gig2give
We are an independent
community interest
company.
We do not send any of our
raised funds to either of
these two charities — we
fundraise locally and we
support local families.
If you do not wish to
support gig2give, please
support any of these two
worthy Charites
Newsletter gig2give
Published by gig2give events 140 Botchergate, Carlisle, Cumbria CA1 1SH
Gig2give events & G2 Art Gallery
Raising awareness and supporting those families
affected by Muscular Dystrophy and Strokes
Gig2give events
We are a not for profit community interest company and our soul
purpose is to raise awareness and support those families affected by
Muscular Dystrophy and Strokes.
All our fundraising efforts will be conducted through the Arts, Live
Music, Entertainment and Sport.
Our ethos and business model of fundraising are unique, innovative
and forward thinking.
We will be using the community to support the community.
We know that there are many charities out there all asking for your
hard earned cash and we really do appreciate your donations but as
you will see, we try to give you something back.
In our fundraising efforts we try to offer support to local artist,
Bands, Entertainers and encourage sport within the community.
Watch out for and support our many events that will be held in and
around Carlisle, events to include;
*Sport, - 7 a side football tournaments, golf tournaments, pool,
darts, snooker and indoor bowls competitions.
*music festivals, classical concerts featuring choirs and orchestras,
acoustic music showcase events, one off gigs featuring music from
punk to acoustic.
*or why not visit our art G2 Art Gallery at 140 Botchergate, Carlisle.
CA1 1SH where you will find Art by local artists and photographers
and jewellery all made locally.
Jim Ferguson, Events & Gallery Director
gig2give
We are an independent
community interest
company.
We do not send any of our
raised funds to either of
these two charities — we
fundraise locally and we
support local families.
If you do not wish to
support gig2give, please
support any of these two
worthy Charites
Edition one
Muscular Dystrophy & Stroke
gig2give events & G2 Art Gallery — fundraisers for families affected by
Now in existence for nearly a year, gig2give events continues to
strive to expand its programs and offerings to the community.
We do not receive any funding and all funds raised come from
our fund raising events and income from our G2 Art Gallery.
We have secured a two year sponsorship deal with Butter-
worth's Solicitors in Carlisle, which has enabled us to get past
our launch and now approaching our second year of raising
awareness and supporting those families affected by Muscular
Dystrophy and Strokes, two devastating illnesses. Please take a little time to read the following pages de-
tailing these often forgotten and soul destroying conditions.
There will be many opportunities for companies or individuals to get involved through our wide range of
possible sponsorship deals on offer and we hope you will get the chance to experience first-hand the pride
and passion we have in supporting our cause.
It is our mission to continue supporting local families affected by these two conditions, I believe that it is
not just the patient that suffers, but the whole family, as I well know from personal experience, my
grandson Will has Muscular Dystrophy and I have had three strokes over the last few years. In order to
meet our mission and provide services in our community, we rely on the generosity of individuals and
businesses for support. Without the assistance of community-minded individuals just like you, we
wouldn’t be able to serve those in our community who need our help.
We ask that individuals or companies make a commitment to support our annual appeal by making a cash
donation or by offering to sponsor one of our many events. Your generosity will make a big difference in
our community by allowing us to continue with our work because of your generosity.
In the following pages you will find further information on how we aim to help those families affected
and please remember that every donation makes a difference, regardless of size.
Thank you
Jim Ferguson.
Events & G2 Gallery Director.
What is Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy? www.muscular-dystrophy.org
What is Duchenne muscular dystrophy?
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a genet-
ic disorder that causes muscles to gradually weak-
en over time. A person with DMD will eventually
lose the ability to walk and will have problems
with breathing and his or her heart. It most often
affects boys and occurs among all races and cul-
tures. Sometimes this disorder affects other mem-
bers of a person’s family, but in many cases it is
new to a family.
What are the signs of DMD?
