Caroll’s Column Friday 28th October

28 Oct Caroll’s Column Friday 28th October

Hi,

I hope you have your Halloween outfit is picked and a selection of sweeties are at the ready for all the trick-or-treat callers. I love seeing the little ones dressed up in their spooky costumes – they’re so cute.

Our Grand Canyon trekkers are now back, shattered but exhilarated by their challenge.

Julieanne from the Sunshine Fund team would like to thank all of the ladies who took part, plus Dr Chet and Eleni Delis, who kept them safe and well on their journey.

She said it was a really good experience, so tiring but well worth it. I can’t wait to hear all of the inside gossip about who was good at putting up their tents and which ones were scared of the snakes!

I too would like to thank all of those who took part for completing it as there were parts that looked really frightening.

Also, thanks to everyone who sponsored or supported them in raising their sponsorship money – it will to make a huge difference to lots of local children’s lives.

The Equality Awards took place at Ramside Hall Hotel in Durham on Thursday, October 20 and the event was so inspirational.

Well done to the organisers and thank you to everyone who donated prizes and bought raffle tickets. We raised over £3,000, which is fabulous.

On the night, they showed a short film of lovely four-year-old Max Kaczmar, pictured, from Newcastle, who we have helped a couple of times in his short life.

The first time I met Max’s mam Rachel she told me how, when she was pregnant, doctors told her that her son would not live, which was obviously devastating to hear.

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Then, when he was born, she was told he probably wouldn’t live long.Later, hospital staff said they didn’t think he would walk or talk.

But Max is a little fighter and, with lots of support, he has grown into a gorgeous, active boy who now goes to school.

I am delighted that, through your generosity, we were able to buy him a specialist bed when he was two years old which kept him safe and allowed his mam and dad to get a decent night’s sleep.

This year we bought him an iPad, which is helping him with his communication and for which his parents are very grateful.

If you know of anyone who would benefit from our charity then please pass on our details. We are here to help as many local children with disabilities and life-limiting illnesses as we can through buying them specialist equipment to enhance their lives. Also, if you would like to support us by donating or fundraising, I would love to hear from you.

We are launching our 2017 Glass Slipper Awards this afternoon at the Hilton Gateshead/Newcastle where our guests will be joined by previous award winners plus a few of the lovely families we have supported.

It is always interesting to hear the tales from previous events when most winners tell us they were surprised to be nominated as they consider what they do to be normal, while others around them can see the difference they are making.

Thank you to everyone who has made a nomination over the years. We receive such a high calibre list of inspirational new North East ladies each time, which is brilliant. Please continue to nominate someone, whether it’s a friend, colleague or a local good Samaritan. Check out our website or get in touch and I will point you in the right direction.

It doesn’t take long to make a nomination and, if the nominee is shortlisted, she will get to attend the awards lunch due to take place on Friday, February 24 next year as our guest.

Don’t forget to put your clocks back at the weekend – and watch out for the scary trick-or-treaters on Monday!

Caroll

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