Since 2013, Tony Maxse has organised a series of beautiful walking events, in loving memory of Georgina Maxse. This year’s event had 60 participants, walking over five days and raising over £4,700 for our work with forgotten children across the world and another £4,748 for the Institute of Cancer Research.
Chris Taylor, an ambassador for Children on the Edge describes this year’s journey: “On a very rainy and windy Wednesday morning 35 walkers met in a carpark near East Dean to walk 10.5 miles around Beachy Head. This was the start of 5 circular walks starting in East Sussex and ending in Bepton in West Sussex. This was a continuation of an annual fund raising walk set up by Tony Maxse over 20 years ago. The walk was originally 100 miles long but now to take account of age and ease of organisation they have become circular walks. This hardy bunch set off and were blessed with gradual lifting of the mist and easing of the wind. We even managed to have lunch on the cliff tops below Beachy Head in the sunshine. The afternoon proved to be particularly tough, as we headed straight back into the wind. Despite this most people made it back to the carpark in one piece. The second day we met at The Devil’s Dyke, on top of the Downs above Hove. This proved to be a tough walk with a punishing climb back up to the finish. However, we were rewarded with far reaching views during the walk, seeing 5 counties from the top of Wolstonbury Hill and enjoyed an excellent pub lunch. On Friday we had a delightful walk around Petworth, meeting at Bignor Farm, where we were given coffee by Edward and Linda Way. Ben Wilkes from Children on the Edge joined us on the walk and impressed everyone by cycling to the beginning of the walk from Chichester and home again at the end of the walk. We meandered through beautiful countryside to The Horse Guards at Tillington for lunch. They looked after us superbly and won the best lunch of the walk award comfortably. After lunch we went through the Upperton and Nyetimber vineyards and on through Petworth Park ending back at Bignor Farm for a wonderful tea provided by Linda Way. Ben gave a short talk about Children on the Edge that put our efforts into perspective, showing that our contribution really does make a difference. Saturday saw us on top of The Downs meeting below the Trundle by Goodwood race course. The weather was favourable once more and after climbing in the morning we were rewarded with magnificent views north and a picnic lunch in the sun. The afternoon was beautiful in the folds of the Downs with a final burst down the home straight at Goodwood to finish. Euan Clarke, who head’s up the Ambassador team for Children on the Edge, joined us for the day. He spoke personally to many of the walkers, informing them about the work that Children on the Edge do. The final day started in Bepton and took us up the Downs once more, past Barn owls and Sparrow hawks. Lunch was taken at The Royal Oak in Hooksway and we were able to eat outside. The walk home was blessed with stunning views over Treyford and we returned to Sally and Brian Marien’s house for a celebratory tea with mountains of delicious food and copious cups of tea”. Our Head of UK Ben Wilkes said “It was great to talk to many of the walkers and experience the wonderful community that the Maxse walk has created. We are bowled over by the incredible amount of money they have raised for Children on the Edge by participating in the walk. They are all very kind hearted individuals and together make a huge difference to the lives of the children who through no fault of their own find themselves ‘on the edge’. To date the Maxse Walks have raised £506,412 for various charitable projects. Organiser Sally Marion says “Lets go for the million!”. Watch this space for a change to join the Maxse group next year. If you'd like to fundraise for Children on the Edge, have a look at some ideas on our website, and contact Eloise Armstrong. The 5th Chichester Half Marathon is open for sign ups and with two new races on offer, it promises to be the best one yet. In conjunction with Chichester District Council, Children on the Edge have launched the 2016 Chi Half. This stunning ‘multi-terrain’ half marathon, has been described as “an iconic South Coast race, a must for any serious runner” and this year introduces some great new features making it accessible to an even wider group of runners. For this year’s event, planned for 9th October 2016, the Chi Half team are expecting a huge response from those returning and new runners alike. The 2015 event hosted nearly 1,000 runners but this year they have been able to increase the entry limit to 1500 runners. The main event will be the standard Half Marathon, a beautiful route which takes in the major City Centre sights and landmarks as well as spectacular rural scenery in the surrounding Lavant and Goodwood countryside. The terrain is a good mixture of