Fundraising Cycle Ride

On 15th May of this year, Dale Shields is going to bike ride from John O’Groats to Land’s End and hopes to raise enough money for us to organise one of our family outings. A keen cyclist for many years, Dale is a Professional Sculptor with his own business in Derby at Crow Studios and he will be achieving one of his own lifelong dreams when he completes the ride of 860 miles in 6 days!

We will be letting you know of his progress from start to finish and you can make a donation to support his dedication and huge efforts through www.justgiving.com or directly to Dale. Get in touch and we can give you his details. We wish him every success!

Dave's aaa adventure

David Whitmore (pictured with his sister Amy) has kindly agreed to take part in this year's aaa adventure on our behalf.

This year the course is even more challenging with 2 circuits of a 5km assault course including various obsticles and the dreaded crossing of the River Derwent!

The event is on Sunday May 16th at the Derby Rugby Club, Darley Abbey. If you would like to sponsor David please visit Children First Derby's Justgiving web page and follow the link to David Whitmore or donate directly via our charity web site. (Please remember to add aaa adventure to your donation).

Thank you David, your a star!

Clothing and Shoe Bank

Karen Cookson from Greenlight Enterprises has very kindly installed a clothes and shoe bank at Etwall Leisure Centre to help raise money and awareness of Children First Derby.

50% of all the money raised from the bank will be donated to Children First Derby - so if you have any unwanted clothes or shoes please recycle using this bank. You will be helping us to support local families!

Foremarke School Donation

Elaine Ayre (far left) was presented with a cheque for £2,500 from Foremarke School, Milton, Derbyshire (the prep school for Repton School).

The money was raised at a bi-annual Ball held in the school grounds in September 2009. Presenting the cheque from the right are Kay Ayde, Tracey Coupland Smith and Cheryl Smith, members of the Foremarke Ball Committee.

The article appeared in the school's weekly flyer in March 2010. Thank you for your support Foremarke School.

Wendy Hall Sponsored Swim

Wendy Hall, one of CFD's family Befrienders, completed her sponsored swim on November 6th 2009 at Moorways Pool in Derby.

Wendy, who suffers from severe arthritis, swam almost a mile and raised £200 for Children First Derby.

Well done Wendy!

Wendy Hall Community Champion 2009

Elaine Ayre, Children First Derby's Befriending Co-ordinator, nominated one of our fantastic volunteers Wendy Hall, for a Community Champion Award. The awards are supported by BBC Derby, Derby Evening Telegraph, Derby County and Derbyshire Building Society.

Despite Wendy's severe arthritis she still does the vital role of volunteering to support local families who are going through difficult times. Out of the 116 nominees in 2009, 16 were chosen for the award including Wendy. Photographed from left to right are Elaine Ayre, Wendy Hall and actress Kathryn Hunt. Well Done Wendy!

Children First Derby Fundraising Ball 2009

CFD's second fundraising Ball was held at the Derby Conference Centre on Saturday 7th March 2009. Akadia Photography provided photgraphs in the art deco entrance area, then people were led around the sunken lounge for a reception drink.

The Deputy Mayor of Derby Sean Marshall started the evening with a short introduction about CFD's work and his support for local charities. (See pic 1). Following this there was a delicious 3 course meal with coffee. During the meal local magician Ian Barradell amazed everyone with magic tricks. (See pic 3).

Funds were raised by playing heads and tails, selling raffle tickets and holding an auction. At the last minute Radio Derby's Andy Potter stood in to be Auctioneer. (See Pic 2).

Andy did a fantastic job auctioning items as varied as a Martin Johnson signed rugby shirt to a half days falconry.

Following the dinner and auction the 127 guests had a fabulous time dancing to lively local band Strange Co.

The Ball was a great success raising just under £3,000. Our thanks go out to all the businesses and individuals that helped to make the evening a great success!