hospice at one of their Light Up A Life Events around town in the run up to Christmas.
Whatever your choice, it will be a memorable experience to share with friends and family, and knowing you’re supporting a charitable cause will only enhance the feel-good factor.
Here we take a look at some of the fantastic local events happening in the run up to Christmas and beyond. Mark the dates on your calendar and get involved. It’s the greatest Christmas gift of all!
Words: Jenny Berg
Brighton Santa Dash: Pass It On Africa
The annual Brighton Santa Dash 5km fun run hits the seafront again on Saturday 8 December in aid of Pass It On Africa (PIOA). The entry fee is £14 and includes your Santa suit. This event is managed by InMotion Sport who cover all the costs, most of which are recouped by your entry fee.
“We are delighted to manage this event each year and support PIOA,” says John Gladwin from InMotion Sport. “They do fantastic work with the school projects in Africa so we urge all runners to try and raise at least £10 sponsorship each to support their worthy cause.”
All of the fundraising goes to PIOA. The charity is hoping to raise £3,800 this year to complete the build of the Fresh Start Skills Centre in The Gambia. So far PIOA has awarded £58,880 to the skills centre project. If they reach their target the centre will be able to officially open in January, providing vocational training and primary education to 300 vulnerable children annually.
Visit the Santa Dash website to enter the race and to find out how fundraising will be used by PIOA.
Brighton Santa Dash, Saturday 8 December 2012, 10.30am. Starting line: by the Peace Statue, Adelaide Crescent, Hove. To request your fundraising pack email james@pioafrica.org.uk, www.santadashbrighton.co.uk, www.pioafrica.org.uk
Brighton Marathon 2013: Macmillan Cancer Support
Running a marathon should be a memorable experience and we aren’t just talking about the aches and pains. When you join Team Macmillan for the Brighton Marathon 2013 we will ensure you have an unforgettable experience. You will have an action-packed weekend kicking off with a pre-race pasta party to get you fuelled up ready for the race. Plus, when you cross the finish line, a massage and refreshments will be ready waiting for you at the recovery centre.
If that’s not enough you will also be helping to support the two million people living with cancer in the UK. One in three of us will get cancer and it’s the toughest fight most of us will ever face. By joining Team Macmillan in the Brighton Marathon you’re helping support people and their families living with cancer.
Brighton Marathon, Sunday 14 April 2013.
To secure your place call call 0207 840 4937 or visit www.macmillan.org.uk and select ‘get involved’.
Light Up A Life: the Martlets Hospice
Christmas is full of nostalgia and memories but no matter how much time has passed since the loss of a loved one it can often be a difficult time. This is something they know only too well at the Martlets Hospice, so every year, around Christmas time, they hold ‘Light Up A Life’ ceremonies.
Antonia Sheperd, one of the organisers, has seen firsthand how many people find great comfort in coming together with others to remember and celebrate the memories of loved ones. The events aren’t religious and you don’t even need a connection with the Martlets to attend. All they ask is that you make a donation to the Hospice and dedicate it to the memory of the person you have lost.
Light Up A Life events for 2012:
Sunday 25 November, 3pm, The Meridian Centre, Peacehaven;
Sunday 2 December, 3pm, Clarendon Centre, New England Street, Brighton;
Friday 7 December, 7pm and Sunday 9 December 3pm, Hounsom Memorial United Reformed Church, Nevill Avenue, Hove, BN3 7NG.
Dedication forms and tickets are available from the Martlets Fundraising Office on 01273 747455 and online at www.themartlets.org.uk/light-up-a-life
