• The Furlong Family

• A New Honorary Ambassador

• Charity Shop Update

Spring/Summer 2013

1 in 8 of our children is cared

for by a gift left in someone’s WillSee the back page

Also in this issue:

We have loads

of exhilarating

challenges and fun

community events

in the centre

pages

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Contents:03 The Furlong family

04 Our new physiotherapist

07 Special events pull-out

12 A new Honorary Ambassador

13 Charity shop update

16 Make a Will Month

Celebrating each child’s individualityLast year we watched

the Olympics and then the Paralympics. We wondered

about the achievements of each athlete and celebrated with them – from the endurance of Alistair Brownlee in the Triathlon to Jonnie Peacock winning the T44 100m London Paralympics.

At Rainbows we had our own Olympic races but, more importantly, we celebrate, each child – their individuality and their achievements. We respect their diversity and their human rights and ensure that their wishes are respected while they are at the hospice.

We can only do this with your help. We acknowledge that for many cash is tight but you continue to value the important work of Rainbows and to support us so that we can continue.

In this issue you will see many opportunities to help us – leaving a legacy in your will to Rainbows, attending an event, undertaking a challenge or just donating your unwanted items to one of our shops to be sold. Each and every thing that you do for us makes a difference and is really appreciated.

Dana SimonsEditor01509 638028 dana.simons@rainbows.co.uk

Olympic torches visit Rainbows

The Inspire LeicesterShire 2012 Legacy Team visited Rainbows with two Olympic torches, carried by torchbearer, Aarti Thobhani.

Everyone was really excited about the torches and the children had their pictures taken with them – it will make a wonderful memory.

Our very own Ranjan Saujani was a torchbearer and we took some of our children into town to watch as she carried the torch.

You could fundraise and donate towards a family fun day

Everyone Loves Our Pre-school Family Fun DaysOur pre-school family fun days are held four times a year and are always really popular. They are hosted and led by our care staff: Lindsey Preston, Julie Macauley, Gail Unwin and Philip Yorkstone. The days are for the whole family to attend, especially the siblings of our children and young people. Our aim is for the families to have quality time together, play together and very importantly to have loads of fun together!

Each day is planned with a favourite story in mind. Over the past year we have done Handa’s Surprise; We’re Going on a Bear Hunt; The Gruffalo and Elmer the Elephant. We use the stories to set the theme for the day. During the morning we hold sensory art and craft activities such as puppet and mask making. Textured collages, painting and gluing… generally getting quite messy is our aim! The idea is that all of the craft activities will build up props for our story to be acted out in the afternoon.

Before lunch we have circle time where we sing songs and rhymes, again with the theme in mind.

After a leisurely buffet lunch we recreate our story using music, movement and all of the sensory props we have made during the course of the morning.

When William was six months old, his parents Alison and Sean Furlong were dealt the devastating news their son had a rare brain condition and turned to Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People for support. Alison talks about the difficulties the couple and their daughters, Olivia and Niamh, have faced. “ William was a very happy baby but at around five months old he began scrunching up his body and crying. He was diagnosed with constipation but treatments failed and his symptoms worsened. In January 2011 William had an epileptic seizure and was diagnosed with Lissencephaly/Miller Dieker Syndrome – meaning his brain is completely smooth due to a chromosome issue.

“ That day changed our family dramatically. Our little boy was blind, unable to walk and talk, and was developmentally unlikely to progress beyond a three to six-month-old level. His condition was life-limiting and we had no idea how long he would be with us.

“ William’s condition rapidly deteriorated. He contracted meningitis, needed a feeding tube and picked up infection after infection. More medications were introduced but controlling his seizures

seemed virtually impossible. Considering his decline rate, doctors said we probably had less than 12 months left with William.

“ Sean and I were determined to live the most normal life possible with William and his sisters, who were aged three and five. We wanted whatever time we had with William to be the best quality with the best memories possible. Life was, and continues to be, exhausting emotionally and physically. New and different seizures have emerged along with sleep issues and William struggles to breathe unless upright.

“ We started to feel the strain and being accepted as a Rainbows family opened up a level of support and understanding allowing us to be a better, stronger family, making the most of the time we have with William.

“ The whole family stayed at the first Rainbows sleepover and we had a relaxing, happy time. I never imagined William staying there without us - he is so precious. However I could see how caring, loving, competent and kind everyone was. William’s sisters love going to Rainbows, it’s such a caring and happy place. William has a lovely time there and it gives Sean and I opportunities to spend quality time with his sisters or as a couple. Our family support worker has also been a huge help. It’s great to speak to someone who understands our pressure and provides practical advice as we navigate through the complicated world of caring for a child with complex needs.

“ We have also taken part in fundraising activities. In December 2011, we did the Santa Run at Elvaston Castle with around 40 friends and family, raising nearly £5,000. It was amazing and I realised how many people care about children like William and their families. Next was a zipwire challenge. Four of us took the plunge but family and friends sponsored us and cheered us along.

