Member Article

Fundraisers to raise £5,000 to fund respite stay

A group of staff at Rosedale Leasing are set to complete several fundraising feats to fund respite care stays for two guests at Hexham-based charity Calvert Trust Kielder.

The group, led by Rachael Rodger, are planning to conquer the Great North Run, a parachute jump, a zip wire off the Tyne Bridge and, when the adrenaline runs out, a Summer Fair, raffles and auctions.

Rachael is joined by her Rosedale Leasing colleagues Natalie Tobin, Sarah Benson, Margaret Cullen and Claire Donoghue on the fundraising mission. Each has taken on the organisation of a separate activity – with the same overall fundraising goal.

The money the group and other Rosedale staff raise will be match funded by Rosedale Leasing and will then be given to Calvert Trust Kielder to pay for respite stays for two of the charity’s nominated guests - Rachael’s mother Julie Rodger, 54, and Kate Stanforth, 22.

The week-long respite breaks will be an opportunity to relax and take part in a wide range of activities for Julie, who has been paraplegic since a severe asthma attack, and Kate, who has ME and works tirelessly to fundraise and help others but has never had the opportunity or funds to enjoy a respite break herself.

Rachael explained why they decided to support Calvert Trust Kielder: “Rosedale is a very charitable company. Everyone takes part in or supports the fundraising efforts and when we heard about the potential to fund respite stays at Calvert Trust Kielder we thought it was a brilliant idea.

“Respite care is so important and Calvert Trust Kielder is a great place for it, providing rest and relaxation along with new friends and new activities in absolutely stunning surroundings. It’s perfect.”

Kate said: “I was so shocked to find out I was being sponsored for a break at Calvert Trust Kielder. When I met the team from Rosedale the energy and enthusiasm was amazing and I immediately connected with them.

“I’m beyond excited to go to Calvert Trust Kielder as I never thought it would be possible but thanks to Rosedale staff and their fundraising efforts I’ll be given a fantastic opportunity which will make memories which will stay with me forever. A massive thank you to Charlotte at Calvert Trust Kielder for nominating me and the Rosedale team for all their crazy fundraising efforts!’

Rachael added: “Kate is an inspiration to me; she has been ill since she was 14 and needs an electric wheelchair – although she doesn’t qualify for funded care. She is a generous fundraiser and runs Project Parent which gives Christmas boxes to the parents of children who are in hospital over the Christmas period. She really deserves a break.”

The five fundraisers will also visit Calvert Trust Kielder and spend a half day with the two respite guests during their stay - so they can see first-hand the benefits and get to know the facilities even better.

Calvert Trust Kielder’s Charlotte Gaunt said: “Everyone at Calvert Trust Kielder appreciates the importance of respite care and the many benefits it holds for our guests, their carers and their families. The efforts of Rachael, her colleagues and Rosedale Leasing are hugely appreciated and will help us continue with our good work.

“We are firm believers in ‘what you CAN do’ and encourage all our guests to believe in themselves and try new activities. We’re looking forward to meeting the fundraisers and welcoming Julie and Kate to enjoy a range of activities such as archery, abseiling, sailing, arts and crafts, swimming and indoor games.”

Located in Kielder Water & Forest Park, Calvert Trust Kielder is a registered charity which enables guests of all abilities to achieve their potential through the challenge of outdoor adventure.

For further information about future fundraising events or Calvert Trust Kielder, visit www.calvert-trust.org.uk/kielder or call 01434 250232.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Richard Crulley .