A child who has DMD does not reach certain de-
velopmental milestones at the same time as other
children of the same age, particularly motor or
movement milestones. Most boys with DMD start
walking later than other children and are thought
to be clumsy and fall a lot. In some cases a child
might have learning and speech delays.
Children with DMD might:
*Not be able to walk by 15 months of age.
*Walk with the legs apart, on the toes, or walk
with the belly pointed out (also called lordosis),
or both.
*Fall frequently
*Need help getting up from the floor or “walk”
up their legs with their hands in order to stand
(also called Gowers manoeuvre).
*Have difficulty with motor skills such as run-
ning, hopping, jumping, or climbing stairs.
*Have behaviour and learning difficulties.
*Have larger calves than other children of the same
size or age (also called pseudohypertophy).
*Frequently complain of having tired legs
*Have delayed speech.
What causes DMD?
Children who have DMD make no or low amounts
of a protein called dystrophin. Dystrophin acts like
glue, holding muscles together by keeping the
structure of muscle cells. Without it, muscles
weaken over time and become unable to work
properly.
Although there are medical treatments that may
help slow its progression, there is currently no cure
for Duchenne.
We will endeavour to keep you informed about du-
chenne muscular dystrophy in future issues. In the
mean time why not google it and you will discover
that this illness effects not only the patient, but the
whole family….as I well know, my grandson Will
has this soul destroying illness and there is not a
day goes by without me being in tears about the
suffering the Will has to endure. I have said this
before and I will continue to say it...he may be
small in stature, but he is a giant in my eyes. Any
donation to gig2give will be used to support local
families.
Here is just a one of the sites you could visit:
www.muscular-dystrophy.org
All information correct at the time of publishing.
Some useful web sites……...
www.bupa.co.uk/individuals/health-
information/directory/d/duchenne-
muscular-dystrophy
This factsheet is relevant for adults who
have Duchenne muscular dystrophy and
parents of children with the condition.
However, because the condition mainly af-
fects boys, for simplicity they will refer to
your son throughout.
www.muscular-dystrophy.org
We are dedicated to improving the lives of
people affected by muscular dystrophy and
related neuromuscular conditions.
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Muscular-
dystrophy/Pages/Introduction.aspx
NHS general info page
www.patient.co.uk/health/muscular-
dystrophies-an-overview
Muscular dystrophy is an inherited
(genetic) disorder causing muscle weak-
ness. There are different types of muscular
dystrophy, which vary as to how severe
they are, ranging from very mild to severe.
The different types also vary as to what
age they begin. If muscular dystrophy is
suspected, tests can help to make an accu-
rate diagnosis. Other people in the family
can also be tested to see if they have a
muscular dystrophy gene. Muscular dys-
trophy cannot be cured, but there are vari-
ous treatments which can help.
wwwkidshealth.org/teen/
diseases_conditions/bones/
muscular_dystrophy
Aside from seeing the telethon hosted by
Jerry Lewis on Labor Day weekend, many
people don't know much about muscular
dystrophy. Yet a quarter of a million kids
and adults are living with the disease, so
chances are you may know someone who
has it.
Stroke — Act F.A.S.T……………….. www.strokeassociation.org.uk
*One in five strokes are fatal. Stroke causes about
7% of deaths in men and 10% of deaths in women.
*Stroke is a leading cause of adult disability.
*In 2010 stroke was the fourth largest cause of
death in the UK after cancer, heart disease and res-
piratory disease, causing almost 50,000 deaths.
*Stroke causes a greater range of disabilities than
any other condition.
*At least a quarter of people in residential nursing
care have had a stroke.
*Stroke has a greater disability impact than other
chronic diseases.
*At least a quarter of people in residential nursing
care have had a stroke.
*Approximately 11% of stroke patients are newly
admitted to a care home after their stroke.