“ Olivia was determined to do something to help her brother and completed the Rainbows’ Walk of Life when she was five years old. She walked five miles with a big grin, raising over £1,500.

“ Last year the whole family took part in the Santa Run, including William in his wheelchair.

“ All along, the support we have from Rainbows helps us make the absolute best of the time we have.”

Rainbows news 03

You could fundraise and donate towards a family fun day

Rainbows Supports The Furlong Family and They Support Rainbows

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At Rainbows we are continuously striving to care for children that need us most and are now able to care for children with complex needs such as respiratory problems. We knew a full time physiotherapist would make a huge difference to making all our children and young people more comfortable, especially as their conditions deteriorate. We would love you to meet Natalie, our new physiotherapist.

“I have been working as a physiotherapist for over seven years, with both children and adults with a vast range of complex physical and learning disabilities. My background covers a diverse range of specialities, from the acute intensive-care setting, to the

longer term management of life-limiting conditions within the community.

“This post is fantastic. It’s an exciting opportunity to develop a holistic physiotherapy service from scratch which meets the needs of the children and young people at Rainbows. I’ll be linking with hospital and community physiotherapists and working alongside the Care Team here at Rainbows.

“I have a huge passion for the provision of palliative physiotherapy, helping to support individuals to achieve their maximum potential, enhancing both quality of life and wellbeing. I look forward to the future challenges and huge rewards that working in such a wonderful place will bring.”

Last year Rainbows was lucky enough to have a cameo appearance on Children In Need. Following the show the amount of interest we got was absolutely astounding. In fact, we had so many people trying to visit our website that the site crashed temporarily.

Dame Helen Mirren introduced one of our bereaved families, Lucy and Tim Smith. She told their emotional story of losing both of their sons, Tom and Harry and how they found the support of Rainbows.

You can see the touching story at www.rainbows.co.uk/childreninneed

Our Young Swimmers are Splashtastic!66 young swimmers from the Rushcliffe Swimming Club set out to swim 22 miles for Rainbows BUT they eventually swam a fantastic 74 miles and raised a splashtastic £1,375! This was a brilliant result and we know that many of the young swimmers beat their personal bests on that day. We’re all very proud of them!

Meet Natalie, Our Physiotherapist

Rainbows Appears on

Bollywood comes to Whissendine...When local shop owner, Ram Odedra, organised his event in Whissendine he never expected it to be such a success. Over 100 guests attended the Bollywood themed event, which consisted of bhangra dancing, Indian Doli and delicious Indian food. All guests wore saris or Indian dresses and over £600 was raised for Rainbows. Well done Ram!

Maralise Van Wyk 05

Rolls-Royce Apprentice AssociationMembers of the Rolls Royce Apprentice Association raised an amazing £10,000 at their annual ball which was split between Rainbows and Umbrella. To choose Rainbows as your Charity of the Year, contact 01509 638000.

Thanks to West Bridgford’s Asda Customers

Asda West Bridgford presented Rainbows with a wonderful £200 cheque raised through the ‘Chosen by you, Given by us’ project. Rainbows received an overwhelming amount of support with customers placing their green disc in the Rainbows pot. It was ‘a landslide victory’!

If you have an Asda near you, nominate Rainbows or go online to www.asda.com and look on their Community Life section.

Rainbows makes life easier for Maralise

Book a holiday! .....and raise funds for Rainbows

Travel Awards 2012Best Short Break Operator

2nd Place

Travel Awards 2011Best Tour Operator

2nd Place

Riviera Travel, the award winning independent tour operator is renowned for operating escorted tours to many beautiful regions and cities throughout the world for 29 years

For each holiday Riviera Travel will donate 10% of the final cost to Rainbows.You can book as a group or individually - whether it’s a weekend trip to Paris, a river cruise or even a safari - there’s bound to be something to suit everyone

Riviera are passionate about the holidays they offer:

l Unbeatable value – with a three night break in Paris from only £259ppl Awarded Which? Magazine’s ‘Best Escorted Tour Operator’ and as their ‘Recommended Provider’ in March 2012l Winners in the 2012 ‘Guardian and Observer Travel Awards’ and the‘Telegraph Travel Awards’, l An extensive programme of excursions included in the basic holiday pricel No hidden extras and a ‘No Surcharge’ guaranteel Friendly, professional & knowledgeable tour managers escorting every groupl Full financial protection through ABTA and ATOL

Call today on 01283 523476 or go online to www.rairiviera.co.uk.....and let your next adventure help us support over 230 East Midlands’ Families

Eighteen month old Maralise Van Wyk was diagnosed with Ponto Cerebellar Hypoplasia Type 2 (PCH2). Just one of five UK children with PCH2, Maralise’s muscles are constantly tense, eased only by warm water.

