Newsletter 4 - It's Hotting Up!
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Welcome to the DecAid Newsletter,
We have had a busy couple of months as our main events get closer. We have run a number of local events that have raised awareness for DecAid as well as a total of over £27,000 for the charities. In addition to this we have now raised over 60% of the corporate sponsorship we need to run the six main events. We are also in discussions with other possible sponsors. This allows us to maintain our commitment to donate every penny raised at the main events to the DecAid charities. We are still looking for further corporate sponsorship and would be keen to talk to any other companies who are interested in supporting the appeal.
MAIN EVENTS COMING UP
We are really pleased to say that entries are now open for our ‘Stretched to the Limit’ event. This is a gruelling stretcher carry along a 7-mile route, up the highest mountain in England and Wales, which will take place on the 14th August. Teams of 10 to 12 people will be carrying stretchers up Snowdon. Entry forms are available on the website and if you and 11 friends think you may have what it takes, why not get involved?
Training for the Munro Mission has been going well so far. The team have completed races such as the Grizzly and taken part in a great training weekend with Vicky Skelton, a professional ultra-runner, in North Devon. Tom has recently completed a 100-mile bike race before heading off for 10 days training in Scotland over the Easter break with the whole team. To keep up with the Mission and find out more please visit The Munro Mission Bloghttp://decaidmunromission.blogspot.com/
Blair Castle International Horse Trials and Country Fair have announced that DecAid will be their charity appeal of the year, which is especially exciting as this year they are holding the European Young Rider Championships. This will mean that the event attracts extra people on top of the 45,000 people that usually attend. The Munro Mission team will pass the event the same week and we hope to organise some great fund-raising events from the 18th-21st August.
We recently ran the Battle of the Bands competition with Forth One Radio. The winning band will have the opportunity to play on the Holyrood Stage near the Palace in Central Edinburgh, in aid of DecAid, on 26th June following our Massed Pipes and Drums parade. The event is being run in association with the National Armed Forces Day, which last year attracted in excess of 75,000 people. The Red Hot Chilli Pipers have recently sent a message of support to DecAid and the publicity that Radio Forth is giving DecAid and the Massed Pipes and Drums is an invaluable contribution.
OTHER EVENTS – PAST AND FUTURE
The High Sheriffs drinks party at Ugrooke was a fantastic evening enjoyed by all. We would particularly like to thank Elizabeth d’Erlanger, High Sheriff of Devon, as well as Lord and Lady Clifford for so kindly letting us use their spectacular home for the evening. Also, Judi Smith Catering generously provided delicious canapés for the event. Thanks also go to Savills and Sotheby’s for their involvement. It was a spectacular evening that raised an amazing amount for DecAid.
We were lucky to have another enjoyable evening a few weeks later with General Sir Nick Parker giving a very informative talk about his time in Afghanistan followed by a dinner at the Exeter OTC Barracks. The event was a great opportunity to get more people in the Exeter area involved and for our first patron to see the progress we have made.
The last couple of months have seen various displays of support with some unique events doing much to raise awareness and funds. A Ladies Lunch on 23rd March was kindly organised by Julia Cartwright and our thanks go out to her and all involved for putting on this event.
The DecAid Lacrosse Match at Exeter University was a great chance for the student body to get involved with everything from a raffle to cake stalls and an ice cream van. With a gruelling obstacle course and some hilarious performances on the pitch, the day really demonstrated the support the appeal has on campus. Thank you to the Exeter Lacrosse Team, Ginny Langton and Alice Thornton for all their hard work!
The Team got the chance to explain what we have been up to over the last few months when Shirley Swain from BFBS, the forces radio, spent the day interviewing event leaders and members of the team. We would like to thank BFBS for their support and look forward to working more with them in the future.
Looe Community School organised an amazing challenge day on 8th April. They teamed up with Major Peter Lewis and his PSI’s from 155 Transport Regiment with the pupils challenging themselves to tow a 4 ton truck! The day had lots of other fun activities including the popular air rifle shooting. Thank you to Tom Saddler and the pupils of Looe School for a great day!
On 12th April Taunton Racecourse held an action packed evening of events organised to raise money for DecAid. With seven races, The Wurzels in concert, Pimms and Cider Tents, Bars and Refreshments, it was a great way to start enjoying the sunny weather in the South West. The evening raised over £1000 and was a wonderful opportunity to advertise DecAid further.
Seven keen runners began their new term at university by taking some time out of their revision and running the Great West Run for DecAid. All of them completed the race in very good times and showed off the new DecAid t-shirts with pride!
