varietyJuly 2014 todayup

Our fantastic work in the Regions continues to grow. I hope that the recent structures put in place to increase communication and provide support for our volunteers will aid this crucial work. You will read, within this newsletter, stories of tribute nights, rock concerts, sports tournaments, quizzes, marathons and treks – all organised and enthusiastically entered into by our dedicated regional fundraisers, their supporters and volunteers. The appointment of David Jones (Chairman of the Committee) as Chairman of our MarComms PR Committee will ensure that all the good work being done out there is being promoted Message from the Chief Barker and celebrated. Trevor Green, Chief Barker Given my professional background, I can’t quite believe how fast the impressive set of statistics to my personal dream has been to put first six months of my year as Chief celebrate but, on an emotional one, a little of the ‘razzle dazzle’ back Barker have gone by, but I am how can it ever be measured? into Variety and I think that our absolutely delighted and amazed Giving freedom and dignity to a exciting film previews and by what we have achieved so far. young person is priceless. Let’s screenings, reinvigorated ensure that we hit the ambitious partnerships with Cineworld and When I took on the role of Chief targets set by this year’s quartet of Odeon and our forthcoming events Barker I was greatly honoured and, Wheelchair appeals, mirroring the are putting us firmly back on this although appreciating the time and four main areas which Variety’s road. commitment that would be Wheelchair Programme needed, I have been blown away champions and which you can read But the real stars of our show are by the sheer determination and more about in this newsletter. always the children and young energy that has been people whom we help. demonstrated by every single The King’s College Hospital capital person who is involved in this campaign, under the direction of So thank you once again for all that charity with me. This is what has our revitalised Fundraising you do, every day, to make that truly amazed – and humbled – me. Committee, continues to progress happen. I am always at the end of So a sincere thank you to - as do our corporate partnerships. the phone or e-mail, so please do everyone: volunteers, staff, donors We welcome to “Team Variety” the get in touch, I’d love to hear your and trustees alike. Stonegate Pub Company (which is news: 020 7428 8100 undertaking the ‘Britain’s Biggest [email protected] We could not do it without you. Pub Tour’ in over 600 pubs around the UK and involving over 12,000 This year sees the 25th employees and many more Anniversary of the Variety customers); the Hilton Deansgate Wheelchair Programme. In this Hotel, ; and the British time, we have provided over 4,000 Bingo Association. We look forward wheelchairs to young people in to successful partnerships with need. On a practical level, that’s an them all. Corporate sponsors Miss achieve Variety completes Virgin Money International Award London Marathon In recognition of the high level of Running for us this year in the 34th. support given to Variety by Crest London Marathon was reigning Miss Nicholson and Odeon Cinemas, both and Miss United Kingdom, companies were awarded the Variety Kirsty Heselwood. Completing the International Corporate Award at the course in 5:42:19, Kirsty raised £2,732! Awards Luncheon at the 2014 Variety World Conference in Barbados in May. Kirsty said: ‘I had been training since