Mummy, Rebecca, said: “There are no hydrotherapy facilities in our area so it’s wonderful when Maralise comes to Rainbows for respite care. They have a state-of-the art hydrotherapy pool. The difference it makes to her and her muscles is just incredible. She is very uncomfortable a lot of the time and she will cry all day. The only thing that stops her crying is being in water. I am such a different person now. Never for a second did I think I was going to have a disabled child and I have grieved for the loss of the life I thought I was going to have.

“ I have met some amazing friends whose children have disabilities and I don’t worry about the small stuff. When she smiles or tries to babble back to you, it is all forgotten in an instant.”

As well as hydrotherapy, Maralise will benefit immensely from sessions with our new Physiotherapist, Natalie.

These are just some of the services our supporters help Rainbows provide – thank you from the Van Wyk family.

Hairy Helmet RelayOver 90 teams took part in the Hairy Helmet Relay at Darley Park raising £1,200 for Rainbows – a brilliant result! They’ll be doing it all again on 14th June, you can register and find out more on the Rainbows website.

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Nine nannies from Mansfield and their friends have been frantically knitting over 400 Easter chickens and bunnies to be sold at £1 in aid of Rainbows. The girls meet on a regular basis to both knit and line dance which helps to keep them fit in both body and mind. Rainbows is a charity close to their hearts as they all have children and grandchildren.

Big Thanks to the Nursery KidsThe children from Holmsdale Manor Nursery in Ibstock helped to raised £500 for Rainbows with a Festive Fair. All donations to Rainbows are special but none more so than money raised by children for other children who do not enjoy the same good health.

The Knitting Nannies

of MansfieldCould you be knitting for Rainbows? Contact 01509 638000 to help

Julie’s Set for a ChallengeMultiple world record holding swimmer, Dr Julie Bradshaw MBE will attempt to make her 21st World Record by swimming the length of the River Humber doing butterfly this July - and she is yet again swimming for Rainbows. Go Julie!

Go MickMick Mills, who faces his own personal challenges living with Parkinson’s, organised a sponsored walk with the help of Ripley Rotary Club and donated £800 to Rainbows – thank you!

Derby County Captain, Shaun, Loses His Locks for RainbowsDerby County Club Captain, Shaun Barker, set himself an ambitious challenge last season when he had his flowing locks removed at half-time on the Pride Park pitch during the match with Burnley.

Shaun called on Rams fans to dig deep to donate and help him reach his £1,000 target, with the proceeds to be split 50/50 to Rainbows and YHA’s Breaks for Kids Fund. He smashed his target and raised over £2,500.

Ben, from the Ben Brown Salon in Derby, did the honours and also kindly offered to donate 20% of his takings on the day of the game – he even stayed open late to take as much as possible!

The action was shown live on the big screen, during the interval of the game, so supporters saw the action unfold up close and personal!

Events News

Celebrity Luncheon 12th March

One of the East Midlands’ most famous bakers, Fiona Cairns, is the guest speaker at Rainbows’ Celebrity Luncheon in March.

Fiona shot to fame after she was commissioned to make the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s wedding cake. The eight-tiered fruit cake was baked and decorated in her Leicestershire bakery, and displayed in the Summer Exhibition at Buckingham Palace.

Last autumn Fiona made a TV series called ‘The Home of Fabulous Cakes’, which taught even the least experienced cook easy cake making and decorating techniques and tricks.

Fiona is a keen supporter. Once again, she’s donating her time to the charity by appearing at the celebrity luncheon.

To book tickets visit www.rainbows.co.uk/events or call Dana on 01509 638028.

Community events

Rainbows organises its own local events and is also very fortunate to have the most wonderful support from people organising their own to support us. New events are added to our website throughout the year but here are just a few to whet your appetite.

Beedles Golf Day 18th April

Come along to our annual St George’s Day themed fun golf day with challenging golf, good company and great prizes. £180 per team of four, to include golf, lunch and dinner with presentation of awards. Why not make a day of it and take part in an optional nine hole Texas scramble before the main Stapleford competition in the afternoon.

Contact Jennifer on 01509 638006 or email: jennifer.leach@rainbows.co.uk

Luncheon at Floral Media, near Newark 22nd April £26.00 per person including a two-course lunch

TV presenter, nurseryman and garden designer Ady Dayman talks on how he won Silver at Chelsea Flower Show for Rainbows followed by floral demonstrations.

Contact Caroline on 07815 807115 or email: caroline.rossin@rainbows.co.uk

Superhero Friday 3rd May

As part of our hero themed “Children’s Hospice Week” we hope that you will join others from across the East Midlands and take part in our special day of hero inspired fundraising activities. We have lots of ideas and inspiration for you, your family, friends and colleagues to get involved.

