Ken Philp won £1000 last week in a charity lottery with the National Kidney Federation.

The 50-year-old knows about the good work the NKF does firsthand after having three kidney transplants, including with organs from his own mother and sister.

NKF is part of the Unity lottery, run by Sterling Lotteries, in which players pay £1 a week for a six-digit number with 50p going to the good cause involved.

Winners like Mr Philp are drawn every week, with a top prize of £25,000 up for grabs.

Mr Philp, who lives with his wife Deborah, said: “I came home from work and I saw one of the cheques and I thought it was probably a fiver, because I have won the £5 one before.

“When I opened it and I had got £1000 I couldn’t believe it. I am just digesting it really.”

Although he had not yet decided what to do with the money, Mr Philp said he and Mrs Philp may spend the winnings on treating themselves to a holiday.

Mr Philp had his first transplant in 1987 with an organ from his sister which he kept for three years.

He had a second transplant with a kidney from his mother that lasted for 16 years, before having a third kidney transplant from an unknown donor.

Richard Dixon, managing director of Sterling Lotteries, said: “I am very happy to hear Ken’s good news, it gives us a lot of pleasure at Sterling when we learn our lotteries are making people happy and helping good causes at the same time.”

Peter Revell, head of fundraising at the NKF, said he was very happy to hear Mr Philp’s good news and he hoped it would encourage more people to sign up to the lottery, which has been helping contribute to the charity’s work for the last four years.

People can find out more about how the Unity charity lottery can help them fundraise by going to join.unitylottery.co.uk

St.Luke’s Community Services and Development Manager, Sharon Quinn said; “The Dying Matters campaign this year aims to encourage the nation to take five crucial actions to be ready for end of life.

It focuses on five things you can do now that will make life easier for your family and loved ones when you die.

No one likes to think about their own mortality, much less discuss it so we are hoping that by raising awareness of these five practical steps we can all take when we are enjoying good health, this will help alleviate problems that could occur later’’

The five steps are …..
1) Make a Will
2) Record your funeral wishes
3) Plan your future care and support
4) Register as an organ donor
5) Tell your loved ones your wishes

Sharon further explained ‘’We are challenging our staff and the local community to try to tick as many off this list as they can ‘’now’’ rather than ‘’later’’ – these issues can be more difficult when facing a crisis situation and often are the cause of family conflict and stress at a time when there may already be upset caused by a health crisis.’’

The Hospice is raising awareness with a poster & leaflet campaign in their shops, located throughout Basildon & Thurrock explaining to customers the importance of end of life care planning and how to go about it as well as holding in-house activities for staff and clinical professionals.

Both ladies did exceptionally well overcoming their nerves at raised approximately £550.

Well done Jade & Claire….”

Christian Nock started the mammoth task on 8 August 2012 and is walking the whole distance non-stop. The total journey will be around 6,500 miles and is likely to take between 18 months and two years to complete, finishing up where he started in Blackpool. He aims to raise £100,000 and is more than halfway to that target.

Having already walked famous sites including crossing the Thames via Tower Bridge, where he received a ceremonial escort, he visited local attractions including Coalhouse Fort on his journey through the Borough.

With tough weather conditions of rain, snow and sun, Christian has to be prepared for all eventualities; so you would expect that a good night’s sleep in a warm bed is something that Christian might be aiming for every day, but this is not the case as he insists on sleeping in his sleeping bag in a doorway, shed or underpass.

Over £56,000 has been raised so far, smashing his first target of £10,000. A new target of £100,000 has now been set.

Follow Christian’s progress on his Facebook page where he posts daily https://www.facebook.comhttp://www.bmycharity.com/ChristianNock/#!/christian.britain.3?fref=ts. Or visit his fundraising page to donate

The mayor was joined by chief executive, Eileen Marshall; head of retail, David Emery; chair of hospice trustees, Gerry Peaty and patron of St Luke’s hospice, Trudy Westmore-Cox.

Organisers Andrea Nunnery and Nancy Smith, from Horndon on the Hill, were thrilled with how the night went.

Andrea said: “The event was fully sold out and 80 people turned up to support it, we had some marvelous raffle prizes donated from M&S, St Clere’s Golf Club, Hotel Chocolat, Vue Cinemas, Nando’s and Budz Off Licence in Stanford le Hope.

The most special part of the night was that my sister who is currently receiving treatment for Breast Cancer was well enough to travel 200 miles and attend with her family.