January, in the cold, wind and rain! Chief Barker, Trevor Green, could not However, after meeting some of the thank them enough: ‘Both Crest children whom Variety helps, it really Nicholson and Odeon Cinemas have pushed me to get up, out and run. The been absolute Variety stalwarts, amount of support everyone has shown Our thanks go to and energising both their staff and Miss United Kingdom, Kirsty me has been overwhelming. It’s not Heselwood, who ran for Team Variety customers to give to our cause. Thank easy and takes a tremendous amount in this year’s London Marathon. you from all of us at Variety and from all of time and effort, but seeing where the young people whom we help. the money goes really does make it all If you would like to give it a go and take Giving freedom, confidence and dignity worthwhile.’ part in next year’s London Marathon, to a young person and seeing him or please contact Yolanda on her smile, is why we do it.’ 0207 428 8122 or e-mail [email protected] Take part in the Royal Parks Half Marathon Take part in one of the UK’s most popular half and ultra marathons and help raise money for children across the UK. Join Team Variety on this 13.1 mile or 50km scenic route which winds through Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, St. James’s Park and Green Park on Sunday 12th. October 2014. For more information, please visit www. variety.org.uk/events/royal-parks- foundation-half-marathon-2014 or Laurent Caillot taking part in the Royal Parks contact Richa on 020 7428 8149 or Foundation Half Marathon 2013. e-mail [email protected] Britain’s Biggest Pub Tour another, using quirky and ingenious takes off transportation methods. From roller-skating and barrel rolling to Every journey starts with one step and, helicopter riding, the challenge is on on Sunday 18th. May, Stonegate Pub to complete the tour in just 131 days, Company launched Britain’s Biggest finishing with a party like no other at Pub Tour (BBPT). It got under way at the Slug and Lettuce, Tower Bridge, Yates’ in Hastings with a family fun day, London on Friday 26th. September. before giving the ‘pledge passport’ ‘This will be our biggest charity a warm send off to start its journey fundraising initiative to date and we’re that will span hundreds of miles. Soap looking forward to raising thousands of stars, pirates and Disney characters, as pounds to make the lives of many well as a Variety Sunshine Coach, were children and their families that little bit amongst the large crowd waving the easier. We also hope that our 12,000 passport off from Yates’s Hastings for strong team of fundraisers and our “Britain’s Biggest Pub Tour” is the first leg that will take in towns along fantastic customers have a great time launched at Yates’s, Hastings. the south coast including Brighton, along the way!’ said Toby Smith, Chief Hove, , Bournemouth and Executive, Stonegate Pub Company. Southampton. ‘Britain’s Biggest Pub To find out more about Britain’s Tour’ runs between 18th. May and As part of the fundraising, 50p from the Biggest Pub Tour and how it is 26th. September 2014 and aims to sale of special charity tipples, ‘Sweet supporting Variety, please e-mail raise £100k for Variety. Armed with Summer Pimm’s’ and the specially [email protected] a giant ‘Pledge Passport’, the teams brewed real ale, ‘The Crawler’ (Golden Track the tour and follow the passport from each one of Stonegate’s 621 pubs Blonde ale 4.1 ABV) will be donated to at www.britainsbiggestpubtour.co.uk will pass the passport from one pub to Variety.

