vJanuaary 20r14 ietytoday

Last November, in the City of London, we launched our ‘Breath of Life’ campaign to provide special Vapotherm ventilators for every specialist hospital that caters for very young and newborn children who suffer from respiratory distress syndrome. It will save many young lives.

If you haven’t visited our website lately, take a look. You’ll find a brand new site Rod Natkiel (left), Co-Chairman and Co-Producer of Variety’s Christmas Lunch, introduces that’s been completely redesigned to the new Chief Barker, Trevor Green, in the make information really easy to find: traditional hand-over moment in the event. www.variety.org.uk In future you will be able to book tickets for our events A dynamic year provides a springboard for 2014 online; you can just click and go. The By Trevor Green, Chief Barker website will become the voice of Variety. It is a place of communication I start my year as Variety’s Chief Variety has launched a number and interaction where you can find out Barker knowing that what we have of inspired initiatives. The about what we do and about our achieved in 2013 has provided a building of a new Variety Children’s regional and national fundraising solid basis from which to meet the Hospital at King’s College Hospital activities - as well as a source of challenges ahead. We have had will provide, for the first time, information and application forms to work harder for donations while an environment totally focused for families who need our help. managing an increase in the demand on children and young people. for our services. It will also enable the outstanding We staged the first in our programme team there to expand its capacity of mass participation events last I never cease to be impressed by and further develop its pioneering autumn. Ninety-five runners entered the commitment and loyalty of our work on the many acute and chronic the Royal Parks Half Marathon, raising staff, our volunteers, our fundraisers childhood diseases in which more than £60,000 for Variety. The and corporate supporters. Whatever it specialises. programme continues this spring and the challenge, they are up for it. Their kicks off with our Touch Rugby Charity endeavours last year made it possible In partnership with the Royal Challenge in London. If one of your to provide 47 coaches, 61 wheelchairs, Parks Foundation, we have begun New Year resolutions is to get fit, this trikes and buggies and gave days out planning the start of a redevelopment is a great and fun way to do just that to 30,000 children in London alone. So programme that will see the without going to the gym. It’s open to I would like to send a big “thank you” refurbishment of some thirteen all. Full details can be found on to all of you. children’s playgrounds in London’s the website. eight Royal Parks. For me, the most We owe much of our achievement important aspect of this work is I look forward to meeting as many of over the last twelve months to the making the playgrounds both safe you as possible during the year as I sheer energy and dynamism of our and fully accessible for children with travel throughout the UK to help spur outgoing Chief Barker, Laurence Davis. a wide range of disabilities. Wheelchair on our teams and volunteers. He has set such a blistering pace of access to play equipment and sensory progress and demonstrated what is play for those with hearing or sight Thank you everyone for possible with a ‘can do’ attitude. I am impairment will be possible for the all your support. delighted that Laurence has agreed to first time. I am delighted that we work alongside me for another twelve are pioneering a programme that months as Chair of Fundraising. can be rolled out across the country. Variety Midlands Variety North West Jason Manford High fashion and high tea day presents autistic raises almost £1,000 school with new A great day of high fashion and high tea Sunshine Coach was held at the Adelphi Hotel Liverpool by the Merseyside Committee on Thursday Comedian Jason Manford joined 26th September. pupils and staff at NORSACA’s Sutherland House School in The ladies enjoyed a fantastic fashion show with November to present them with some spectacular evening and day wear, their new Variety Sunshine Coach. followed by high tea and fabulous entertainment. Jason Manford and pupils from Sutherland House School This was the first Merseyside Fashion Show and This specialist day school in be asked to present this fabulous have left to go on to the upper school it proved so popular that the ladies were asking Nottingham caters for children with Sunshine Coach to the children. feel they have achieved something.” for the date of the next one. The day raised £974 autism. Spread across five sites, the with proceeds from tickets and a superb raffle. Ladies enjoy the first Merseyside Fashion Show school accommodates up to ninety- The Sunshine Coach will enable The Sunshine Coach was purchased four boys and girls aged from 3 to 19. the children to experience the outside through a collaborative