road, paths, cycle tracks and cross country. In addition to this, the team are introducing two new features, the Ten Mile Race and a Team Relay Race: The Team Relay Race is a great way to involve anyone new to running as the Race comprises three legs of varying distances (3.6 miles – 5.9 miles). It's also great for bringing club mates, friends and families into the event who feel much more comfortable with shorter distance but will still experience the enjoyment of the half marathon event. If you can do a 5K, you can be part of a relay team! The Ten Mile Race is a fantastic warm-up for anyone in training for longer races or who isn’t quite ready for challenge of the Trundle! You’ll enjoy all the benefits of running through the City and climbing two thirds of the Trundle, with all the splendid views of the Solent, without the last gruelling leg of that hill to contend with! Whether you’re going for the full Half Marathon, a Relay team or Ten Miler, registration is open, so get in there an reserve your place at the start line. Sign up for a Chi Half Race Find out more Easter is coming and we have a great family activity which can slot in with your plans as and when you like. In partnership with Montezuma’s Chocolates, we have arranged a special Easter Treasure Trail in the centre of Chichester that families can go on anytime that suits throughout the school Easter Holidays. Following 10 years of working with Montezuma's organising popular family Easter events in Priory Park, last year we launched the first city-centre Easter trail, attracting hundreds of entries. This year's trail has a brand new clue sheet made specifically with families in mind, featuring child friendly questions, parent tips and, of course, a Montezuma’s chocolate prize for every child at the end. The trail will be running from 25th March - 10th April. Just visit the Montezuma’s Chichester Store in East Street to pick up your treasure hunt clues and enter! Entry is £4 per child with all proceeds going our work. Children will have the chance to learn a little more about our projects as they go around the trail. For any further information just e-mail [email protected] or call us on 01243 538530. Skilfully designed by local illustrator Hannah George, in the run up to Christmas 2015 we sold some beautiful wrapping paper and matching tags. All profits are going to our work with Syrian refugee children in Lebanon who face a harsh winter living under canvas. In this way, the paper had gifts wrapped up for Christmas and is now enabling a refugee child to be warm and ‘wrapped up’ this winter. Beyond coats and clothing the money will also be keeping schools warm and towards the establishment and maintenance of a new refugee camp, hastily built after a forced evacuation just before Christmas. We wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone involved in All Wrapped Up Campaign, every person helped raise the great total of £6533. Whether you helped by buying it and wrapping up your pressies, or by volunteering your time to roll it up, sell it or to man a fair stall. We couldn’t have done it with out you. We also want to say thank you to the many people who made donations the the All Wrapped Up Just Giving campaign. It really was a team effort. To show just how much of an impact this had, take a look at our stats sheet! To find out more about our Lebanon project click here. Chichester children have combined their talents to raise £10,138 for vulnerable children across the world, through a performance entitled ‘Spotlight on the Edge’. Emily Dadson, Events organiser at Children on the Edge said “We can’t say thank you enough to everyone involved for giving their time, energy and talent to make ‘Spotlight on the Edge’ a reality. Both on stage and behind the scenes, so many people came together for one purpose, resulting in a fantastic show and an amazing amount raised for our work”. The show was held on Sunday 24th of January, as part of the Chichester Festival Theatre’s Winter Season and all proceeds went to the work of Children on the Edge. The evening consisted of a colourful array of music, song and dance by some of the most talented children in our locality, coming together to make a difference to children globally. The one-off cast of gifted local young people includes Chichester Festival Youth Theatre, Dance Innovation, Arabesque School of Performing Arts, West Sussex Music, The Pop Up Club and Chichester Music Academy, with performances in the foyer by Il Campane of Rebecca Cooke Singing. Nick Davidson, Head of Chichester Music Academy, says: “Spotlight on the Edge offered golden opportunity for young musicians and singer-songwriters to perform in an acclaimed venue. I’d like to thank the theatre’s creative director Angela Watkins, as well as Children on the Edge’s Emily Dadson and, of course, the theatre itself - we’re so pleased to have taken part in something that’s raised over £10,000 for such a fantastic cause. Roll on next year’s event!” Opening with a dramatic performance of Ravel’s Bolero by the West Sussex Music Spotlight Orchestra, Act One included a colourful excerpt from ‘A Chorus Line’ by the Arabesque School of Performing Arts, a stirring rendition of Adele’s ‘Rolling in the Deep’ by local band ‘The Traits’ and an ‘On Pointe’ sequence by young members of Dance Industry. The audience were then treated to a colourful dance piece entitled ‘Hope, Life, Colour, Fun - Dance!’ by CFYT Dance, which really bought out the theme of the show, and expressed ways in which young people in the UK can make a difference internationally. Next came a welcome reminder of CFYT’s heart-warming Christmas show, ‘A Christmas Carol’, performed by members of the original cast. The first half then closed with a moving performance of Bui Do from ‘Miss Saigon’ by CFYT members past and present, joined by members of the Big Little Youth Theatre. The creativity continued throughout interval, with a beautiful recital in the foyer by Il Campane of Rebecca Cooke Singing. Act 2 launched with a touching performance of John Rutter’s ‘The Lord Bless You and Keep You’ by the Spotlight Orchestra followed by a thought-provoking reflection on bullying in the shape of ‘Right Here, Right Now’ by The Pop Up Club. After Dance Industry’s dazzling ‘In Motion’, the audience enjoyed ‘Three’ sung by CMA’s Anna Foye and danced by Imogen Bailey and Nikki Skinner from the Arabesque School of Performing Arts. This contrasted with the next rousing Rock Medley by the Chichester Music Academy Choir. The buzz continued to the end with a dramatic interpretation of Bohemian Rhapsody by the Arabesque School of Performing Arts and Kodaline’s plaintive ‘All I Want’, sung by widely-acclaimed local singer-songwriter Isaac Waddington, under the auspices of Chichester Music Academy. Most memorable, was the spectacular full-company finale performance of Footloose, sung and danced through the auditorium by a sea of young people in brightly coloured Children on the Edge t-shirts and accompanied by a well-deserved standing ovation. Denise Patterson - High Sheriff of West Sussex who attended the event said of the show: "It was certainly a show to remember. Talent and commitment shone from the young performers and what a splendid way to showcase Children on the Edge. Forgotten children in forgotten places, a statement that could not have been so sharply contrasted by such a wonderful evening at the Festival Theatre. Neither such thoughts I'm sure will be forgotten by the audience last night" Photo credit - Liz Fawkes
As part of their Winter Season Chichester Festival Theatre will be hosting a performance called ‘Spotlight on the Edge’ to support our work. We talk to some of those involved about their motivation to use their talents to make a difference.
This will be an evening of fundraising through music, song and dance by some of the most talented children in our locality, coming together to make a difference to children globally. The one-off cast of gifted local young people includes Chichester Festival Youth Theatre, Dance Innovation, Arabesque School of Performing Arts, West Sussex Music, Dance Industry and Chichester Music Academy. Performers from Chichester Youth Theatre on the night will include cast members from their most recent production - A Christmas Carol, together with alumni and guests from The Big Little Theatre School in Bournemouth. Chichester Youth Theatre regularly use their talents to raise money for Children on the Edge and a spokesperson described how the performers “recognise how others in the world are not so fortunate and were thrilled to be invited to perform at this charity event to help raise funds”. Debbie von Molendorff, of the Arabesque School of Performing Arts says “We have the ethos that children need to be children. It’s a privilege for our children to be part of a wonderful event ultimately helping other children, and for Arabesque to support a very worthy cause”. From choirs to bands, singer-songwriters to dance performers the evening promises to be bursting with some of the best local talent the area has to offer, including a performance by widely acclaimed local singer-songwriter Isaac Waddington (photo below left). Liz Finch of Littlehampton’s ‘Dance Industry’ says “Our school is based in the residence of the original Body Shop factory and Anita Roddick was always a supporter of the arts and our school, so we were thrilled to be ask to perform in support of the charity she founded, Children on the Edge. Further to this, we think that all children should have equal opportunities around the world, so are glad we can help raise funds to those who are in a less fortunate position than us”. The performance will take place on the 24th January 2016 at 7.00pm and tickets are available now at £10 each via Chichester Festival Theatre. This promises to be a magical two hours of entertainment, so why not consider giving tickets as special present this Christmas? On #GivingTuesday we are celebrating the different ways that people give to our work, here’s Ella, explaining how and why she gives her time to Children on the Edge:
