Hope House
The latest Hope House Cycle Challenge saw pedal power raise more than £7,000. Hundreds of cyclists took to the roads in August, starting at Hope House in Oswestry and then covering two routes: 56 miles to Lake Vyrnwy and 70 miles to Lake Bala and back.
Cyclists set off in the early morning sun to the sound of a horn blown by event sponsor Ash Poole from The Fencing Bloke. After completing their ride, cyclists had a well-deserved afternoon tea and also received their limited-edition medals.
Fundraiser Bekki Fardoe said: “It was incredible to have our Cycle Challenge back for the first time in two years. It was great to welcome back some old faces and also see plenty of new people participating. We had so many entries for this year’s event, and we have raised a fantastic amount of money.
“We are very grateful to our sponsors, The Fencing Bloke Ltd and Knight Frank, for their incredible support in organising such an amazing event.”
One of those who took part was GP Arindam Das, who took on the race with his 5am Club. He said: “Working as a local GP, I have attended Hope House on several occasions. I am in awe of the level of care and attention children and families receive. Consequently, I wanted to take on the Hope House Cycle Challenge to support this vital local charity,” said Arindam.
Hope House Children’s Hospices provide specialist nursing care and support to more than 750 terminally-ill children and their families who live in Shropshire, Cheshire, North- and Mid-Wales. It costs £7.5 million a year to run its services.
If you want to see how you can donate or participate in one of the charity’s other events, please visit hopehouse.org.uk.
Groundwork
Wrexham-based Groundwork’s Our Back Yard project has recently launched two new self-guided nature walks. The project works across Connah’s Quay in Flintshire to improve green spaces and support regular community volunteering.
They have mapped two routes so local people and visitors have directions to local walks that make the most of the varied green spaces around Connah’s Quay.
The Wildlife Watchers Loop passes through two nature reserves in Connah’s Quay. It is a gentle walk that should take around 45 minutes. It’s perfect for those hoping to spot some fantastic wildlife in the area.
The second walk, The Quay Wetlands Loop, is a short and varied walk passing through a nature reserve and agricultural land that also has great views across the river Dee.
Luisa Citra, Our Back Yard Engagement Officer at Groundwork North Wales, said, “Both walks have good instructions and you can download them for free from the Groundwork North Wales website. They are perfect for families spotting wildlife or just out on an evening stroll”.
Anyone wishing to find out more or join the Our Back Yard volunteering programme should contact the team on 01978 757 524 or at ourbackyard@groundworknorthwales.org.uk.
Woofs and Walkies at Alyn Waters!
There will be a sponsored Woofs and Walkies walk taking place on the Gwersyllt side of Alyn Waters Country Park.
The event will be on Sunday 30th October and paws and boots will make their way through the country park to support Nightingale House Hospice. As it is Halloween weekend, fancy dress is encouraged for the occasion, and there will also be some treats available for the best-dressed dog. Registration will begin at 1pm, with the walk starting at 1.30pm. Participants choose between a 3k and a 5k route and the furry participants will also receive a goodie bag, kindly donated by JML Pets Gwersyllt.
A raffle with some fantastic dog-related prizes kindly donated by local businesses will raise extra funds for patient care. There will also be a family photo station, where supporters can capture the “pawfect” shot to remember the day!”
Participants that raise over £40 have an extra sponsorship incentive. They can join a prize draw to win a dog photoshoot courtesy of Chelsea B Photography. Money raised from the event will go towards funding patient care and also family support services that the local hospice provides.
To get involved or learn more, visit nightingalehouse.co.uk/event-list.
Avow
Avow has several funding opportunities available to apply for.
Community-Led Tree Planting Projects (UK)
Through the UK Community Tree Planting Programme, the International Tree Foundation above all aims to restore and protect the UK’s native species. The programme aims to raise community awareness of the importance of trees and forests to environmental and human well-being.
Schools, community groups and also non-governmental organisations within the UK can apply for grants of up to £10,000.
Deadline for applications: 16th December 2022
Funding to Support Disabled and Disadvantaged Children (UK)
Grants of up to £5,000 are available to small, registered charities to fund equipment and services supporting disabled and disadvantaged children under the age of 13 across the UK.
Deadline for applications: 15th November 2022
Wales and Africa Grant Scheme Reopens to Applications (Wales)
The Welsh Government’s Wales and Africa Grant Scheme 2022-25 has opened for applications from Welsh community groups and organisations working with partnerships in Sub-Saharan Africa.
This round of funding will award up to £25,000 to support and also encourage civil society, business and public bodies in Wales to act on poverty in Africa. Previous tangible contributions to issues like health, lifelong learning, climate change and sustainable livelihoods will certainly make your bid more attractive.
Deadline for applications: 4th November 2022
Funding to Support Members of the Armed Forces and their Families (UK)
Armed Forces charities and other not-for-profit organisations can apply for grants of up to £40,000 for projects and activities supporting serving armed forces personnel, veterans, operationally qualified seafarers and also their immediate families. In brief, The Veteran’s Foundation will award funding for projects lasting up to three years to organisations with low to medium income.
Deadline for applications: 14th November 2022
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