Newlife’s second Santa Dash last Saturday, 17 December has raised over £2,000 to help local disabled and terminally ill children. A total of 48 got involved – 20 per cent up on last year’s figure and pledges are still coming in.
Sheila Brown, Newlife’s CEO, said: “We are delighted that this is bigger and better than our first Dash last December and thank everyone who participated. We currently have 15 youngsters in Staffordshire needing our help to buy them equipment, such as specialist buggies and wheelchairs – 100 per cent of the money raised will go towards this and give them their wish at Christmas.”
Sheila continued: “Our grants are so vital to so many children, offering practical support to families in need. Equipment can range from a pain-relieving bed to communication aids, from walking frames to hoists. Equipment that costs from hundreds to several thousands of pounds really can revolutionise a child’s life.”
A group of nine took part from West Midlands law firm FBC Manby Bowdler. They were joined by family and friends at the event, along with supporters from the firm’s Wolverhampton and Willenhall offices. The firm chose Newlife as its charity partner back in the summer as they wanted to support a local good cause. Managing partner Kim Carr said: “It’s great to be able to help a charity on our doorstep and to see the real difference it makes to local children and be able to report that back to our staff. We are delighted to have taken part and the Dash was really good fun and got us in a festive mood.”
Newlife is facing hugely increased demands on its resources; calls to the Newlife Nurse Helpline – 0800 902 0095 – have shot up by 73 per cent. This is an average of 300 calls a week, with thousands more hits on the charity’s website www.newlifecharity.co.uk.
Because of the huge demand Newlife is always looking for ‘local heroes’ to help raise money to help fund equipment.
If you think you can help, the Newlife Community Fundraising Team can be contacted on freephone 0800 988 4640. Any individual or organisation thinking of running a fundraising event is asked to contact the team, who can offer support and guidance.
Photos from the day can be found on Facebook