2 LONDON

Michael Slade of Hellical Bar receiving “the PROPS” Lifetime Achievement Award from Neil Sinclair, Martin Bayfield, who compared Co-Chairman of “the PROPS” Committee, the proceedings, wowing the together with Megan Young (), Nick audience with English Rugby Shattock Co-Chairman of “the PROPS” Committee, tales. and Bim Sandhu, CEO of the Santon Group.

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Pamela Sinclair, Chair of Variety’s Wheelchair Programme, and Bim Sandhu, CEO of the Santon Group, Megan Woods and Freya Levy, Variety receiving his Silver Heart for his Young Ambassadors and future Team GB outstanding support of Variety, the Paralympians. Children’s Charity.

25 Years of Variety’s and Megan Wood at “the PROPS” schools - either sport, manual or Wheelchair Programme Awards in May. Freya and Megan both powered wheelchairs - which can be play wheelchair basketball and are used individually or by groups. If you A new and ambitious campaign was aiming for the Rio Paralympics 2016. know of any schools which we can launched at this year’s “the PROPS” Variety has recently sponsored their help, please encourage applications. Awards to celebrate and build upon second wheelchairs. We’re working Variety’s Wheelchair Programme, now with the Paralympic Association to And, finally, the INDIVIDUAL in its 25th. year. Since its inception, identify other children, nationwide, who CHILDREN Appeal will ensure that our more than 4,000 wheelchairs have need wheelchairs; so, if you know of core work does not get forgotten, and been provided by Variety throughout any children in your area, please do get covers the applications from individual the UK. “the PROPS”, in particular, involved. children – applications that we all work has been a stalwart supporter of the so hard to process and make a reality. programme. The HOSPITAL Wheelchair Appeal has started and an e-mail request has been To promote these exciting appeals, Inspired by four main areas which sent asking Regions to contact their we’re creating special commemorative Variety’s Wheelchair Programme local hospitals to ascertain the need for spoke guards in two designs - a funky, champions, four campaigns have been manual wheelchairs to transport child graffiti-inspired look for sports and a launched, each aiming to provide at patients in and around the wards and traditional Variety red for hospitals. least 25 wheelchairs, a minimum of 100 departments. We hope to make a great in total: impact in this area. For more information on the Variety Wheelchair Programme, please contact The SPORT Appeal was launched by The EDUCATION Wheelchair Appeal Suzanne on 020 7428 8110 or e-mail Variety Young Ambassadors Freya Levy focuses on providing wheelchairs for [email protected] 3 MIDLANDS John were well supported by family Our sincere thanks to Joanne, John, and friends and members of the Fulford their family, friends and supporters, and Father and daughter Heath Golf Club. The money raised to the Fulford Heath Golf Club. runners raise over £1,000 will go towards Captain Mike Thomas’ Charity Fund, which this year is raising For more information contact money for Variety. [email protected] Joanne Scott and her father, John Ross, ran the Stratford-upon-Avon Marathon and Half Marathon respectively for Variety on Sunday 27th. April.

Over 3,000 people of all ages entered the race, creating a vibrant and competitive atmosphere which was exciting at the start and even more so at the finish line. Despite an overcast day with heavy showers towards the end of the race, our father and daughter team persevered to raise over £1,000

This was Joanne’s first marathon and she ran it in style. Finishing in an impressive time of 3:35:28, she came fourth in her age category and 18th. overall. Her father, John, who ran Father and daughter team: Jo Scott (left) and John Ross (right) with Ralph the half marathon, did so in a time of Holden, Midlands Region Chairman (middle), at the Stratford Marathon and 1:39:47 - a personal best! Joanne and Half Marathon start line. NORTH EAST closely with Variety for around six years now, giving his undeniable attention to Tribute to ‘Godfather of North East Comedy’ helping sick, disabled or Bobby Pattinson raises £15,000 disadvantaged children across the North East, but most specifically in and around the Gateshead area. Because Lucy and Bobby Pattinson it’s his home town, Bobby felt a close with his prestigious Variety connection to local schools and, from ‘Silver Heart’ Award. the start, pledged to raise enough money to fund one of our Sunshine Coaches for each of the five special schools in the area. We couldn’t be more grateful for his continual efforts and support, which is why we decided to present him with this outstanding tribute.’

To round off the evening, Bobby was presented with Variety’s highest Variety North East hosted a star- loyally supported the charity for more accolade, the ‘Silver Heart’, studded event at the Marriott Gosforth than six years. acknowledging his hard work and Park, Newcastle, on the 10th. April commitment. to celebrate and honour the work of The event, organised by Vice comedian Bobby Pattinson who has Chairman Bob Gladwin and hosted by Paul ‘Goffy’ Gough, was attended by over 400 guests, including famous faces Denise Welch, Jack Charlton, Brendan Healy, Freddie ‘Parrot Face’ Davies and Paralympic gold medallist Stephen Miller.

Personal tributes and anecdotes kept the crowd entertained, as did an array of fundraising activities, including ‘Heads and Tails’, a raffle and an auction - with one lucky bidder securing a glamorous Aston Martin experience. Jack Charlton and Angie Celebrity guest Denise Welch at the Stranger-Leathes pay tribute to Bobby Pattinson Tribute night. In paying tribute to Bobby, Bob the talented Bobby Pattinson. Gladwin said:‘Bobby has worked 4 NORTH WEST An evening of fashion and fizz

The Committee held an evening of fashion and entertainment at the Marriott City Centre Hotel on Friday 14th. March.

