“Having always been a healthy man; non-smoking, vegetarian, and keen sportsman, my fathers diagnosis came as a huge shock to everyone. Statistically, the prognosis was not good; but due to the diligence, knowledge and dedication of the team at the local hospital, my father has now made a full recovery, and is currently in remission.

Sadly, the ward has now closed, and so there is little we can do to show our gratitude to the whole team. However, one of the consultants, Anne Lennard, is now involved with a charity called Bright Red. I hadn’t heard of them initially, but did some research into the charity, and was amazed by what I found out.

Larger more well known charities exist with the aim of researching lymphoma or leukaemia, but I have not found another charity which is fighting all forms of blood cancer. I am also impressed with Bright Red’s understanding of where help is needed. Although research is paramount to prevent further pain and suffering, there are already thousands of people diagnosed with blood cancer that need help and support. Bright Red helps to create the best environment for the treatment of patients with blood cancer with support to patients and their families and carers, as well as funding activities and projects which will make a big difference to the patients.

Bright Red have inspired me to find a way to give something back. I have decided to attempt to raise £10,000 for the charity, in the hope of making a difference to the thousands of people blood cancer affects or will effect in the future.

The highlight of my fundraising will be running in the 2012 Marathon des Sables. This is a six day, 251km ultramarathon across the Sahara desert in southern Morocco. Considered the toughest footrace on earth, I will run the equivalent of 6 marathons, the longest stage being 91km long. I am doing this in order to raise as much sponsorship as possible, however this alone will not reach my target figure. In order to boost the amount raised I am organising a series of events to run alongside the marathon, including pub quizzes, musical bingo nights, golf days and a Black Tie Ball in central London. At each of these events, I will run a raffle or auction of items. By running multiple events, I will be able to appeal to a variety of potential sponsors and raise more money for the charity.”

Paul is currently looking for raffle prizes and donations, if you think this is something you could help with please get in touch via support@brightred.org.uk. He has set himself a very hard challenge, one which we are confident he will achieve. You can sponsor him directly by visiting http://www.justgiving.com/Paul-Venus-MdS.

Good luck Paul!

For more information visit www.brightred.org.uk

Hi Rebecca, thanks to you and Jane and the girls for all of your hard work, so much positive feedback received. A huge thank you on behalf of Saras Hope Foundation!

To Jane and Rebecca

Congratulations and well done on organising such a brilliant event Love all the staff

The event will challenge participants to walk the popular Hadrian’s Wall.
Expected to be completed over two days (but in one go) participants will be challenged to walk the 73 miles all in the name of charity.
Fully supported and aided this event has only a limited number of spaces available.

Visit the facebook page for more information or contact us