HOPE is lucky to have some incredible fundraisers who work exceptionally hard for the cause. Sarah Bishop is one such person. She is aiming to complete 30 challenges, all to raise funds for HOPE. People like Sarah don’t come around every day so we thought we would conduct a question and answer session with her. Here is what she had to say:
How did you come across HOPE?
I was looking for a charity that stood for all the things I believe in and Hope does the most amazing work both in the UK and developing countries.
Why did you choose HOPE?
Hope really stood out for me with the work they do, I did some research in to the charity and their projects which help poor orphaned and exploited children all over the world and realised that it was also a local charity to me.
I think every child has the right to a decent start in life, the right to have clean water, food in their bellies and education and to be safe with a roof over their heads and more than anything they have the right to have hope or a future.
Why are you doing 30 challenges?
I am doing 30 challenges as I turn 30 next year! And I thought it would be a great way to mark the occasion and raise a massive amount or money for charity at the same time, I have always loved doing things for a good cause and this time I really wanted to push myself to the limit and I am sure 30 challenges will!!
What challenges are you doing and which are you most excited about/looking forward to?
I am really excited about the skydive, I have always wanted to do one and have convinced 34 mad people so far to jump out of the plane with me! All to raise money for Hope for children
I also can’t wait to trek the Great Wall of China, I think it will be the most amazing and challenging experience.
Here are a few of the challenges I am doing but if you want to see a full list of booked challenges then have a look at my website:
Crazy mud challenge (tough mudder), Skydive, Eton 750m open water lake swim, Windsor 1500m open water river swim, Great British 10k run, HSBC dualathon, London to Paris bike ride, Full kilomathon, Trek the great wall of China, Abseiling , Silverstone Half marathon, Everest base camp trek, Full Marathon, Blowdry-athon at Clipso hair and finally to Give Blood.
Which challenge is your biggest fear and why?
I am extremely needle-phobic so the most personal challenge to me will be to give blood, It is something I have always wanted to do as I have a rare blood group but I have never been able to as I could never ever even come close to bringing myself to do it. I spoke to an amazing Lady called Linda who is a Hypnotherapist who has a Harley Street clinic and she has offered her services to help me overcome my fear free of charge to help me raise money for HOPE. Wish me luck!!!!
You can follow Sarah’s progress by following her on twitter, liking her on facebook and visiting her blog. Please do support her if you can.
Merry Christmas!
Dear HOPE supporters,
On behalf of all of us at HOPE and the children you help us to support I'd like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Simon Jackman
Chief Executive
Tribute to Ann Parsons
Dear HOPE Supporter,
It is with huge sadness that we learned of the passing of Ann Parsons on Wednesday 24th August while she was away on holiday with her family.
Loved by so many and respected for her generosity, caring nature and unwavering support of the down trodden – oh yes, and a wonderful sense of humour – her contribution to the charity has been immeasurable.
They say that behind every great man there is a great woman.In the case of Hope for Children, our Founder, Bob Parsons, has had Ann by his side. For 17 years as Honorary Secretary and serving Trustee, Ann Parsons has shaped the character of our local presence and has been guardian to the principles we hold dear.Ann’s vocal support of these principles has formed the foundation of our success over the years – seeking to show value for the donations we receive and providing a connection for the donor to the project supported.
Everyone at HOPE will remember Ann as a wonderful ambassador for the charity and it has been our privilege to have known her.
Simon Jackman, Chief Executive
Run in the 2012 Brighton Marathon
We are delighted to have been chosen as the official international charity for the 2012 Brighton Marathon. The 2011 marathon took place on Sunday 10th April and was enjoyed by all thanks to the incredible atmosphere, scenic views and fresh sea air.
The next Brighton Marathon is going to be bigger and better than ever! If you would like to run for HOPE please click here.
HOPEs Olympic Challenge
Get into the excitement of London 2012 by taking on multiple Olympic and Paralympic Sports. The idea is to challenge yourself to take part in 5, 10, 20 or 30 sports as either an individual or as part of a team.
So whether your challenge is testing yourself in multiple new sports, pushing yourself to the next level within your favourite sport or creating the most extreme sports challenge ever , the Gold Challenge is the ultimate way to get into the Olympic spirit.
The North-East Monsoon started in Sri Lanka towards the end of November 2010 and it has continued non-stop ever since. On Saturday the 8th of January 2011, 300mm of rain fell on Batticaloa District. HOPE works with MENCAFEP to help disabled children in this area.
The MENCAFEP centres in Batticaloa have been severely hit by the floods caused by this catastrophic monsoon. Damage to buildings, equipment and documentation are going to take months to repair and in some cases they may never be replaced. Our staff are tirelessly working to try and get the centres cleared up and back in some sort of working order. The main aim of the MENCAFEP team at the moment is to take care of the families and children that attend its centres; this includes food, water, medical care, clothing, bedding etc. According to data from the District Office in Vaharai, there are 1208 families in Batticaloa alone who have been forced to seek shelter in camps due to the severity of the flooding.
The next steps will be to get them back to their homes, assess the damage, get families back on their feet and then get the centres up and running again. You can help us achieve this by clicking here and donating. Any assistance you can give us will make a difference.
Robert Common
Head of Development
Helping children in the Philippines
HOPE have teamed up with Joshua West to help needy children in the Philippines. Joshua featured in a recent BBC Television series called “Toughest Place to be a…”, which involved sending British workers out to meet and live with their equivalents in third world countries. In one of the programmes Joshua, a London bus driver, went out to Manila to stay with a Jeepney driver and his family. Here he saw the conditions in which they live and work and the experience has changed his life. You can find out more about Joshua’s involvement in the programme by visiting the BBCs website.
HOPE’s aim is to help Joshua raise funds so he can create an Education Fund to help disadvantaged families send their children to school. For more information or to donate you can visit our project profile. Please give generously.
A Journey of HOPE
A Journey of HOPE is the heart warming personal account of our founder Dr. Bob Parsons, MBE, a humble man who has devoted a large part of his life to improving the lives of the world's children.
"A Journey of Hope is the extraordinary story of an apparently ordinary man who has squeezed three times more into his seventy-odd years, as the rest of us - and who is not finished yet. Go on - buy this book", Jamie Wrench, 'The Friend'.
If you are interested in purchasing a copy of this book, or would like to find out more about it, please don't hesitate to call the HOPE office on 01442 234561 or email us on hope@hope4c.org.
Jet2.com raise funds for HOPE
Whilst jetting off to their destinations with Jet2.com thousands of passengers have been dipping in to their pockets and donating to charity whilst enjoying a little flutter on a jackpot gamecard.