Grim reading I know, but there is life after a
stroke. As a stroke victim myself I know this only
to well….like many others, unable too go back to
work and feeling useless and so, so, tired (even
still today) it would have been so easy to end up
wallowing in self pity, but as the stroke had
changed my life, I thought well why not embrace
this new life and make the best of it, so hear I am
director of gig2give raising awareness of Muscular
Dystrophy and Strokes so instead of earning
money I now just pester people to give me there’s.
Jim Ferguson
Every year there are approximately 152,000
strokes in the UK. That's one stroke every three
and a half minutes. Most people affected are
over 65, but anyone can have a stroke, including
children and even babies.
Stroke changes lives. It can have a huge effect
on you and your family. You will most likely
want to know as much as you can about what
practical, emotional and financial support is
available.
To so many of us, research is important because
it's about change. We believe in the power of
research to save lives, prevent stroke and ensure
people make the best recovery they can.
Research funded by the Stroke Association has
the ultimate aim of making stroke a preventable
and treatable disease, and improving the quality
of life for people affected by stroke.
For every cancer patient living in the UK, £295
is spent each year on medical research, com-
pared with just £22 a year for every stroke pa-
tient. This needs to be changed and with your
help, we can change it…..
Stroke is a sudden and devastating illness -
however, many people are unaware of its
widespread impact.
*There are approximately 1.1 million stroke sur-
vivors living in the UK.
*High blood pressure is the most important risk
factor for stroke, contributing to about 50% of
all strokes.
*Strokes can happen at any age.
www.prismarts.org.uk
Gig2give events & G2 Art Gallery
140 Botchergate, Carlisle,
Cumbria. CA1 1SH
01228 318 836—07846 166 917
Raising awareness of & supporting those families affected by Muscular Dystrophy & Stroke
Fundraising through: The Arts, Live Music, Entertainment & Sport
*Are you someone who has had a Stroke ? *Do you have an interest in art?
*Would you like to have FREE art lessons ?
If the answer is yes to all three questions then this offer is defiantly for you.
Gig2give events and the G2 Gallery are pleased to announce that starting in March 2015 we will
be holding FREE art classes for those suffering from the effects of a stroke (art has been proven to
aid your recovery)—these classes are being made available through Prism Arts and will be held in
the Carlisle Library — It is not often you hear this but;
YES ! they are completely FREE…….
These are not one off lessons, they start on the 9th March 2015 and continue right through to
February 2016. It will be entirely up to you to decide in how many classes you wish to attend
whether it be just one or all thirty classes. All the classes will be con-
ducted by a fully trained instructor, both from a art point of view and
from a stroke point of view, they will be enjoyable, informative and an
excellent social event so, even if it is just to meet new people and mix
with others who have a stroke as common ground, these events will
prove to be beneficial in your road to recovery.
And there’s more! If you don’t fancy the art classes...why not call
in for a chat (even if it is just for a free coffee) in our new drop in centre in the G2 Gallery
on Botchergate.
Should you wish to take part in the library Art sessions please get in touch asap, or if you would
like further info, please contact Jim.
Office: 01228 318 836 — Mobile: 07846 166 917 — Email: [email protected]
Gig2give is a not for profit community interest company and we are sponsored by;
Butterworths Solicitors, Carlisle.
2016 library dates:
04/01/2016 - 11/01/2016 - 18/01/2016 - 25/01/2016 - 01/02/2016
For further details call or email Jim 01228 318 836 [email protected]
provisional list of stroke sessions in the Library.
G2 dates to be announced
Donations & Volunteering
We are currently receive no funding and any raised funds are
achieved through our G2 Art Gallery and from our events held
in and around Carlisle, we have listed just a few of events we
organise in the next few pages….We are proud of the fact that
we are totally innovative and unique in our Community Interest
Company fundraising efforts both by the fact that we are able to
raise awareness and support those families affected by Muscular
Dystrophy and Strokes but by using The Arts, Live Music, En-
tertainment and Sport we are able to involve and give some-
thing back to the community...along with assisting and showcasing many artists, live mu-
sic from punk to classical, choirs, classical music show case events, live music festivals,
art and photography fairs, theatre shows from one man plays to larger productions
(including dance)…..and much more. As you will no doubt understand the gifts we make
available to those suffering from Muscular Dystrophy and Strokes come at a price….so
any and all donations are very much appreciated.
