Category: Charity

1. Bikers ‘do it’ for Air Ambulance Charity

   Posted on 12:00am Monday 29th Jun 2009

   The Devon Air Ambulance Trust’s annual motorcycle ride out is set to take to the beautiful country lanes of Devon on Sunday 12th July.
   
   This year however it’s a ride out with a twist, with 3 starting points, but only one finish.
   
   Riders can choose to start from Coypool Park & Ride in Plympton, Cullompton Services or Atlantic Village, Bideford, with an amalgamated finish at Paignton Green. At Paignton Green there will be trade and exhibition stands, catering vans, together with live music from ‘Thick as Thieves’ and ‘Fizgig’.

   Caroline Creer, Fundraising Director of the Devon Air Ambulance Trust said ‘We always look forward to our annual motorcycle ride as its a great opportunity to meet all the keen bikers, who are also supporting the charity. They recognise the essential service that the charity provides, as unfortunately we do regularly get called out to their fellow bikers.’

   She added ‘This event isn’t just open to motorcyclists, we have people taking part on scooters, mopeds, trikes, to name just a few. Please come along and support this event and make it the biggest and best yet. We are ideally hoping for 500+ bikes and hope that by having 3 starting points this will will encourage more people to take part.

   ‘Even if you aren’t a biker, why not come along to Paignton Green as there is lots for all the family, plus the two bands performing are fantastic!’

   Safety is paramount for bikers when out and about. Therefore the charity is also pleased to welcome 5 officers from the Devon & Cornwall Constabulary bike wing, who will be taking part in the ride. The routes are all marshalled, ensuring that everyone goes the right way.

   Trade stands include the Road Safety Partnership, Police Exhibition Unit, Police Speed Enforcement motorcycle plus many more.

   Trophies will be awarded for the Best British Bike, Best Modern Bike, and Best In Show.

   The ride out will start at 10am, with registration on the day available from 9am. Entry is just £5 per bike, which includes a limited edition pin badge. However you can pre register and also purchase a limited edition t-shirt at just £7. T-shirts and badges are also available to pillion riders at £7.

   Entry forms are available at www.daat.org

2. UNICEF Charity Ride June 2009 . 14 Countries - 18 days - 2 Riders and 5500 Miles

   Posted on 12:00am Thursday 19th Mar 2009

   Paul Holroyd and Mike Palmer are undertaking and epic journey through Europe in aid of UNICEF. Neither rider has actually ridden for approximately 25 years, both are "born again bikers". Having been bitten by the biking bug they committed themselves to this worthy and extraordinary journey in aid of the childrens charity.

   The event has been self funded from the outset. Paul and Mike are only seeking for support in donations for their cause.
   
   Their web-site has been provided by UNICEF so you can check out their route. You can also sign up to their web-page to wish the guys luck and of course see their progress during their trip.
   
   www.citizensoftheplanet.webs.com
   
   Donations can be made online directly to UNICEF.
   
   John Forreste is the team manager and has provided instructional rider training under the Driving Standards Agency Enhanced Rider Scheme.

3. Poppy Idol 2009

   Posted on 12:00am Thursday 19th Feb 2009

   Eight Unsigned Acts Battle It Out For One Massive Prize

   You've seen programmes like the X Factor and Pop Idol on TV, well this competition is nothing like them... Our competitors have real talent and on Saturday 18th July they'll battle against each other to win every unsigned acts dream.

   A full promotional package including a professionally recorded demo, a video production to match as well as a professional photograph portfolio to help them on their way to stardom.
   

   Are you in a band?

   
   To apply to enter the competition download the application form below

   Application Form
   
   Please include a CD containing two tracks that you wish to play on the night.
   
   Applications must be received by 30th June 2009
   

   All proceeds raised from this event are to be donated to Poppy Care Home Galanos House

   To find out about the charitable work of the Royal British Legion please visit www.britishlegion.org.uk
   
   Venue: Oldbury Royal British Legion, Windsor Road, Oldbury, West Midlands

   Admission: £5.00

   Doors Open at 7.30pm

4. DebRA fundraiser’s 2,000 mile Harley Davidson marathon to raise £20,000 for charity

   Posted on 9:20am Wednesday 18th Jun 2008

   DebRA fundraiser and avid Harley Davidson motorbike enthusiast Ross Jamieson and nine members of the Dunedin HOG (Harley Owners Group) are completing a 2,000 mile road trip around Britain and Ireland on Harley Davidson motorbikes to raise £20,000 for the national charity DebRA.

   The charitable bikers stopped off en route at DebRA’s UK head office on Tuesday 17th June to the sound of Scottish pipes and were greeted by staff at the Crowthorne based charity.

   DebRA supports families affected by Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) - a rare genetic condition which causes the skin to blister and shear at the slightest friction, or even spontaneously. There are at least 5,000 people living with this devastating condition in the UK and 500,000 worldwide.

   Some of the Harley Davidson bikers pictured with Dawn Jarvis, Head of Fundraising and Research Administration at DebRA45 year-old Ross and his fellow HOG enthusiasts from the Dunedin chapter in Edinburghset off from Edinburgh on Friday 13th June and are taking 8 days to visit every single Harley Chapter and dealership in the UK and Ireland. The group will also collect Chapter pins from the various Chapter across the country which will later be auctioned as a “Collectors Set” to add to the funds raised.

   Ross’ wife Alyson, 42, and 16 year-old twin daughters, Heather and Sarah, all have Epidermolysis Bullosa Simplex (EBS). Alyson said: “Fortunately we all have the simplex version of EB, which is the mildest. But shoes cause our feet to blister and any clothing that rubs against our skin will also leave blisters that need to be surgically burst and dressed.”

   Those with the more severe dystrophic form of EB have skin so fragile that the lining of the mouth is affected, making it almost impossible to eat.

   Ross of Linlithgow, West Lothian, said: “Heather and Sarah have tried not to let it curtail their childhood, although it has prevented them from doing certain things, like sports. The twins have to be careful breaking in new shoes and ensure seams and labels on their clothes don’t rub. But most of the time they just grin and bear it.”

   Dawn Jarvis, Head of Fundraising & Research Administration at DebRA, added: ““We’re so grateful to Ross, his family and members of the Dunedin HOG for organising and taking part in this wonderful fundraising trip for DebRA. DebRA relies on the generosity of the public and fundraising initiatives like this to carry out its vital work, funding research and in providing specialist support services such as travelling nurses, clinics and equipment for families under severe pressure. In addition to hopefully raising £20,000 for DebRA, the riders are also increasing EB awareness en route which is fantastic and we wish them every success with the remaining leg of the tour.

   To sponsor Ross and help him reach his £20,000 fundraising target for DebRA, please visit www.dunedinfordebra.co.ukFor more information about DebRA and to view a short video clip showing the reality of living with EB please visit www.debra.org.uk.