“The atmosphere was brilliant, Chrissie Bence and her son Joe, our callers, did an amazing job, there were always lots of people dancing and lots of laughing & smiling. There were also lots of requests for the event to become an annual one, so watch this space”.

The Barn Dance is part of a series of events that Andrea & Nancy have organised and they have now raised close to £5000 for Breast Cancer Campaign. In October 2013 they will be trekking the Grand Canyon to raise further funds for Breast Cancer Campaign.

If you would like to support their fundraising please visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/andreanunnery visit their facebook page ‘Team Turtle Trek 2013’ or call Andrea on 07957 540365.

The staff took up position at the front of Sainsburys in Chafford Hundred last Saturday.

The collection was the culmination of a week of activities by the dedicated and hardworking Foodbank team.

Of course, we did not expect Elvis to be singing out on the high street in Aveley.

Reem Tanning raised £1035.40 in total.

And for your information, more details on Elvis can be found at www.garyking.biz

As part of the partnership, Tesco and Diabetes UK will be urging customers to be risk assessed for Type 2 diabetes.

According to a new analysis carried out by Diabetes UK and Tesco, about 4,321 people in South East Essex are thought to have undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes, a figure equivalent to around 25 per cent of the total number of people in the area living with the condition.

Rebecca Shelley, Group Corporate Affairs director at Tesco, said: “The number of people living with diabetes has risen to an alarmingly high level over the last few years, so we want to use our reach and scale to raise awareness and funds for Diabetes UK.”

“Our fantastic colleagues and customers always want to do their bit to help support our partner charities, and I know that together we can make a really big difference to help people living with the condition, as well as those who are at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.”

Sharon Roberts, Regional Manager for Diabetes UK in the Eastern region, said: “We are extremely grateful that Tesco customers and colleagues in South East Essex will be raising thousands of pounds for people affected by or at risk of diabetes.

“The work they will be doing over the months ahead will make a real difference, not only because they’ll be helping to identify some of the people in South East Essex with undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes, but they’ll also be helping to ensure people get the support and care they need to have the best possible chance of a long and healthy life.”

As well as promoting risk assessments, as part of the partnership with Diabetes UK, Tesco colleagues in South East Essex will be raising thousands of pounds that will help fund pioneering research into a vaccine for Type 1 diabetes – the type not linked to lifestyle or weight – that offers real hope for thousands of children and adults across the globe for a future without this type of the condition.

The partnership aims to provide information and advice to almost a million people with Type 2 diabetes and will fund a series of “Living with Diabetes” days around the UK that will help people newly diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes understand how to best manage their condition.

People in South East Essex can find out their risk of Type 2 diabetes by visiting the Tesco pharmacy at their local store or by going to www.diabetes.org.uk/tesco. There is also more information on how the partnership between Tesco and Diabetes UK will create a healthier future for people affected by diabetes or at risk of developing it.

The final long runs are in the locker and now Charlie is set to take on all 26 miles and 285 yards of the London Marathon course.

Charlie, 69 said: “I am just relaxing now with a few 30 minute runs before the big day.

YT asked Charlie what motivated him to run the Marathon.

Charlie said: “I have gone up to London to see the runners and it is a terrific feat. I had a knee replaced a year ago and so, I wanted to put something back.”

Charlie has raised nearly £4,000. With the latest donation coming from a country and western night in Tilbury.

Last month, there was a charity football match which saw the team he coached in the seventies, Sonway Juniors, make a comeback.

If you would like to support Charlie in his efforts you can attend the match or visit www.justgiving.com/Charlie-Lawrence1 or text “chas68 and £amount” to 70070.

YT will be catching up with a number of the runners over the next two weeks as they face the mighty challenge of 26 miles and 385 yards.

Meena Mitra

“Six years ago my sister challenged me to run the London Marathon. Unique challenges intrigue me, so after a fair bit of hard work I achieved the challenge and successfully completed the long run. I continued running and have since entered half marathons in Chennai, South India and New Delhi, as well as a number of other races in England.

I live in Grays and am a business consultant. I am the Cultural Secretary of the Thurrock Asian Association and am involved in various voluntary work.

I have set myself another challenge….to run the London Marathon again, and in doing so will try and beat my previous time, and raise as much money as I can for the two Indian charities I am involved with.

I travel to India frequently, in particular Chennai, South India. I have seen for myself the dedication, passion and amazing work the charity team are involved with. They help those who have very little.

