Zipping through the Sky to raise money for Charity

Karen Welch

Karen recently took part in a Charity Zip Slide - here is what she had to say about the experience:

"excellent, I actually did it!! And I lived tell the tale!

What an experience!! Apart from climbing up at least 200 steps, wearing a heavy harness which made my bosom look like Dolly Parton's and a hard hat this really wasn't a good look.

To be honest, the worse bit was having to clamber over the side of the bridge once I reached the top…which no one had mentioned to me before hand I might add!! Anyway, when you're about 150 feet up in the air and just held on by a couple of metal clips, its pretty scary!!!

At this stage of the proceedings, I found myself in a very unlady like position, and at one stage, I thought ...oh dear, I am going to do the splits!

So finally, there I am standing on a steel girder of the bridge, and the only thing between me and the ground below are a couple of metal clips... I closed my eyes, took a depth breath, leaned back and with an extremely loud scream fell backwards… after about 5 seconds, I open my eyes and I am actually starting to enjoy the ride!

By mid flight I really embrace it, by now I am must have looked like a complete pratt, waving my arms and legs about. As I was coming into to land, I got a huge round of cheers from my family and friends below!! All I can say is, thank goodness for tenna ladies!!!

it was all worth it, for a very good cause, and it seems to have made a lot of people laugh with me, so hey why not. And no before you ask … I am not doing it again!!!!! Bet you hadn't asked!

It looks like I have raised about £400 plus match funding of £300 from Western Power Distribution , so once I've collected it all in should be around £700 from your's truly.

Have a laugh on me! "

Karen's words are typical of fundraisers comments - why not have a go yourself? We have many events for you to enjoy. Next Abseil is on 17 and 18 September at the Transporter Bridge, Newport.

3 Peaks Challenge 2011

Team 'Four Ward March' on the summit of Cadair Idris.



Saturday 2nd July 2011
We were blessed with glorious weather for our first ever Welsh 3 Peaks Challenge, which was a welcome added bonus to a very rewarding day.

18 teams signed up - and all 18 teams completed the challenge, in times ranging from 6 hours to 11 hours.

With a chilly 4am start on Snowdon, the teams set off to tackle the mighty Snowdon. As the dawn broke, everyone was rewarded with stunning views from the top of Snowdon - which is quite rare, as usually its peaks are shrouded in mist.

Spirits were still high amongst the teams as they set off a few hours later for the summit of Cadair Idris. Although a shorter walk, it is still a challenging climb. Again, the views from the top were jaw-droppingly beautiful - you could even see the coast and over to Barmouth.

As we moved on to the Storey Arms to our third Peak - Pen Y Fan, signs of tired legs and blisters were beginning to show. Team spirit and camaraderie are what kept most people going, and the knowledge that they were raising money to help patients in our community to receive end of life care in the comfort of their own homes. "It's for a worthy cause" were words that we heard more than once throughout the day.

Finally, just over 16 hours later, everyone was finished and treating themselves well earned burger and a cuppa.

It was an extremely long and tiring day, but oh, so worth it for the sense of achievement.

Liz, Tim & Gary

PRIZES
1st Overall was Knauf A
2nd Overall was Gary Parker & Co. Accountants

3rd Overall was Jack and Jill of Go Compare

We owe everyone a big apology for the mix up with the results - they have been amended several times, but we think these are right now. Lessons have been learned for next year! Please forgive the confusion (and disappointments caused).
Well done to everyone who took part - and we hope to see you back on 30th June 2012.

Click on '3 Peaks Challenge' below to go to album of pictures from the day.

From 3 Peaks Challenge 2011

Images from the day. (if anyone has any to add, please contact us, we would love to see them)

Results.

New Hospice Facilities will benefit so many.

St. David’s Foundation Hospice Care is delighted to announce that building work has already begun on our 4th Day Hospice, which will be a welcome addition to our existing Day Hospices, which are based in Brecon (Usk House), in Pontypool and in Ystrad Mynach.

The new Day Hospice and Outreach Chemotherapy Clinic will mark an exciting new era for St. David’s Foundation Hospice Care. It will mean that patients living in Newport will have a dedicated Day Hospice for their community


Within the planned new Day Hospice building we will provide a full range of services, including:

Chemotherapy clinics
Complementary therapies
Art therapy
Carers groups
Family support services
Bereavement groups
Welfare benefit clinics
Consultant in Palliative Medicine clinics
Children’s support services, including the Unicorn Project. (Appropriate safeguarding policies are in place and anyone working with children is CRB checked)
Breathing retraining
Multi-faith room and chaplaincy service

There’s no clearer way to demonstrate the impact of Day Hospice on people’s lives than through the words of our patients, attending one of our existing Day Hospices:

"I mean all the staff here are brilliant, they can’t do more if they tried. They all understand and listen to you. If you want to talk to anyone there’s always someone there, and at the end of the phone if you’re not at the centre. It’s really brilliant."

You can just be who you are down here – you’re not Anne’s mum, or John’s wife or the nurse’s patient, do you know what I mean? You’re just, Susan, I am down here. Sometimes I feel quite normal! I’m glad to come here every time.


It is with grateful thanks to the Welsh Government, Newport City Council and individual donors that we have been able to start this inspiring project.