fundraising world in a safe and secure way campaign between Leeds Building Paul Ince Mask event in Blackpool raises profile and funds Joking with the students, the stand-up through trips out and activities. Society, The Rank Foundation, comedian best known for his roles on Beatrice Laing Trust and NORSACA On 19th October, The Radio Wave team kindly organised Children’s Charity, and Trinity/Brian House Hospice Hero’s comedy panel shows 8 Out of 10 Cats The school has a student council of six - with the money they raised from the “Paul Ince Mask” event, which was a massive media Appeal. Fans were asked to make a small donation before and Odd One In, was “over the moon” children and they have been their 45th Birthday Charity Ball which and PR success. There was plenty of coverage, including receiving their mask. All proceeds were split between to be involved with the project and completely involved in securing the was attended by celebrity baker, in national newspapers and live on Sky Sports, in addition the two charities. commented: It is an honour to new Coach. Even the children who Paul Hollywood. to superb local coverage from both Radio Wave and The Gazette in Blackpool. Variety was delighted with the amount of £1,316 which will go to helping disadvantaged and disabled children in the Variety North The Paul Ince masks were distributed outside the grounds Blackpool Wyre & Fylde Region. A North Pole experience of the football club by two local charities: Variety, the Variety’s 30 year tribute in the North East to local TV presenter Dunes Adventure Island and JAM Variety North West raises £120,000 in memory of The Hillsborough 96 Pam Royle, a household name in the Marketing, a Newcastle based agency, North East, celebrated thirty years pledged their support to Variety, the Variety was overwhelmed by the are being provided by this initiative. as a local ITV presenter in July: quite Children’s Charity, to co-host an event support received at the Charity’s Liverpool and Everton Football an achievement for someone who to raise funds and give some children ‘Variety Honours the Hillsborough 96’ Clubs have each pledged a coach. started out as the local weather girl a fun-packed day to remember. dinner in November. Two more have been donated by in 1983. The Mayor, on behalf of the City On November 29th the function Margaret Aspinall, Chair of the and 5Times, the charity set up by Variety’s tribute event at Gosforth Park Ian Payne and Pam Royale rooms at The Dunes complex were Hillsborough Family Support Group, Liverpool legends including Jan Hotel began with a drinks reception Pam has long been a supporter transformed into a remarkable North welcomed guests by saying: Molby, Bruce Grobbelaar, John and entertainment from Steve Walls, of Variety and has hosted an array Pole experience. This included a winter “Tonight is about remembering Barnes and Robbie Fowler. Sunshine Coach donated by 5Times followed by dinner, many tributes to of celebrations over the last 30 years. wonderland so that the children could and honouring the 96, by helping Pam, a raffle and an auction. She commented, “Recently, I’ve receive a gift from Santa when they children across Merseyside. Variety North West’s Lyn Staunton, been looking through the archives joined him on his magical sleigh. Supporting this project means the who organised the event, commented: An impressive line up of celebrity of Variety events and I have been Hillsborough story will continue to “The story and continued support guests included Duncan Bannatyne, astonished, amused and surprised Two hundred children were welcomed be told and will not be forgotten.” for Hillsborough remains ingrained Joe McElderry, Robson Green, Charlie by what I’ve found. It has made me to the event by the Mayor and in the hearts of Liverpudlians who Harwick and Brendan and Tim Healy realise how much fun we’ve had.” Mayoress of South Tyneside. The Dinner guests at Liverpool’s have demonstrated such remarkable - plus many more famous faces. children had the option either to Crowne Plaza hotel included generosity. Variety is truly humbled to Tony Thornton, Chairman of the have a game of bowling or play in families of the Hillsborough 96, receive such extraordinary support Prizes for the raffle and auction Northern Region, said: “Thirty years the venue’s Adventure Island soft the Hillsborough Family Support that will benefit sick, disabled included an NUFC framed shirt signed service is absolutely fantastic. I would play area - all for no charge! The venue Group, The Lord Mayor and and disadvantaged children all Sunshine Coach donated by by Sir Bobby Robson and a Loose personally like to thank Pam for all her subsequently opened to the public, many Liverpool football legends. over Merseyside.” The City of Liverpool Women invitation to visit the studio, support for Variety, and we wish her with the admission charge of £5.20 A staggering four Sunshine Coaches as well as many other fantastic prizes. every success in her future career.” including a donation of £1 to Variety.

