Fundraising News

From 30/03/2007 until 01/01/2008

Our very grateful thanks to all our supporters out there who continue to send in their ideas for raising vital funds towards our work. Remember (almost!) anything goes and we can always supply you with a free fundraising pack (which includes a list of tried and tested fundraising ideas) to help you get your idea off the ground – call today to request your pack! Perhaps some of the following may give you some inspiration . . .

FUNDRAISING NEWS...

UK Challenge with a difference...

Unfortunately this year's UK Challenge was cancelled.  However, this didn't stop some of our determined members who set off on their own challenge along the Watkin Path.  Here's John Cowley's account of their trip...

'We arrived on the Friday morning , set up camp and cooked a meal then sat in the gazebo to admire the views from the campsite and relax a little. Nicky had already started to try and slow me down on the walk by putting a hole in my blow up bed !! funny how it was mine all of a sudden !! Gary Walker followed on by about 7:30 in the evening and we had his tent up in about 20 minutes. As dusk arrived Gary disappeared into his tent and started blowing something up for about 30 minutes … he says it was his bed but the silhouette from the tent said otherwise !! a dozen or more sheep decided to run through the camp site tripping over guide ropes much to the surprise of anyone in their ten at the time.

The others that were turning up for moral support arrived later on each with a bigger than the previous tent , try pitching a 12 man tent at 11:30pm on a campsite on the side of a mountain … in the dark and one that had never been put up before so we didn’t even know what it should look like. There were many comments on where was the garage going to be and where were servants going to sleep and where did he want the chandelier. So that was a laugh actually.
The morning of the trek started with the customary cooked breakfast and discussions on the weather as it was already drizzling. What water proofs should be taken etc. As we travelled around Snowdon to get to the start the weather seemed to be stuck in a light rain/mist and drizzle only to find that the other side of the mountain was bathed in glorious sunshine !! and then it was deciding how much to take off before we started. Just shows how changeable the weather can be on mountains.

We started the trek at 9:30 , in short, the route takes you through a wooded area then onto a slowly rising path into the valley passing waterfalls and derelict slate mining buildings then a sharp right turn which then becomes VERY steep for what seems like forever. This section culminates at a ridge with fantastic views over Snowdonia , and even the sea in the distance. A short rest for everyone ( including “teddy” who’s been on all the DSA adventures so far. Pic attached) and some light lunch.

Then onto the steepest ascent so far which, in parts , needs hand to pull yourself up over the scree etc. The previous steep section was hard on the thighs and calves but this section is even harder especially if you follow someone else by mistake and take the shorter but harder route like Gary Walker and another friend Paul. Nicky and I stuck to the planned route and reached the summit only 5 mins after Gary and Paul from the shorter route.

Photo’s with T shirts were duly taken and the steep decent started , now the knees take the brunt of the punishment. It had taken 4 hours to reach the summit but only 2 ¼ hours down.
All in all a great trek was had by all , the weather couldn’t have been better , no injuries and money raised for the DSA.

Back to the camp site to sit around with a beer some burgers etc and recount the days adventure. And look up at a clear sky filled with stars that you never see if you live in a city.

We’d like to thank all who came along for the DSA ( John & Nicola Cowley and Gary Walker ) and those who helped support us, namely , Garry Roberts and his family, Paul Murphy and Paul Green and his family.

Looking forward to next year.'

 

We'd like to say a special thank you to John and Nicola Cowley and also Gary Walker - well done and thank you!

24th June 2007 - Cycle Cornwall

 

This year saw the Cornwall Down’s Syndrome Group organise the first ever ‘Cycle Cornwall’ event which took place on the 24th June.  The event started bright and early at the Launceston Rugby Club close to the county line between Devon and Cornwall and finished 100 miles away in Land’s End.

After a few hiccups enroute with some cycling the wrong way from the start, some getting lost in Redruth (due to the locals removing the signs or turning them around) the event finished off in Land’s End to the sounds of the fantastic Samba Band

The event was a fantastic success raising £7,532 for the Cornwall Down’s Syndrome Group and the DSA.

A big thank you goes out to everyone at the Cornwall Down’s Syndrome Group, Vospers for sponsoring the event, the Samba Band and everyone else involved in the event.

The wheels are already in motion for next years event so for further information please contact Alexa on or email .

GOOD LUCK

To all of you participating in events for us over the next couple of months.  Don't forget to send us in some photos of what you got up to.

We welcome all enquiries concerning fundraising ideas and are very grateful for every penny raised by you all out there!  Keep up the fantastic work you’re all doing!