Contact Katie on 01509 638026 or email: katie.baxter@rainbows.co.uk

Golf Day 15th May Rufford Park Golf & Country Club

Battle against other teams of four to win some great prizes. Entry is £180 per team to include golf, refreshments on arrival and rolling buffet lunch. Stapleford Rules apply.

Contact Caroline on 07815 807115 or email: caroline.rossin@rainbows.co.uk.

Taste of Radio Dinner 12th June

At Taste Restaurant, Leicester, join us for a wonderful three course dinner plus wine, coffee and home-made chocolates along with tales and anecdotes from the BBC. Tickets £25.

Assam Polo Lunch 30th June

Join Rainbows at the 2013 Assam Polo Tournament held at the prestigious Rutland Polo Club for an enjoyable afternoon of Pimms, Paella and of course plenty of Polo! For tickets or more information please call Henrietta on 01572 787746

Save the DateRainbows Hospice Open Day

Saturday 14th September.

Visit us to see for yourself the difference

your support can make for our children

and their families.

Festival of Fireworks

Saturday 2nd November.

Our spectacular annual fireworks event

with entertainment will once again be

taking place at Leicester Racecourse.

Events special pull-out

www.rainbows.co.uk/events

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Events special pull-out

It’s Childsplay, Ruddington

Sunday 5th May 2013 – a sponsored walk around beautiful Ruddington Park, registration from 11am and only £5 to enter.

Organised by West Bridgford, Keyworth, Ruddington and Trent Bridgford Rotary Clubs.

Trekking Overseas From a long weekend to the holiday of a lifetime, all in stunning scenery, a trek overseas could be the exciting challenge you are looking for.

RunningYou may be a novice runner or someone more experienced looking for that next challenge. Here are just a few of the running events we have available. For information on obtaining places in the ING New York Marathon 2013 or Virgin London 2014 Marathon please contact the Events Team.

Walk of Life

Sunday 19th May 2013

5 and 15 mile routes around Leicester – be a hero for Rainbows and join hundreds of others and IncrediBow Bear. Every hero needs a sidekick so dogs are invited to take part too with an owner accompanying them at no extra cost. Registration fee is just £5.00 per person/dog.

Ladies only Moonlight Walk

Saturday 12th October 2013

Details are being finalised but to register your interest for a sponsored walk around Loughborough Town Centre please get in touch with the Events Team.

Sahara Desert Trek, Morocco

Friday 31st October 2014 – 10 days

Transports you to another world of wind-blown sand dunes, the occasional oasis and incredible night skies.

Minimum Cost: £1,199

It’s Childsplay, Newark

Organised by Newark Castle Rotary Club

Sunday 8th September 2013

A sponsored event with a difference. Walk, run, cycle, sail or be pushed along, whatever distance you choose, to the finishing line at Newark Riverside. Entry is free but you are asked to raise a minimum of £10.

Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Peru

Thursday 15th May 2014 – 10 days

Rated amongst the ten best trekking trails in the world due to its striking beauty and ancient Inca ruins.

Minimum Cost: £1,848

Farmageddon Run, Melton Mowbray

Sunday 20th April

Formerly “Farmyard Frolics”, this 10km off road running adventure has been transformed with even more challenges and obstacles – and of course plenty of mud and water.

Entry £35 per person or £32.50 per person for a team of four. No minimum sponsorship.

Bupa Great North Run

Sunday 15th September 2013

The most iconic half marathon on the planet, with over 55,000 people taking part last year, from Newcastle across the iconic Tyne Bridge into South Shields. Registration £50. Minimum fundraising target: £295.

Children’s Hospice Trekking Mont Blanc Massif Alps Challenge

Wednesday 4th Sept 2013 – 5 days – 65km

Three countries in three days with some of the most spectacular views in Europe of stunning cliffs, waterfalls and glaciers.

Minimum Cost: £924

Leicester 10k

Sunday 12th May 2013

Join hundreds of other runners for this two lap course starting and finishing at Abbey Park. Entry: £15 running club entrant, £17 non. No minimum sponsorship.

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Walking in the UK If your time is limited, why not join other Rainbows supporters to unite together and support your children’s hospice at a one day event?

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Whatever your interests, taking part in one of our many events is a fantastic way to support Rainbows and have fun. Push yourself and experience an amazing sense of achievement. These are just a few of our events.

The majority of people who take up a challenge don’t have any experience of fundraising so we have produced a pack full of ideas. Our experienced fundraisers are also on hand to provide even more help and will support you all the way.

WaterIf you are a swimmer or someone who likes mucking around in water, have you thought about taking part in an event for Rainbows?

Adrenaline & Extreme For you daredevils looking to push yourselves to the limit how about a skydive or a running challenge with a difference?

Dragon Boat Challenge, Nottingham

Sunday 4th August 2013

As part of the Nottingham Riverside Festival, join up to 60 other teams to compete for the coveted trophy of Dragon Boat Champions.