2 3 Variety Christmas Party

The Sylvia Young Theatre School Paul Zerdin, comedian and ventriloquist

The UK’s No.1 impressionist and Broadcaster and Variety Ambassador, A sensational performance by the West End Sophie Barnett shows her Young Ambassador Pamela Sinclair, Chairman of Variety’s Wheelchair Programme, Variety Ambassador, Jon Culshaw Vanessa Feltz, with Ben Ofeodu cast of “The Commitments” Certificate to Kirsty Heslewood, Miss England with Matthew Harrison (left) and Tim Hayes (right)

Christmas lunch with the icing on the cake being and his superb many voices hosted little boy with a rare neurological Variety funded wheelchairs and who of the many celebrities present and, at the Hilton excellent fundraising. a festive “Heads or Tails?” and then disorder whom Variety has supported. will enthusiastically spread the word together with her partner, Ben Ofoedu, introduced rising star, Bianca Nicholas Suzannah’s address to the guests about and represent Variety for proved that it is possible to make Variety’s London Events calendar After a ‘fully blown showbiz’ song and who, accompanied by Tony Hatch, about life as the parent of a child many years to come. This afternoon just a raffle draw highly entertaining! finished 2013 in spectacular style dance version of We Need A Little performed a wonderfully original facing special challenges, and the was also a great opportunity to with the traditional Christmas Christmas (from “Mame”) by 22 version of Have Yourself A Merry difference Variety’s support makes, present “Thank You” awards to 15 This terrific event, which so well Lunch Party at the Hilton on students from the Sylvia Young Little Christmas. Bianca is a true was simply inspirational. Adger corporate supporters who have encapsulates Variety’s approach of Park Lane on Tuesday 10th Theatre School, including some role model for children and young Brown, firing on all cylinders, assisted Variety in many different combining the best of entertainment December, co-chaired and extremely cute very young children in people with disability or illness, built on this fundraising by conducting ways over many years. These awards with serious and heartfelt support for co-produced by Tony Hatch teddy bear outfits, guests went on to as she uses singing to help her a breakneck paced and highly were presented by 2013 Chief Barker, children and young people, finished and Rod Natkiel. enjoy a hilarious spot from the UK’s overcome cystic fibrosis. entertaining auction, which raised Laurence Davis, who – as is the brilliantly – with guests working leading ventriloquist, Paul Zerdin. As more than £26,000. tradition – formally handed over to off their lunch by dancing the In a buzzing, informal and fun supportive of Variety as he always is, A very effective appeal was led by Rod the in-coming Chief Barker, Trevor afternoon away to the whole cast atmosphere, 500 guests – including Paul dashed madly from his Natkiel who, after an emotive but Amongst the many highlights of Green, towards the end of the event. of the smash-hit West End musical, several celebrities - were treated to pantomime rehearsals, gave up his extremely uplifting new video about this event was the induction as “The Commitments” performing first class entertainment, fabulous lunchtime to entertain us brilliantly, Variety’s work, introduced Suzannah “Young Ambassadors” of five young Stalwart Variety supporter and live a number of classics, from food and the full festive spirit, and then dashed back! Jon Culshaw Goodchild, the mother of Freddie, a people who have been recipients of Ambassador, Vanessa Feltz, was one Mustang Sally to Satisfaction.