You can make a donation by cheque, made payable to ‘gig2give events’
Or, in person by calling into our office and art gallery at:
140 Botchergate, Carlisle, Cumbria CA1 1SH
Are you interested in volunteering?
We are constantly needing volunteers for many aspects of our
work. If you are in a position to offer a few hours every week
and are interested in helping out at our events to include: classi-
cal showcases, live music events, race nights, in fact any of our events. Or
maybe art is where your interest lies then you could help out in our G2 Art
Gallery. If you have a particular skill that you think we might need and you
have both the time and the inclination to help out….
Then just get in touch with Jim;
Office: 01228 318 836 Mobile: 07846 166 917 email: [email protected]
Thank you for your donation
gig2give
G2 Art Gallery
140 Botchergate,
Carlisle, Cumbria
CA1 1SH
01228 318 836
NOW OPEN AFORDABLE ART FOR EVERY BUDGET
ART—JEWELLERY—ARTS &
CRAFTS—PHOTOGRAPHY
Why not join our
‘ART BUYERS CLUB’
Make regular payments—no interest, no loan agreement, no
Credit checks….simple way to make Art affordable.
Race Night Services
GREAT VALUE—GREAT ENTERTAINMENT—GREAT FUN
RACE NIGHT ENTERTAINMENT PACKAGE
Our race night package is a fantastic way to
both raise funds for our cause and as a
result, raise your bar and food takings…
Race Night Services
GREAT VALUE—GREAT ENTERTAINMENT—GREAT FUN
RACE NIGHT ENTERTAINMENT PACKAGE
Our package includes:
As many poster as you think fit from A4 to A0.
All the staff required to run a successful night’s racing.
The big screen (if needed)
Up to 9 race’s per event.
All money raised will be used to help local people.
Live music + P.A. system.
Continued on next page…………………..
Race Night Services
RACE NIGHT ENTERTAINMENT PACKAGE
All you have to do is:
Supply the venue
Supply and encourage punters to attend the event.
Make a small donation of £30, this will be added to the
evenings fund raising efforts. Please note, that if the
event is ticket only… and we receive the ticket money no
donation will be required.
PLEASE NOTE:
Should you have a charity of your own that you would like to support, then
that is not a problem….we will simply charge you a set fee of £175 and you
keep all the profits from the event..
Some useful web sites……...
www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/stroke/stroke.
General info on Strokes
www.stroke-site.org
Representing medical, scientific, advo-
cacy, and government professionals
from across the stroke continuum, the
Brain Attack Coalition is dedicated to
setting direction, advancing knowledge,
and communicating best practices to im-
prove our ability to prevent and combat
stroke.
www.thegoddessfund.org
Guidelines for the prevention of stroke
in women have been created for the first
time. An expert panel was convened by
the American Heart Association, The
American Stroke Association, to estab-
lish guidelines for stroke prevention in
women. The panel consisted of experts
in many fields, including neurology, car-
diology, nursing, obstetrics and gynae-
cology, nursing, and internal medicine.
www.chasa.org
The Children’s Hemiplegia and Stroke As-
sociation (CHASA) is a 17 year old non-
profit organization dedicated to improving
the quality of life for children, adults, and
families affected by infant and childhood
hemiplegia.
www.stroke.org
National non-profit organization that offers
education, services and community-based
activities in prevention, treatment, rehabili-
tation and recovery. Serves the public and
professional communities, people at risk,
patients and their health care providers,
stroke survivors, their families and carer-
givers.
These are just a few, there are lots of web
sites out there for you to get plenty of in-
formation.