Registration: £520 + Vat per team of 11. No minimum sponsorship.

Tougher Mudder North West

Saturday 5th October 2013

A hard-core 10-12 mile obstacle course designed by the Special Forces. By taking part you will unlock a true sense of accomplishment, have a great time and discover a camaraderie with your fellow participants.

Zambezi Blast, Zambia

Saturday 6th September 2014 – 8 days

An extreme water sport on one of the biggest white-water rivers in the world with spectacular scenery. Exceptionally challenging – this event will take you through some of the world’s biggest rapids so is not for the faint-hearted.

Minimum Cost: £1,898

Bike for Kids India Ride

8th February 2014 – 10 days

Rajasthan, the Land of Kings, is India at its most exotic and colourful. Enjoy breathtaking scenery including the Taj Mahal, ancient temples and rural life frozen in time. Finish in the “Pink City” of Jaipur.

Minimum Cost: £1,698

The Children’s Hospice London to Paris Cycle Challenge

Wednesday 10th July 2013 – 5 days

Starting from London, our 300 mile bike ride takes us through Kent countryside and along quiet French country lanes, through traditional market towns and into Paris to the Eiffel Tower which marks the finish line of our epic bike ride.

Minimum Cost: £821

Rainbows Skydive, Langar Airfield

Sunday 28th April 2013

Imagine flying at 10,000 feet, leaning out of the aircraft doorway and letting go – falling forward into the clouds and freefalling at over 120mph…. Then imagine tranquillity as your canopy opens and you descend.

Registration: £50. Minimum fundraising target: £345.

Monster Swim, Loch Ness

Saturday 17th August 2013

Choose from two race options of one mile or half mile swims in the largest of all lakes in the UK. The feeling of being alone even when you are swimming with others can be exhilarating.

Registration: From £25 per person. No minimum sponsorship.

Lakes and Dales

Thursday 12th June 2014 – 4 days

Cycle the breadth of the UK across some of the most spectacular and wild countryside that England has to offer from the West Coast and finishing in Whitby.

Minimum Cost: £569

For further information or to register for an event:

www.rainbows.co.uk/challengesor call freephone

0800 952 1133 or email fundraising@rainbows.co.uk

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CyclingWhat a year 2012 was for cycling! If you have been inspired to do something amazing, here are just a few ideas:

Events special pull-out

Coast 2 CoastDr Paul Nathan successfully completed the Coast 2 Coast Cycle Challenge for Rainbows for the second time raising a total of £2,500. He cycled 144 miles in three days; the longest up hill was five miles long. Day one he averaged 9 mph, day two 6.5 mph (it was hilly) and day three 9.5 mph – a fantastic achievement!

The exciting news about Rainbows Handbag Amnesty is spreading and we hope to make 2013 a bumper year. Donations of lovely bags in good condition are always welcome but our priority is to raise funds by arranging lots of selling events across the region. Could you join in by organising your own Handbag Amnesty fundraiser? Perhaps a Coffee Morning or Afternoon Tea Party? Lunchtime at work or a few glasses of wine with friends one evening?

It couldn’t be simpler and we can support your event with helpful advice and tips. We can also supply stocks of great bags individually priced up and ready to sell, which can be returned after the event if unsold.

We’d love to hear about ladies’ groups, clubs, colleges, workplaces or companies who would enjoy the Handbag Amnesty. Please contact Yvonne on 01530 224579 or email info@handbagamnesty.co.uk

There will also be Rainbows Handbag Amnesty stalls at many local events throughout the year. For more information, visit www.handbagamnesty.co.uk

NewsflashLadies LOVE handbags!!

Sunday August 4th it’ll be FUN for all....even the dog!

The Zany Dog Show and Fun Day, which has raised £14,000 for the hospice, is back for the sixth time. Previously held in Osgathorpe village, its annual success calls for a bigger location. So this summer it will be at Loughborough Grammar School and it promises to have something for everyone.

The Zany Dog Show makes sure every dog has its chance in the limelight with daft classes such as ‘Fancy Dress’, ‘Champion Sausage Catcher’, ‘Cleverest Trick’ and ‘Waggiest Tail’. Rosettes and trophies will be awarded to the winners.

There will also be a range of interesting stalls, crafts, the chance to try your hand at dowsing or be amazed by close up magic. For the dogs there will be Flyball and Agility to try.

For more details, including dog show classes, visit www.funday.org.uk or call 01530 224579.

& Fun DayRainbows Zany Dog Show

219 Handbags From RBS!A ‘Handbag Amnesty’ organised by Jane Munby, a corporate manager from the Nottingham Corporate Office at RBS, has brought in a whopping 219 bags – including some brand-new ones! Well done ladies!

