Chemo Survivor Kits!

Earlier this year an idea I have had for about 12-18 months finally started to be put into action. Saturday October 24th was set for our first fundraiser. A cake bake seemed to be the best starter fundraiser as an introduction to our organisation. Though it was a much smaller fundraiser to the events I have arranged in the past it seemed the perfect opportunity for people to come and chat and discuss what Chemo Survivor Kits were.

However, I hadn't taken into account the overwhelming kindness of people within South Wales. Soon business both small and large as well as individuals were offering their support. I was amazed at the response and kindness of others as well as the interest in the idea.

As well as the interest around the Chemo Survivor Kits people began sending me emails about their personal stories with chemotherapy and cancer. Some were their personal battles and others were telling of their loved ones journey with cancer. One story which particularly touched a cord was that of Lacie. Lacie is just three years old and is currently receiving chemotherapy for leukaemia. Lacie is the youngest to receive one of our Chemo Survivor Kits.

The individual stories showed me we need to look to take the next step of becoming a registered charity sooner rather than later. I had planned to look at taking the next steps to registered charity status in 2016 but the interest and personal stories made me realise this is a step we need to take now. As a result we have a meeting with Business Wales on October 28th – we will be looking for support to make this happen so please contact us if your interested in being involved.

Before we knew is Saturday October 24th had arrived. It was clear autumn had arrived as there was torrential rain! We got up early and made our way to The Twyn Community Centre, Caerphilly to display the banners kindly provided by Printsauce and Bannersandprints. We returned home to get the rest of the items ready.

At 10am we returned to the centre and started preparing. A steady flow of stall holders began to arrive followed by a delivery of cakes in all shapes and sizes. I was amazed by the amount of cakes we had delivered – the kindness of everyone was simply amazing. In what seemed like a blink of the eye the Community Centres clock chimed, it was 11am and the Cake Bake sale was open. Now time would only tell if the people of Caerphilly would brave the rain to support.

I popped out to display a few more posters. I was hesitant as to whether the event would be a success due to the rain so was even a little nervous on my return. I shouldn't have been. People were having coffee and cake and chatting about Chemo Survivor Kits. Whilst there was a lovely atmosphere as others spoke to our wonderful and most friendly stall holders. I should say a BIG thank you to our stall holders here as they had less than a week to prepare for the event, so thank you so much!

People were chatting and it was clear despite the rain people had come out to support the event. Shortly after a special guest arrived . . . .

Mickey Mouse was a huge hit with children and adults alike. It was hard to tell who enjoyed a cuddle from Mickey the most to be honest! Thank you so much Mickey Mouse you were fabulous and caught the attention of the shoppers in Caerphilly drawing them in for a hot drink and a lovely treat!

Before we knew it, it was nearly 3pm. Time to draw the raffle. We had an amazing 22 prizes. I as well as many others were amazed at our raffle prize table, it was full to bursting. Thank you so much to those who donated prizes and bought tickets, it is so appreciated. The winners can be seen below . . . .

With the winners drawn and the clock again chiming, it was three o'clock and Chemo Survivor Kits first ever fundraising was over. It was an amazing day. I would like to thank Clare Attley, Katie Ann Wilson, Christine Lang and Paul Lang for helping man the tea, coffee and cake stall – without you we really would have been in trouble. I'd like to say a big thank you to Amanda Nott of Winnies Gifts, Jo Comeston of Handmade Treats, Ceri Morgan of Party Lite Cariad Candles, Cheryl and Peter Chadwick of Cwtchy Face, Debbie of DeeBees Crafts and Ladeana Jones and Victoria of Younique Make Up for your wonderful stalls but also for being a wonderful group of people. You were a delight to be with and apologies for not getting to say goodbye to you all.

All that is left is for me thank each of you for your support, whether it was in donations of refreshments, disposables, cakes or raffle prizes, sharing the event, buying raffle tickets or braving the weather to join us for the day. A special thank you to Eileen Law of Top Oriental Chinese Take Away, Cardiff who kindly donated the hall fee.

Also a extra BIG thank you to my mum and dad who had driven me around the collect various donations and waited in to receive donations if I have been running other errands. Without the support of my mum, dad and family my fundraising ideas would remain just that. Regardless of how many events I organise they always support me so thank you.

Now, perhaps the most important aspect is how much we raised at the event. I am so happy to announce we raised an amazing. . . .