There is no two stroke patients the same
we all deal with things differently and all
have differed symptoms, remember there
is no such thing a silly question, find out as
much as you can…..even if it is just to see
Some information you might find useful
Benefits Advice
Most benefits cannot be backdated and therefore it is essential to claim in time. You, or a person
claiming on your behalf, have a responsibility to claim the right benefit in time. "Not knowing"
about a benefit is not a good reason for not claiming in time. At times it is difficult to know which
benefit or benefits are the right benefits and sometimes rules change.
The benefits advice team at the Civic Centre are specialist welfare rights advisors who provide a
comprehensive advice service on the whole range of benefits provided by the Department for
Work and Pensions, Cumbria County Council and Carlisle City Council.
Advisors can
give advice on the claiming of benefits such as Income Support, Housing Benefit, Disability
Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payment, Employment and Support Allowance, Incapac-
ity Benefit, Social Fund and Welfare Assistance Scheme
check whether you are receiving your correct entitlement to benefit
help with appeals and requests for reviews
Customer Contact Centre
Civic Centre
Rickergate
Carlisle
CA3 8QG
The opening hours are:
Monday to Thursday: 9 am to 5 pm
Friday: 9am to 4pm.
By phone: 01228 817200 option 4:-
This is normally an answer machine so just leave your name and phone number then one of the team
members will get in touch ASAP Please note, do this as soon as possible as clamming for a PIP can
take up to 8/10 months.
Our fundraising methods….
Our ethos and business model of fundraising is
unique, innovative and forward thinking.
We will be using the community to support the
community.
We know that there are many charities out there
and you must be fed up putting your hands into
your pockets (I know I am) but we do appreciate
your donations and as you will see, we try to give
you something back.
In our fundraising efforts we try to offer support
to local artist, Bands, Entertainers and encourage
sport within the community through;
Live music events—music showcase events and
music festivals.
Sporting events such as golf tournaments, foot-
ball tournaments involving schools and pub foot-
ball teams. Pool & darts competitions.
Art, in our G2 Art gallery supporting local artists
and photography.
If you would like to be involved in any of our
events, please get in touch. The following pages
have some further info on some of our events.
www.muscular-dystrophy.org
www.stroke.org.uk
Both these sites are full of
information, the latest
news on medical advanc-
es, and support details.
Should you feel the need
to just have a chat with
someone, either about
living with Muscular Dys-
trophy or Stroke why not
call in to our Botchergate
office…… we can’t offer
professional advice, but
we can offer you our sup-
port. Even if it is just to
get out the house for a
while.
Darts competitions;
Our darts competition is run over two nights—We need a minimum of 16 people to take part—the first
night will be 301 the best of three and will end at the quarter finals stage, 8 players. Then the following
week we will have the finals, the quarter & semi finals will be 301 best of five. The final will be 501 best of
5. There will be a medal for the second place and a cup for the winner. The medal & cup will have both
gig2give’s name and the venue’s name engraved on them.
Pool competitions;
Our pool competition is run over two nights—We need a minimum of 16 people to
take part—the first night will the best of three and will end at the quarter finals stage,
8 players. Then the following week we will have the finals, the quarter & semi finals
will be best of five. The final will be best of 7. There will be a medal for the second
place and a cup for the winner. The medal & cup will have both gig2give’s name and
the venue’s name and will say (your venue name and gig2give darts tournament
winner or second place).
Live music festivals
All music genres covered:
Whether it be in a venue—clubs, pubs etc.
Churches—to raise funds for a any purpose.
Village fate’s, or any other social gathering.
Why not let gig2give organise the music
event for you……
To discuss your particular requirements or
ideas, give Jim a call …..01228 318 836
Do you own a suitable venue?
why not let us organise live
music showcase events or a
music festival at your venue
………...…..interested?
email [email protected]
Raising awareness and supporting those families affected by Muscular Dystrophy and Strokes
Classical showcase events
These events can be held any-
where ...but they are mainly held
in churches.