Since the end of September, I have been volunteering for two days a week at Children on the Edge. Having studied Anthropology, and then volunteering abroad with VSO, I was very excited (and surprised!) to discover that an international charity working in Asia and Africa was based in Chichester. I filled in a volunteering application form straight away and have now been helping out here for 6 weeks. In that short space of time, I have been exposed to a huge range of the work that goes on here at the UK office. So far I have assisted in preparations for the Chichester Half Marathon (a big fundraising event on the Children on the Edge calendar), carried out research into potential corporate partners, sent out appeals, contributed to online campaigns, and assisted with database management. My time here has given me a fantastic insight into the workings of a small charity, and the staff here have truly made me feel like a valued member of the team, helping me to build skills that will prove invaluable for my future employability. I also know that Children on the Edge is working in places that don’t often receive help from the bigger aid organisations, so even when I’m rolling up wrapping paper all day for the Christmas campaign, I know it is time very well spent! We are hugely grateful to Ella for dedicating her time, skills and patience to support our work. If you’re interested in volunteering, please do get in touch. With those long cold winter nights drawing in, the struggle to leave the sofa for the gym becomes harder and harder. For one of our supporters leaving the house to exercise has become an essential part of the daily routine.
Meet Dan. Dan created his own incredible challenge event, named the Triathlong, to fundraise for Children on the Edge. By no means has Dan set himself an easy task! The Triathlong involves swimming 23 miles, running 870 miles and riding 2270 miles all by the end of 2015. To put that into perspective, it’s the same distance as swimming across the channel, running from John O’ Groats to Lands End and riding the Tour de France! For the past year, Dan has been running, swimming or cycling every day come rain or shine to complete this challenge. With less than a couple of months to go, we found out how it has been for Dan completing the Triathlong and a little more about the idea behind it. What inspired you to do your own challenge event? In 2012, my daughter Grace was diagnosed with ependymoma brain tumour. She underwent brain surgery and follow-up Proton Therapy in America. A year later the tumour re-appeared and was surgically removed again. This time she had full head and spine radiotherapy. She was so brave and happy throughout this scary and long process. She's had over 60 radiotherapy sessions strapped to a bed & had more than 20 MRI scans to date. She lost her hair but rarely lost her smile. She is now tumour free and has no symptoms or side-effects. It's miraculous. Even her hair has grown back. Grace inspired me with her perseverance. I wanted to do something to show us all that even though bad things do happen, greater good can come through them. During Grace’s therapy, I started to think a lot about how we can make changes in what we eat and how we live that can greatly affect our health. I wanted to show that getting better wasn’t just something to do with special medical treatment, but something we can all take control of and start working at. What was the process of creating the Triathlong? Firstly, I attempted a challenge to run every day of 2014 - which failed after 62 days. That was the genesis of this idea. A challenge over the whole year. I wanted to do a triathlon so I was fixed on those 3 activities. I wanted to find distances that were challenging but vaguely achievable. I worked on finding distances that had a ‘real world’ reference: Swim the channel, in the length of the UK and cycle the length of the Tour de France! What inspired you to fundraise for Children on the Edge? I wanted to help children who are struggling and at risk in places all over the world. Children who don’t have all the attention and care that my daughter had received. I also have close connections with Children on the Edge through my church, friendship with the legendary Ben ‘Barefoot’ Wilkes and now my sister Eloise works there too! What do you think all children should have the right to? The right to food, shelter, education, friendship and somewhere safe to play and have fun. Also knowing that someone recognises their priceless value. What will you be doing to fundraise? I will be using social media to let people know how I am getting on through the final two months, combined with