Liverpool celebrity hairdresser, Herbert, hosted a champagne reception, followed by a fantastic fashion show, (L to R): Fiona Parkinson, Paula Castle, Paul Pashley, Claire Sweeney, with beautiful and elegant gowns Jo Booth and Carole Vizzard. provided by ‘Miss Francesca Couture’ and ‘Make’. Models and guests were “Anything with sex well as West End roles including Roxie given the opportunity to experience in the title sells” Hart in , she answered without a makeover by ‘Clinique’ beauticians hesitation: ‘Kissing and from the branch of John Variety supporter and Ambassador getting paid for it!’ Lewis. The evening was rounded off Claire Sweeney tells Variety Vixens with live music, followed by a disco. TV presenter and actor Claire Claire told the audience that she has Sweeney delighted 120 corporate recently written a play that will be ladies at the Stock Restaurant in touring in 2014 called Sex in the Manchester on 21st. March with an Suburbs. Claire laughingly said, exclusive Q&A guest appearance. “Anything with ‘sex’ in the title sells!”. All our glamorous guests were treated In the event, organised by Paula Castle, to a sumptuous Italian lunch and Joanne Booth, Fiona Parkinson and entertained by the amazing swing Carole Vizzard, collectively known as singer Paul Pashley, who had his “The Variety Vixens”, former audience swooning and singing along star Claire had the audience of female to ‘Amore’. Paul’s latest CD was guests in rapture as she relayed tales enthusiastically bought as an ideal from her early childhood in Liverpool to Mother’s Day gift by his new-found kissing Patrick Swayze whilst starring fans, who also had the opportunity in the West End musical Guys and to purchase some fantastic fashion Dolls. and accessories from the Style Junky Boutique. When asked to name the highlight of Looking glam (l-r): Edwina her varied showbiz career, which has The event raised over £3,000 for Swaden, Jaqueline Kenyon and included appearances on Celebrity Big Variety. Thank you to everyone who Eileen Smith. Brother and , as came and supported on the day. ‘Hillsborough 96’ Sunshine Coach: a touching memorial On the 26th. February, Millstead The coach will transport more than Primary School became the proud 100 pupils with profound and multiple recipient of a ‘Hillsborough 96’ learning difficulties, whilst acting as Sunshine Coach, provided by the a touching memorial to those 96 who charity fund of the Mayor of Liverpool, tragically lost their lives at Hillsborough. Joe Anderson. Mayor Anderson said Margaret Aspinall, Chair of the that he was “delighted to present a Hillsborough Family Support Group, Sunshine Coach to Millstead School added: “We’re delighted that Variety alongside Variety, the Children’s has chosen to honour the Hillsborough (L to R): Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson (in the Sunshine Coach) 96 with this wonderful gesture. Seeing Charity, and the Hillsborough Family with Margaret Aspinall (HFSG), Sue Support Group. This special coach, in the children of Millstead School and Roberts (HFSG), Graham Carnall memory of the Hillsborough 96, is so their reaction to the Sunshine Coach (Vice Chairman, Merseyside gratefully received at Millstead, which is a real privilege. We’re so thankful to Committee) and the Headteacher, is due to expand with the re-opening of Variety for all its hard work in making parents and children of Millstead the new and improved school later this this happen.” Primary School. year.”

SCOTLAND Sometimes the story ends there - but not this time. Ross’ family were so It’s great when people appreciative that they decided to say thanks! organise a fundraising netball tournament in their home town of Earlier this year, Variety gave Clydebank. Ross Docherty a brand new wheelchair to help him take part in It was a roaring success, raising over outings and school events, supporting £400 for Variety; maybe Netball could Ross Docherty with family and friends supporting their fundraising netball this brave young man as he overcomes be the next big participation event for tournament. a range of very serious illnesses. us? 5 SCOTLAND Five-a-side football extravaganza Once again, this annual event took place at the fantastic Toryglen Regional Football Centre in , and was made possible by the generosity of supporters, which included the donation of bibs and balls by the Scottish Football Association.

