insideKENT Magazine Issue 48 - March 2016 | Page 129

CHARITY HARD AS ICE SUPPORTERS BRAVE FREEZING WATERS FOR ELLENOR There was a great turn out for ellenor Children’s Hospice Care (formerly chYps) annual Chilli Dip, as friends and family were on side to watch 28 supporters brave the freezing waters of the outside pool at St Julian’s Club in Sevenoaks in February. The hardy group jumped into the water to raise money to support families facing terminal illness and were rewarded afterwards with a steaming bowl of chilli. This year, a group of eight from ellenor corporate supporter, Paddock Wood-based Baxall Construction, took part and proved that it’s an event for all ages. The group of dippers included a 20-year-old apprentice from the company and a staff member aged 64 and, between them, their brave efforts raised more than £400 to support families facing terminal illness. Doing the dip for the second year was Chloe Stephens, a personal trainer, who runs Tonbridge Boot Camps. This year she’d brought along two boot camp regulars, Kerry Ashdown and Louise Haines. “I love supporting ellenor – but I also think it’s important to set personal goals and the Chilli Dip is a fabulous challenge,” says Chloe. “Next up for me is the ellenor firewalk in March, which I’m really looking forward to.” ellenor is the only charity in the county that provides hospice care for people of all ages – babies, children and adults – and their families. This includes pain and symptom relief, end of life care, respite, bereavement support and emotional and spiritual care. For more information about events and challenges being run by ellenor this year, visit www.ellenor.org/events or call the events team on 01322 626506. RUNNING CHALLENGE FOR CHILDREN WITH COMPLEX NEEDS EMMAUS DOVER OPENS BENCH STREET CHARITY SHOP A national charity is going back to its hometown for a unique event to raise money for children with some of the most challenging illnesses and disabilities. Tree of Hope, now based in Tunbridge Wells, is organising the Starfish Marathon and Races in Bexhill to support children who need specialist equipment and treatment that is not available on the NHS. The Starfish Marathon and Races consists of a full marathon on a lapped route along Bexhill’s historic sea front in East Sussex, a half marathon option and a 10k team relay even и