Charlotte Blissett 11

Our Little Star, Charlotte, Appears on the Jeremy Kyle Christmas Show

Will Our Raindrops Inspire You? The Raindrops are a group of three ladies - Jeanette Marshall, Jean Lee and Pat Radley - who started fundraising for Rainbows in 2004.

With the aim of raising £1,000 they held table top sales at carnivals, car boots and events in the Sileby, Mountsorrel and Syston area.

Raindrops didn’t stop there and eight years later the trio has raised a huge total of £25,000 and had a lot of fun.

Jeanette, Jean and Pat would like to thank family and friends who have donated things to sell or given their time to help and support with the bigger events they ran.

St Wystan’s Had a Ball The Friends of St Wystan’s School held a charity school ball and raised a staggering £7,892. The School has been long term supporters of the Hospice with numerous events over the years. Headmaster, Phil Soutar and Kjurste Whittingham, school governor and member of the ball committee handed over the cheque at their recent Christingle Service where a further £546 was raised.

A music therapy session costs just £35. Could you donate one to Rainbows?

Doctors believed that nine year old Charlotte Blissett would never talk but she became a singing sensation in our Twinkle Little Star video. Producers of the Jeremy Kyle Christmas Show loved her singing and asked her and her family to appear on the show as part of ITV’s Text Santa Appeal.Born eight weeks prematurely, twins Charlotte and Lattisha were beautiful girls with a happy life ahead of them. At just six months, Lattisha was thriving but life began to take a different path for Charlotte who began to have uncontrollable fits. After a battery of tests, and days of nervous waiting, the family finally had an answer; Charlotte’s brain had been damaged by a freak blood clot during the early stages of pregnancy. At two years old she was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and was told she would never speak. However, with lots of support, and through music therapy at Rainbows, she has been able to find not only a speaking voice but a singing voice too.

Charlotte’s dad, Michael, said: “The first time she sang on her own, I was shocked and surprised. She loves singing with her sister Georgia. It’s just wonderful. The advances she has made over the last couple of years have been amazing. She has stunned everyone, myself included. During this time, Rainbows has been the backbone of our family. We are so grateful for their help and support.”

You can watch Charlotte singing for the Rainbows Twinkle Little Star appeal at www.rainbows.co.uk/twinkle.

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Whilst filming for the Jeremy Kyle Christmas Show, staff from Rainbows met the show’s celebrity psychotherapist and counsellor, Graham Stanier. He was so moved by our work that he offered to become an Honorary Ambassador.

Graham said: “Having been afforded the opportunity to visit Rainbows, I can honestly say it’s an amazing place, and the provision of love and care by carers, staff and parents is beyond dedication. It’s an honour and a privilege to be an Ambassador for such a worthwhile charity and they have my unconditional support whenever they need it.”

It’s absolutely fantastic to have Graham’s support. He’s a really warm and friendly man and he’s very keen to use his circle of television contacts to support Rainbows. We’re all looking forward to working with him.

Addressing the Needs of Our Asian MothersRunning alongside our other parent and carer groups, Rainbows has a support group which caters for the specific needs of our Asian mothers. At Rainbows around 15% of our families are from a minority culture and we noticed they had some very specific cultural and religious needs. The group gives the mums an opportunity to make friends and support one another.

The Asian mothers really appreciate having their specific needs met in such a way. They say their time spent together is very helpful and the information we

provide is always useful; they also love the family activities days.

Meeting monthly, the Asian Mothers Group have a programme of needs-led activities which include speakers from specialist staff members, outings and family fun times. We have play activities for parents and children during the summer holidays and an annual family fun day at the Hospice, where the whole family can join in the fun and games.

Our family support groups are just one area that is supported by our fundraisers. Your donations really do make a huge difference. To support the Asian Mothers’ Group, contact 01509 638058.

Rainbows Welcomes a New Honorary Ambassador

Help Spread the Rainbows MessageBarry Gostinskie, Leicester independent haulage company owner, supported Rainbows by featuring an advert on the back of his lorry.

Nick Kehoe, owner of signage company NSI, not only supports Rainbows through our Business Club but also donates the time and materials for initiatives like Barry’s.

We think the lorry looks great and appreciate the support from Barry and Nick. Thousands will see our beautiful advert as the lorry travels the UK and it will really help us generate some awareness…for free!

Rainbows would love to have more great advertisements on walls, vehicles, windows or inside premises. If you think you can donate space, please contact Scott Lea on 01509 638062 or scott.lea@rainbows.co.uk.

Charity Shop Update 13

2012 was a busy year for our Head of Retail, Karen Bilsby. In a short space of time Karen has been working with others to create a charity retail infrastructure. We’ve opened three shops across Leicestershire and Derbyshire, but we’re not stopping there.

Some months ago we ran an online survey and more than 93 per cent of people who answered wanted to see a Rainbows shop in their town. Karen loves a challenge and has plans to open more shops in addition to the ones in Matlock, Melton and Blaby.