It was a fabulous day, during which more than 100 children took part and were inspired to play football – and who knows, we may have discovered on for the event!) and football-loving Iain Forbes, Chairman of Variety Scotland, the next Kenny Dalgleish or Graeme 96 year old committee member, Jack (left) with Andrew Horne, Appeals Officer, Souness?! Thanks to organiser David Zimmer, who deftly out-dribbled his (middle) and David McBride, Variety at Work ‘Pele’ McBride, Chairman Iain Forbes younger colleagues on several Convenor and referee for the day (right). (who thankfully did not get his shorts occasions!

Saying goodbye to Harry Variety Scotland’s much-loved McNab OBE JP Harry McNab OBE JP – founder member and former Press Guy and Appeals Officer. It is with great sadness that Variety Scotland announces the passing of founder member Harry McNab after a short illness in February.

Harry was at the forefront of the charity for 40 years and an active committee member until just over a year ago. In his time he served as Press Guy and Appeals Officer. Command, running a newspaper in wife of more than 50 years, Emma. Jerusalem with both an Arab and Collections at his funeral were shared He was, without question, a Jewish partner, his lifetime in the with Variety Scotland and Erskine staggeringly interesting individual: media, or his knowledge and Hospital for injured Service Personnel. whether regaling his audience with appreciation of fine wines and stories of his days as a young Flight vineyards around the world. We will all Lieutenant in Bomber miss him, and our thoughts are with his

SOUTH WEST and accompanied by a charity football match generously supported by Rock 4 Charity supports Vodafone, raised an incredible £10,000. Variety South West to the Since 2007, Daz has raised a massive tune of £10,000 £100,000 for charities through his Rock 4 Charity concerts, which have also given exposure to local singers and bands. We would like to give our sincere thanks both to him and the 16 singers and local bands who gave their time and commitment to make this incredible event happen.

In advance of the concert, Daz visited Westhaven Special School in Weston- Super-Mare, to meet the amazing children and see how a Sunshine born musician and entertainer Coach is an invaluable asset. Moved by Daz (right) receives Variety’s Daz visits Westhaven Special School the experience of meeting the children certificate of thanks from John to see, first-hand, the amazing work and seeing directly how they benefit Penrose, MP for Weston-Super-Mare. carried out by Variety. from Variety’s work, he is already planning a return visit. On Friday 7th. March 800 guests were born musician and entertainer who has entertained on Weston-Super-Mare’s been a dedicated supporter of Variety For more information on events in the Grand Pier at a rock concert organised for over seven years. This year’s Rock South West please contact by Darren Sims (aka ‘Daz’), the Bristol 4 Charity event, held in aid of Variety [email protected]

6 Variety is the ‘Spice’ for the Wessex quiz night

82 guests were entertained at the Riviera Hotel in Alum Chine on the 27th. March as they took part in the hugely popular Wessex quiz night.

Guests, including Ed ‘Stewpot’ Stewart and Anthony Bygraves, had their little grey cells taxed by a number of specialist question rounds set by quizmaster Air Commodore Ricci Cobelli (retired).

The event raised £1,000 – including a very generous donation of £250 from supporter Reg Heath – which paid for a coach to transport 70 children and carers from Winchelsea School to the Variety Easter Party, which was also held at the Riviera Hotel.

The quiz was won by team ‘Variety is the Spice’, whose members generously re-donated their £50 prize money to pay for the Easter eggs which were given to each child who attended the party. The next Wessex quiz night is taking place on Wednesday 18th. June. Variety Wessex Easter Party: judges Celia Bygraves, Ed ‘Stewpot’ Stewart and For further details please contact ‘Barry Bunny’ award winners Rufus, Lucy and Katinka with their Easter eggs. Frances on: [email protected]

WESSEX 4Com to walk 42 miles in 24 hours Christchurch-based business 4Com, the UK telecommunications company, has announced its latest charity challenge, 4Forty, which aims to raise £10,000 for Variety.

4Forty is in keeping with 4Com’s history of gruelling physical challenges and will see members of staff attempting to complete the Lyke Wake Walk, a trek of 42 miles over the North Moors. A tongue twister of a name, the Lyke Wake Walk has an interesting history, with those successfully completing it in the 24-hour period receiving the accolade of ‘dirger’ for men and ‘witch’ for women.