4 5 Variety Scotland Business awards make Grand children’s a world of difference outing to M&Ds to children’s charity It’s nearly 30 years since VAW Once again, the generosity of the started in Scotland. The work Yorkshire business community done by David McBride and his resulted in £100,000 being raised team, including 96 years young at the annual Variety Yorkshire Jack Zimmer, is fabulous! So Business Awards. Award winners with Jonathon Dimbleby John Hartiss Award Winner, Monica McNamee many kids benefit from their efforts - and the annual sunshine For the past 23 years, Martin Philip Meeson, Chairman and popular Leeds writer, Kay Mellor. Variety Scotland How Variety Scotland coach rally was no exception. Shaw (secretary of the Yorkshire Chief Executive of Dart Group (and Her ‘hits’ include TV series Band celebrates forty years helped Tyler go up Committee of Variety), and Head of founder and boss of Jet2.com) was of Gold, Fat Friends and Playing Despite the rain, over 1500 Corporate, Europe, at international named as Business Leader of the the Field. Kay was born, and is On St.Andrews night at the Hilton, in the world children, with their teachers and law firm Pinsent Masons, has been Year. As well as creating 200 jobs in still based, in Leeds. Glasgow, Variety Scotland reached a carers, had an out-of-this-world the lead organiser of the event Leeds, his package holidays business milestone when it became 40 years Tyler McLelland is a six year old boy day out, courtesy of the wonderful which has raised over £3 million will take 800,000 people on holiday Global construction and project young! Over 400 supporters danced to who suffers from Arthrogryposis. people at M&Ds Scotland’s Theme for Variety. this year. management consultancy, Turner an incredible array of entertainers: This greatly affects his movement, Park. We owe a huge thank you to Townsend, based in Horsforth, Leeds, swinging along to Jim McMail, foot as he has limited use of his hands Sharon and our wonderful friends This year’s compère was The winner of the SME of the was named as Board of the Year. tapping to bagpipe rock band Bags of and is unable to weight-bear. So he’s at M&Ds for giving the children the run Yorkshire-born TV presenter and Year award was Thirsk-based Wagg Recent projects include The Shard Rock and boogieing to Soulfeeva and in the sitting position at all times. of the park for absolutely no charge journalist Selena Scott, who was Foods which has grown to be one in London and the re-development Gangsters of Groove! - as a donation to Variety Scotland. welcomed to the event by over of the biggest players in the pet foods of Battersea Power Station. The Tyler’s family approached Variety, 400 representatives of the region’s sector. It now supplies major retailers, company employs more than A fabulous raffle, silent auction and asking for help towards raising business community. Keynote including Tesco and Asda. 3,200 people. main auction were handled by the funds for a Squirrel powered speakers were Jonathan Dimbleby master himself, Willie Allan. A cheque wheelchair. This would allow and Stuart Lancaster, England This year’s Lifetime Achievement Martin Shaw, thanked everyone for the magnificent sum of £27,000 Tyler to move from floor level to Rugby Head coach. award went to the well-known and for their generous support. was presented to Variety Scotland by the height of his peers, increasing Tessie Fraser in memory of her enormously his independence and grandmother, Tessa Fraser, a former ability to join in. Variety Wessex Vice Chair of the charity in Scotland. Thanks to Variety, Tyler now has Variety Wessex More than £50,000 was raised on the his wheelchair and he can play Region’s children’s night and over 400 toys donated. The outside with his friends, building Chief Barker, Laurence Davis, his confidence and allowing him Christmas party commented, “What a night. Just far more independence. terrific! Made me feel very proud.” Children enjoying their day at M&Ds Wessex Region held a children’s Christmas Party on Monday 16th December for 125 children from Kings Variety Yorkshire appeared with a sack full of presents. highlights in our calendar; seeing the Park School, Bethany School and This year’s parties were supported enjoyment on the faces of the children Boveridge Residential School. The Variety Yorkshire’s by BDO, Radisson Blu Leeds, Park makes all the hard work worthwhile.” party was held at the Riviera Hotel day of festive fun Inn York, Hymers School Hull, QEGS, in Bournemouth. Ashdell Preparatory School Sheffield Children arrive for their Christmas Party Hundreds of disadvantaged and and Dekapak, Pontefract, who donated J P Morgan very kindly sponsored the disabled children from across the 700 selection boxes. cost, transporting all of the children sponge cake, Christmas cake, jelly, thank Committee members Barry region were treated to a day of festive from Kings Park and Bethany School strawberries and raspberries to finish. Smith and Judy and Bob Hiscoke; fun at Yorkshire Variety’s annual The Christmas parties are part of the to the party. Santa arrived at the end of the party to Jonathan Gould and the staff of the Christmas parties which were held in charity’s ‘Variety at Work’ activities send each child home with a cuddly Riviera Hotel; Caroline Donnell from Leeds, Hull and Sheffield in December. which take place throughout the year The party began with the arrival of teddy, toys and sweets - with the J P Morgan; John Bynorth and his and aim to provide children with days children’s entertainer, Krazy Kev, who compliments of ASDA, TEDS, Avril drivers from Britannia Buses; and, of The youngsters were treated to lunch out they’ll remember and cherish. was superb at keeping the children Owton and Lorraine Marlowe, for course, fantastic children’s entertainer, and entertainment that included occupied for a whole hour of magic which Variety is very grateful indeed. Krazy Kev, for ensuring that these a magic show, balloon modeling Ian Leach, Chairman of the Yorkshire and music until their hot food arrived. very special children had the most Santa with volunteer helpers Nicola Preston and face painting. There was great Committee of Variety, said: “The and Bob McDermott and some of the children Lunch was supplied by the chefs at the Chair of Variety Wessex Region, wonderful time. excitement when Father Christmas Christmas parties are one of the who attended the party. hotel. This included gingerbread men, Frances Cornelius, would like to