Karen said “Our aim is to have 10 shops over the next five years – a shop in easy reach of every supporter. The shops are already making a good profit and we look forward to expanding.”

We would like to say a huge ‘thank you!’ to everyone who has already supported us by donating items or volunteering their time to help - we’ve had a great response which illustrates how highly people think of Rainbows. But we are always looking for more volunteers and there is no experience necessary and all you have to give is at least two hours a week.

Interesting donations have been flooding into the three existing shops, including a few celebrity gifts. Rainbows’ President, The Duchess of Rutland has donated three couture dresses which will be auctioned in the spring. Snooker legend Willy Thorne, and his wife, donated items to the Blaby shop. Other kind benefactors have donated designer items including a Gucci necklace.

We do need more clothes, accessories and bric-a-brac, so don’t forget Rainbows during your next spring clean. You can take your donations to any shop (www.rainbows.co.uk/shops) or to the hospice itself. Alternatively, if you can hold a collection at work or school, we may be able to arrange to have your donations collected.

On Your Bike BabcocksA team of 29 cyclists from Babcock Dyncorp completed a 17 mile sponsored cycle ride around Rutland Water raising a very impressive £2,714.

A number of their colleagues supported them as volunteer marshalls doing a splendid job encouraging the riders and pointing them in the right direction. Only three people got slightly lost! A big thanks to all involved.

in the next Five years

We’ll have 10 Shops

A Cosy FundraiserMembers of Windy Ridge WI kindly donated a beautiful

quilt made by their members. Can you make something

and sell it for Rainbows?

Buy Gifts from RainbowsRainbows sell a colourful range of merchandise, it’s available on our website, in our charity shops and on our Ebay store www.stores.ebay.co.uk/Rainbows-Hospice-Shop.

We need items for our shops. If you can collect

a large amount of clothes and accessories from your friends and colleagues,

we’ll try to pick them up. Call Karen on 01509 638000

14

Please support our Rainbows Business Club, become a member and it will only cost £1 a day resulting in a direct benefit to all of the Rainbow families. How amazing would that be, to make a difference for such a small donation? Please pass this on to your HR department and help us to get support from the businesses across the East Midlands.

Welcome and thank you to our newest members.

A full list of all our members can be found at www.rainbows.co.uk/businessclub

Being a member of the Rainbows Business Club has many benefits as well as showing your commitment and support for a well-known local charity. Please see our website for all of the benefits along with the application form.

Holland & Barrett raise healthy sum for RainbowsHolland & Barrett has handed over a cheque for £122,000 to Rainbows – the largest single amount the charity has ever received from a corporate event.

The health food retailer, based in nearby Nuneaton, Warwickshire, hosted a charity golf day and gala dinner earlier this year which was supported by staff and companies who sell products through Holland & Barrett’s 700 high street stores. Holland & Barrett’s Chief Marketing Officer, Lysa Hardy said “I’d like to thank all of our suppliers and staff who came together to make the charity day a huge success. It’s the fifth year we have held the event and it goes from strength to strength.”

Arthur Prince raised a fantastic £7,033 from their event - An Audience with Frank Bruno. The evening included a three course meal at the Arthur Prince showroom in Loughborough with the boxer taking questions from the floor as well as posing for personalised photographs with autographs. Thanks to the staff at Arthur Prince, Browns Lane Restaurant, The White Horse Quorn and all who attended making the evening such a great success.

Mattioli Woods support once againMattioli Woods plc, Pensions and Wealth Management Services donated a fantastic £25,000 to Rainbows during 2012. Bob Woods and Ian Mattioli are pictured handing the cheque over following their annual charity dinner where former Chancellor of the Exchequer, Lord Nigel Lawson was the speaker.

Alan Nuttall Ltd

European Telecom Solutions

NAH Foods

Bray & Bray Solicitors

Plastic Card Services Ltd

Charnwood Accountants & Business Advisors

Fusion Corporate Finance

Embark Finance Ltd

Leicestershire County Cricket Club

STS Limited

Robert Whowell & Partners

Spearing Waite

JP Investment Partners

Newby Castleman

NatWest

Sinclair Estate Agents

Walker Catering Supplies Ltd

Europium UK Ltd

Benjamin Daniel Associates Ltd

RBS

Somerby Financial Solutions Ltd

On 365

KPMG

Cipher Telecommunications Ltd

Presland & Co

Our Business Club Welcomes Even More New Members

Your Business could do something amazing for just £1 a day!

www.rainbows.co.uk/businessclub

Kate Golding on 01509 638008

kate.golding@rainbows.co.uk

Please join today and help us to make a difference!