an e-mail newsletter. I also shared my challenge story when I did Chichester Triathlon this summer & more recently the Children on the Edge Chi-Half. What distances have you run already and how much do you have left to complete? As of the 12th November I have swam 13 miles, cycled 1958 miles and run 713 miles. There are 49 days left with 12 miles to swim, 312 miles to Cycle, and 157 miles to run… I am planning to finish the whole thing with a final ‘triathlon’ on New Years Eve (or whenever the pool is open!). Finally, whats a typical week like with all your triathlong activities? There is no typical week! It’s crazy trying to fit it all in sometimes. I just try and get it done early in the day if possible. Sometimes I end up running in the dark at 10pm! Its pretty stressful especially when you are ill or the weather is really horrible. As the daylight hours shrink and the weather gets worse - I just grab the opportunities wherever I can, cycling to work or running twice a day. It makes you do some crazy things! We wish Dan the best of luck with the rest of his Triathlong and can’t thank him enough for completing this amazing challenge. If you would like to support Dan, you can donate to his fundraising page. Watch this space for Dan’s final Triathlong update! We are delighted to announce that Chichester Festival Theatre will be hosting a performance called ‘Spotlight on the Edge’ in the New Year to support our work. This will be an evening of fundraising through music, song and dance by some of the most talented children in our locality, coming together to make a difference to children globally.
The one-off cast of gifted local young people includes Chichester Festival Youth Theatre, Dance Innovation, Arabesque School of Performing Arts, West Sussex Music, Dance Industry and Chichester Music Academy. The performance will take place on on 24th January 2016 at 7.00pm and tickets are available now via the Chichester Festival Theatre website. This is a great Christmas present, and promises to be a magical two hours of entertainment. Watch this space for updates from our performers as rehearsals get into full swing. Here at Children on the Edge our fundraisers are alway taking on a range of exciting challenges to raise money for our projects. One of our amazing supporters, Lydia, decided to take the plunge (literally!) and completed a sky dive in October.
Lydia first heard about Children on the Edge through working as a consultant for The Body Shop at Home™. After hearing our presentation at their last conference, Lydia became particularly interested in our work in Uganda and wanted to learn more about the ways she could help. Fast forward a year and Lydia had signed up for a Skydive to raise money for Children on the Edge and The Benjamin Foundation. We caught up with Lydia to find out all our about her incredible experience. How did you first come up with the idea of doing a sky dive? Skydiving is something I have thought of doing since I was around 13 years old! I have no idea why, apart from the appealing factor of free - falling through the sky…call me crazy! It took me 10 years to get the guts to finally complete my dream stunt. The only reason it was booked is as a sufferer of mental illness, I was having a very good day and thought just do it! So that is what I did! It is the best thing I have ever done in my life. What inspired you to fundraise for Children on the Edge? I feel Children on the Edge is a very deserving, special charity. After doing some research and reading some further information, Children on the Edge has become one of the charities I would like to continue to support as much as possible. It reminds me of the charity I work for, where as we help young people and families within the UK, Children on the Edge are helping those across the world. What was your favourite part of the Sky Dive? The best part of the skydive was the feeling of falling through the sky! When the chute opened, it was the most incredible feeling going through the clouds with all the amazing views! Words really can not describe how enjoyable jumping, falling and chuting 13,00ft is- unless you experience it for yourself! What do you think all children deserve the right to? I believe all children deserve the right to be happy, loved and cared for. I view families in so many different ways, whether they are made up of birth parents, foster parents or adopted children, one thing every family should have in common is happiness and a safe environment. Children deserve the best possible upbringing and security that they can get, to show they are cared for. Not only has Lydia conquered this brilliant challenge but she has also raised over £400 for our work! A huge thank you to Lydia for being such an amazing supporter! Want to to fundraise for Children on the Edge? Get in touch with our fundraising officer today! |
RECEIVE OUR EMAILSBlog Categories
All
Archives
July 2024
|