6 7 VAW Christmas Big Top Party Forthcoming events 2014

650 children and their carers enjoyed a fabulous Christmas party at the Big Top in Bloomsbury. The March event included wonderful entertainment, face painters, lunch and a visit to Santa’s grotto.....plus a present Sunday 2nd: adidas Silverstone Half Marathon to take home! Sunday 9th: “A Night of Decadent Burlesque & Lavish Excess at the Savoy” A surprise appearance was made by Steve McFadden (Phil Mitchell in Eastenders) who met the children, very happily signed autographs and chatted to many of his April excited young fans. Thanks Steve for giving up your time to visit! Thursday 10th: Tribute to Bobby Pattinson, North East comedian, at the Marriott Very special thanks are to be given to the sponsors Gosforth Park Hotel, Newcastle. of the event, ACI UK; to Soho Foods for donating the Sunday 13th: Virgin London Marathon lunch packs; to Kinnerton for the chocolates; and, of course, to Diane and Denis McCourt, owners of the Bloomsbury Big Top. May

Deborah Barrett, from New Rush Hall School, sent Tuesday 13th: The “PROPS” Awards us a wonderful collage of photos from their day at The London Hilton, Park Lane the Big Top and said: “Thank you for a lovely day.” June

Wednesday 4th: 12th Annual Gastronomic Evening The Dorchester Friday 20th: Shoot at the Royal Berkshire Shooting School

July

Sunday 6th: Midlands Region Golf Day at Robin Children enjoying the entertainment at the VAW Christmas Big Top Party Hood Golf Club. St. Bernard’s Road, Solihull. B92 7DJ. Sunday 6th: Touch Rugby Finals event TBC Make a tough childhood Friday 11th: Tribute to Stephen Miller, North East para-Olympian. Northern Region a little easier, and a lot happier, Friday 11th & Beach Polo (Supporting Variety) by leaving us a gift in your Will. Saturday 12th: Sandbanks, Poole, Dorset

www.variety.org.uk Variety, the Children’s Charity, 93 Bayham Street, London. For more information, contact Agnieszka on NW1 0AG 020 7428 8100 020 7428 8145 or e-mail [email protected] Registered Charity in England and Wales (209259) and Scotland (SC038505)

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