One charity provides a home and education to orphans and poor children. The second charity provides employment to women who live in slum areas. My fundraising information is in the following link:

https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/meenamitra

There are various ways to participate with different events and an opportunity to take part in a food collection at Sainsburys, Chafford Hundred.

Could you be a volunteer?

After just nine months in operation Thurrock foodbank has come a long way , but there is a long way to go. Most importantly they need more volunteers, people who can devote just some of their time – maybe just an hour or two each week – to be part of the various teams.

Being a volunteer is a rewarding experience. You may be able to help packing and sorting food, assisting at the distribution centres themselves or with the occasional food collections at local supermarkets.

Find out how you can be part of Thurrock foodbank

On Monday 15th April they are holding a volunteer appreciation evening where they will thank all our current volunteers and learn more about what different people do. You’ll be able to sign up as a new volunteer and think about how you and your friends might participate in future. On Wednesday 17th you’ll be able to visit the foodbank warehouse to see what goes on, and on Thursday 18th there is a chance to see how a distribution centre actually works.

A time to rejoice

On Friday 19th they have a service of celebration and thanksgiving to which everyone is invited. It is a time to learn about what is happening and what the future plans are for Thurrock foodbank, and to thank God for all that has happened so far, and for what is yet to take place.

Donate food or give money

You can bring any food items along to the warehouse on Wednesday 17th between12-4pm and they are happy to receive financial contributions at any of the events taking place during Thurrock foodbank week.

They will be holding a food collection day at Sainsburys in Chafford Hundred on Saturday 20th and inviting all shoppers to purchase an item or two extra to give to foodbank.

Why not do your weekly shop then and add a few items to your shopping trolley to donate to foodbank? So there is lots happening during Thurrock foodbank week

Thurrock Foodbank Week

15th-21st April

Monday 15th April:

Volunteer Appreciation Evening
7.30-9pm at Gateway People’s Centre
2 High Street, Stanford-le-Hope, SS17 0EY
Stories and testimonies from the volunteers at our distribution centres and warehouse and a time to find out more about volunteering opportunities


Wednesday 17th April:

Warehouse Drop In Afternoon
12noon – 4pm at Stanford-le-Hope Methodist Church, SS17 0EY

Your chance to find out more about how the warehouse operates and sign up as a volunteer and a time for churches, individuals or businesses to drop off donations


Thursday 18th April

See a Distribution Centre in Action

10am-12pm at our distribution centre in Linford

Numbers for this are limited so please e-mail info@thurrock.foodbank.org.uk to reserve your place

Friday 19th April:

Thanksgiving and Celebration Service
7.30pm at Socketts Heath Baptist Church
Premier Avenue, Grays, RM16 2SB

A service centred on our reasons for establishing and running Thurrock foodbank, including prayers of thanksgiving for all that has
happened in the last year and all that is to come

Saturday 20th April: Food Collection at Sainsburys

Chafford Hundred

8am to 4pm

Food collection outside the main entrance to the store – please let us know if you would like to volunteer for a couple of hours

The Hospice had previously been tenants of shop in Derwent Parade, South Ockendon for some 15 years, having vacated the property over a year ago to open a larger store across the road.

St.Luke’s has now returned to the same unit with a venture that creates a new income stream to support Hospice care.

Head of Retail Development at St. Lukes David Emery said: “St. Luke’s has a long history of trading in South Ockendon and has always received amazing support from local residents. So when we started looking for a unit to start this new venture we had no hesitation in coming back to this store’’

The unit has been fully refurbished and will specialise in selling donated domestic electrical items that the Hospice has previously not sold, such as washing machines and cookers, as well as TV’s, light fittings and computers.

All appliances will be PAT Tested, Safety and Function checked, prior to sale and will come with a 30 day warranty.

As well as raising income for the Hospice this new venture provides an opportunity to improve ‘carbon footprint’ by the re-use domestic items that might otherwise end up in land-fill.

The Hospice is continuing to explore and develop innovative ways of raising funds to keep services running, this developments allows them to enter a niche market, which complements their other shops.

The Hospice is also appealing for electrical items to be donated, Collection can be arranged. Please call our warehouse on 01268-522741.

The application is for a building and two storage containers to be used as a community centre in Corringham Town Park, Gordon Road.

Karis May Darling was just 12 years-old when she died in April 2011 after contracting a bug called Streptococcus A, which can develop into meningitis.

Since then, her family and friends have organised event after event as part of the Karis May Darling Foundation.

The highlight of this summer will be a family fun day on July 13th.

There has been no date set yet for the application to be heard.