insideKENT Magazine Issue 49 - April 2016 | Page 134

CHARITY MARIE CURIE THANKS PEOPLE IN TUNBRIDGE WELLS FOR SUPPORTING THE GREAT DAFFODIL APPEAL OPENING YOUR GARDEN FOR DEMELZA IS A BLOOMING GOOD IDEA In early March, volunteer collectors raised an incredible £1,134.81 on the streets in Tunbridge Wells where they encouraged people to make a donation and wear the charity’s daffodil pin in support of Marie Curie’s Great Daffodil Appeal supporting people living with a terminal illness. This sum covers the costs of over 50 hours of Marie Curie Nursing Care for someone with a terminal illness in the comfort of their own home. Georgia Paton, local fundraiser for Marie Curie said: “The Great Daffodil Appeal is the charity’s biggest annual fundraiser and we would like to say a huge thank you to everyone in Lewes for working so tirelessly to make this year’s 30th Anniversary appeal such a big success. Our work simply wouldn’t be possible without our wonderful volunteer collectors, who give up their time to raise awareness and encourage people to donate to the appeal. Everyone who generously made a donation has made it possible for Marie Curie Nurses to provide care to people living with a terminal illness, as well as vital emotional support for their loved ones.” The Tranquillity Garden at Demelza’s hospice in Sittingbourne is a quiet place for families to relax. Calling all gardeners – could you help Demelza Hospice Care for Children by sharing the fruits of your labours with friends, family and neighbours? Demelza’s Blooming Good Gardens 2016 will see supporters inviting people to enjoy a stroll around their garden, perhaps while enjoying refreshments such as afternoon tea or a barbecue, in return for a donation. The money raised goes towards Demelza’s work with life-threatened and life-limited children and their families in East Sussex, Kent and South East London. The date you open your garden is up to you, so you can choose the best time for it to be seen in its full glory – just let the charity know so they can help you to promote the occasion. Someone who knows the value of a beautiful garden is Demelza Kent’s Head Gardener Mark Blackman. “We take great pride in our beautiful hospice gardens so we are hoping keen gardeners from across the South East will get involved in Blooming Good Gardens,” said Mark. To find out more, visit www.demelza.org.uk/support-us/blooming-good-gardens. 16th MARATHAN FOR KENT RUNNER Folkestone resident Ray Johnson will once again be running the London Marathon, this year on 24th April in aid of the Kent Association for the Blind (KAB). This will be his 16th official London Marathon in a row and to date he has raised over £64,000 for KAB and also over £6,000 for Cancer Research. Ray comments: “I was delighted at last year's race to come in at 4 hours 25 minutes; my best in 4 years. The weather was ideal and it was nice having so many friends cheering me on all the way round. “My best time was 3 hours, 23 minutes in 2002 and I am already in training for this year’s event. I know I can’t beat this time, but I am sure I can certainly raise more money for charity that encourages me tremendously. Recently I completed a training run of 20 miles from Folkestone to Bonnington and back. Already I am on my way having raised over £950 so far for this year’s race.” To support Ray, donate online at www.justgiving.com/rayjohnson. 134 CHILDREN’S CHARITY CREATES A KEY ROLE IN ITS PLANS FOR GROWTH Kent-based charity, Tree of Hope, has created a new fundraising manager role to streng ѡ