Ampthill Mayor's Charities

One of the nice aspects of being the Mayor of Ampthill is the opportunity this gives you to support charities that are close to your heart. Therefore this year I have chosen one national & one local charity to support. The first is the Anthony Nolan Trust & the second is the local branch of the Hospice at Home Volunteers.

You can help me raise funds by attending donating online to my chosen charities (details below): -

(Just Giving provide a secure means by which you donate direct by credit or debit card to the charity)

Or by attending one of my Fundraising Events throughout 2005/6 (follow the link detailed below): -

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You are cordially invited to my fundraising & civic events throughout 2005/6

I am taking part in the Ampthill & District Lions Club -'Moonraker Challenge' Night Walk on 1st October, which involves a nightime sponsored walk of 5 miles, with half of the money raised going to Leukaemia Care & the other half split between my Mayor's Charities (namely the Anthony Nolan Trust & Hospice at Home Volunteers). I was wondering if you might like to sponsor efforts. If so please ring me on 01525 841160 (work) or 01525 402560 (home) or email me at mark.a.smith@ampthill.org.uk. I will then enter your details on my sponsorship form for the event. I will need to know:

Your Name; Address (including Post Code); Telephone Number; The Amount Wish to Sponsor; Whether you wish Tax to be reclaimed

Please also remember that you can always make an online donation at www.justgiving.com/ampthillmayor

Thanks and best wishes, Mark

The Anthony Nolan Trust provides lifesaving donors for patients in need of a bone marrow transplant. Since 1974 they have helped to give over 4,000 children and adults a new chance of life. They connect one person, whose immune system needs a boost – with another person, who is prepared to share a little of theirs. In essence matching patients with donors, as donors provide some of their bone marrow and the patient undergoes a life saving bone marrow transplant.

The reason why I'm so keen on supporting the charity is that I've been a recipient of two bone marrow transplants through donors found by the Anthony Nolan Trust. You can find out more about my story of overcoming leukaemia by clicking here. Alternatively, visit the Anthony Nolan Trust Website for more details.

Hospice at Home Volunteers provide free care and support for those with life threatening illnesses and their families. The charity has been working in the community since 1986 and is based in Ampthill. The area covered by their Volunteers is West Mid Beds and the Ivel Valley.

Many people prefer to be cared for in their own homes. With the increased emphasis on care in the community, Hospice at Home Volunteers is an integral part of that care.

The Volunteer Co-ordinator, when asked, visits the person needing help and their family to discuss their needs and then introduces a Volunteer, if appropriate. There is always close co-operation with any other professional service already involved.

Hospice at Home Volunteers is not directly associated with or funded through any in-patient hospice in the area. The group relies on the generosity of its community for help, and needs financial support to continue this vital work and local donations are gratefully received.

If you wish to become a Volunteer or make a donation please ring 01525 841400 and speak to Sonia Banks.