Classical concerts usually show-
case — choirs, orchestras, trio/
quartets, solo vocalists, guitarists
and pianist - To name but a few..
Do you own a venue you think
might be suitable for a classical
event? or perhaps you know of an
available church? if so….
Contact Jim .. [email protected]
gig2give raising awareness and supporting those families affected by Muscular Dystrophy and Strokes
Butterworths Solicitors Butterworths Solicitors
24 Lowther Street & 148 Botchergate, Carlisle.
Authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority 76501
Butterworths started life in 1993 when Anthony (Tony) Butterworth opened the
practice of A M Butterworth in Carlisle. Since then, they have grown via a combination
of organic growth and mergers into a full service law firm with 4 offices spread
throughout the north of England in Bury, Carlisle, Gateshead and Penrith.
There aim is to become the premier firm in the north of England for transactional legal
business. They believe that they will fulfil their objective by concentrating on key
service areas where they have genuine expertise that they can demonstrate. By concentrating on their
strengths they believe that they are well placed to differentiate their service by ensuring the quality of
their service is exemplary.
Their core service areas are:
*Residential conveyancing *Debt and money problems * Financial mis-selling claims for businesses and
consumers *Lender and corporate property services *Commercial conveyancing *Wills and Probate
Service available - Conveyancing, Employment, Flight compensation, Insolvency and Debt Management,
Investor Services, Land and Property Disputes, Packaged Bank Account Claims, Payment Protection
Insurance Reclaim (PPI), Personal Injury Claims, Remortgage, Wills and Probate.
Services for Businesses - Business Law, Commercial Property, Developer Services, Employment Services
Interest Rate Swap Claims, Lender Services, Service for Estate Agents.
They offer services to clients of many sizes, from individuals to quoted companies. their processes are
consistent across all of their services and they are capable of delivering a service tailored to the
individual needs of all of their clients.
gig2give & G2 Art Gallery would like to acknowledge that without the very generous help and
sponsorship of Butterworth’s Solicitors (who have been supporting us from the very start) we would not
exist as we are today, to say we could not have done it without their help is an massif understatement
and words alone cannot express my gratitude.
Jim Ferguson - Director gig2give & G2 Art Gallery.
Tony Butterworth
Gig2give events raising awareness and supporting those families affected by
Muscular Dystrophy and Strokes
And finally, even though I have had three Strokes in the past 14 months, and still
in recovery, and will be for some time, this is not the reason I had the idea of
launching this unique and initiative community interest company, the real reason
is my grandson Will, who has Duchene Muscular Dystrophy, he is a real inspira-
tion to me, he may be small in stature, but he is a giant in my eyes, he is a real
hero in every sense of the word and his spirit and attitude to his illness gives me
the strength and motivation to continue and ignore my own problems and make
this project work. Every one I know who has had the good fortune to meet Will
are humbled by his inner strength and positive outlook on life; he worries more
about me then himself, which just shows you the type of character he is – so just
like Will, we need to show the families who are affected by Strokes and Muscular
Dystrophy that someone cares. People know little about the helplessness that
parents/family members feel when caring for a sick loved one (no one has ever
asked my wife or daughter how they feel for instance) knowing that things are
not going to get much better, it’s hard to muster up the energy, strength and
hope that is required to get you through each day, all we want to do is make that
journey just a little bit easier, by using the whole community to let those families
know that they are not alone .
I will always remember what my grandmother once said - Only put off until to-
morrow, what you are willing to die left undone, so here I am not putting things
off, so why not join Will and I and make Carlisle’s G2 Art Gallery and gig2give
events the most unique and initiative community interest company in the UK.. ….
In finishing, I would like to say a huge thank you to my wife for all her patience
and unbelievable devotion needed to get me through this trauma…..I know that
without her and my families love, this would be a pointless journey…...
Jim Ferguson.