Motivating and training the team is 4Com’s Dean Cartledge, fondly named by colleagues as ‘Sergeant Major’, as he puts them through their paces during local training sessions in the 4Com’s 4Forty team taking on the 42 mile Lyke Wake Walk for Variety Wessex. Purbecks, The New Forest, The South Downs and on Salisbury Plain.

Whether the training will fully equip the team for what lies ahead remains totalling 5,000 feet - more than Keep up to date with their progress by to be seen! The walk will require them climbing Ben Nevis! Clearly not a watching their YouTube clips. to negotiate miles of open moorland, challenge for the faint-hearted, and we To lend your support, please visit: countless stone crosses and ascents wish them well. www.justgiving.com/4Forty 7 YORKSHIRE Forthcoming Events

Variety Yorkshire has launched an that, through the power of sport and July exciting new partnership with the the amazing facilities that the club United Community offers, we have a unique way of Friday 11th. and Saturday 12th. July Foundation, a fellow charity committed creating memories and inspiring young London Beach Polo to the belief that all children should people to achieve their potential.’ Sandbanks, , Dorset have an equal opportunity to reach their potential, regardless of their Charlotte Farrington, Regional September circumstances. Development Manager at Variety, added: ‘We’re so grateful to Sheffield Launched in May at Bramall Lane, the United Community Foundation for Sunday 7th. September home of Sheffield United, children from providing Variety the opportunity to Scotland Region the local Lowfield Primary School came organise a very special and memorable The Walter Smith Invitational to celebrate this new collaboration, day…when one little boy described it at The Carrick, Loch Lomond enjoying a day of fun activity, as the best day of his life I could including a FA Tesco football session understand why!’ Sunday 7th. and Monday 8th. September on the pitch. London Invitational Golf The final word goes to Lowfield School: at Loch Lomond 50 pupils were treated to a walk along ‘Everything about the day was amazing Loch Lomond Golf Club, the players’ tunnel before emerging into and each child, regardless of sporting Dunbartonshire, the stadium. After entering the pitch ability, was professionally coached and Scotland through a guard of honour made up of encouraged to do his or her best. The their flag-waving friends, they began quality of care, the planned activities, October their Tesco FA Skills session, designed the catering, the awards ceremony to encourage teamwork…with lots of and the special atmosphere that was Sunday 12th. October fun! Community Foundation’s sports created by Variety, SUFC and the FA Royal Parks Foundation Half Marathon coach, Rob Jenkinson, delivered a brief meant that the children had a day that Central London talk on the history of the club before they will never forget.’ inviting the children to lunch in the Friday 17th. October club’s Platinum Suite. We would like to thank Lowfield North West Region Annual Ball School, The FA Tesco Skills coaches Blackpool Hilton, Blackpool Patrick Piearcey, of the Foundation, and Sheffield United Football Club, and spoke of the partnership: ‘We’re look forward to working together in the November delighted to be working with future. Variety here in Sheffield. We believe Tuesday 4th. November London PROPS Breakfast The Dorchester, Park Lane, London W1

Thursday 6th. November London City Dinner Banking Hall, Cornhill, London EC3

Saturday 29th. November Scotland Region Annual Ball and Party Glasgow Hilton Hotel, Glasgow December

Monday 1st. December Scotland Region VAW Christmas Party Crowne Plaza Hotel, Glasgow

Mark Todd, Head of Community (SUCF), Tuesday 9th. December Charlotte Farrington,Variety Regional Development Manager for Yorkshire, London Christmas Lunch Patrick Piearcey, Community Development Manger (SUCF), with pupils in the FA London Hilton, Park Lane, London W1 TESCO Skills Programme.

www.variety.org.uk Super Summer Saver Early-Bird offer for the Christmas Lunch is now available. Variety, the Children’s Charity, Contact Alice Mount on 93 Bayham Street, London. 020 7428 8102 or at NW1 0AG [email protected] for further 020 7428 8100 details.

Registered Charity in England and (209259) and Scotland (SC038505)

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