Knockout - an Audience

with Frank Bruno

Be a volunteer 15

Be a Volunteer

If you have some spare time, come and volunteer for us

We’re grateful to the time that our volunteers give us. Here are just a few of them…

Julie has been part of our telephone team for a few months now…

“ I wanted to find something to help me get back into work. I wasn’t really sure what I could offer, but liked the idea of helping on the telephone. I really enjoy what I do and it is great to spread the word about Rainbows - such a wonderful place!”

One of our newest recruits, Emily is helping us in one of our shops….

‘ Helping in the shop is great fun. It’s like a big family. It’s amazing to know every penny helps the children and young people. Every day brings a new challenge and it’s very rewarding.”

We’re looking for volunteers to assist particularly in our Matlock shop, but we do have slots at Blaby and Melton Mowbray.

If you have a couple of hours to spare and would like to volunteer, contact Paul on 01509 638059 or paul.holden@rainbows.co.uk

We would like to say a huge thank you to….Fundraising Volunteer, Margaret Harvey, has been an active supporter over many years and has raised over £18,000 through the sale of her paintings and cards and other crafts. Until last year, Margaret helped to raise the profile of Rainbows by giving talks to clubs, societies, groups and schools in her role as an Ambassador.

Emily has been volunteering for just over two years, as part of the housekeeping team…

“ I really enjoy coming to Rainbows each week. It’s helped to build my confidence and it is giving me experience that is supporting my search for a paid job. I like that I’m helping to make a difference to the children and young people”.

"I've enjoyed everything I have done for Rainbows

over the last 17 years and it gave me great

pleasure to talk to children and adults alike. Any

voluntary work that anyone does for Rainbows

brings happiness and a sense of purpose. I just hope

that I can do it for a few more years!"

Can You Help Our Canvassers Do An Even Better Job?We have a fab team of lottery canvassers who are out and about in the community asking people to join our lottery. With all their hard work, we now have over 7,000 lottery members!

Our friendly canvassers go door to door, visit supermarkets, garden centres and other businesses in their mission to help grow the Rainbows Lottery. If you have the opportunity for one of our canvassers to visit somewhere, please call Jas on 01509 638058. Alternatively, if you feel you would like to join the Rainbows canvassing team or maybe you would simply like to help us get new members from your own family or down your street, please give us a call.

Commencing now and until you receive further notice from me/us in writing.

Join our lottery today

Contact name:

Address:

Postcode: Tel:

Email:

Date of Birth: I am 16 or over:

Please pay: National Westminster Bank PLC, Sort Code: 56-00-55, Account Number: 34062149 For the credit of: Rainbows Hospice Lottery, the sum of (please enter how many lottery numbers you would like).

Total lottery numbers Total AmountPlease complete and return this form along with your choice of payment details to: FREEPOST MID 25973, Loughborough, LE11 0BR. Or if you prefer, use a stamp and save us the cost of postage.

Payment by Cheque, Postal Order or Credit/Debit CardPlease make cheques/postal orders payable to The Rainbows Lottery.

Bank Name:

Branch Address:

Postcode:

Account Name:

Account Number:

Sort Code:

Payment by Standing OrderComplete this form and return it to Rainbows (not your bank).

x £52.00 once per year (annually) = £

x £26.00 once per half year (six monthly) = £

x £13.00 once per quarter (quarterly) = £

x £4.34 once per month (monthly) = £

No. of weeks (Please tick appropriate box)

52 wks £52.00 26 wks £26.00 13 wks £13.00

Total lottery numbers: Total amount:

Card number

Valid from Expiry date

Security code Issue number (if applicable)

DON’T FORGET! - Tick the box to claim your FREE bear if you are paying £52 for your lottery entry!

Signature Date

Will you win £1,000 this week?

The Ultimate Gift

Don’t miss half price Wills and Will amendments during May’s ‘Make a Will Month’.

Visit www.rainbows.co.uk/wills for participating solicitors

There are many ways that supporters can help to make a difference to the children, young people and families who rely on Rainbows. It may be the last thing you’d think of, but it’s a fact that leaving a legacy to Rainbows is a really important way to support the Hospice - the care of one in eight children at Rainbows is funded through gifts in Wills.There is a popular misconception that charities only need large legacies - big or small they all count, lots of small legacies add up. If every Rainbows supporter left £100 in their Will it would add up to in excess of £4,000,000 enough to run the Hospice for a whole year!

Less than half of the UK population have a Will; if you’re one of the people that has, perhaps you would consider adding a codicil leaving a gift to Rainbows.

If you don’t have a current Will, look out for Rainbows Make A Will Month in May 2013. For details contact Helen Graham on 01509 638027.

Please let us know if you’ve decided to remember Rainbows in your Will; we’d like to thank you. Your legacy can help Rainbows make long-term plans and guarantee that the Hospice will be here for many years to come.

" I'll be making the best out of Make a Will

Month in May. I've been meaning to update my

Will for years and just never got around to it.

The reduced price is fantastic and I'll leave a

little bit of money to Rainbows."