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Local Events
North England
Community Development Officer, Nico Johnson
Hello, my name is Nico Johnson and I am your local Community Development Officer for the Meningitis Trust.
I support the following counties: Tyne and Wear; Northumberland; Cumbria; Co Durham and Cleveland.
I work in the community to offer support to people who have been directly affected by meningitis and their family and friends, whatever outcome the disease leaves behind.
Raising awareness of the disease is an important part of my role as prompt action can save a life or reduce the likelihood of after-effects.
I also offer support to the Trust’s many dedicated supporters across the North who continue to raise vital funds. This enables the Trust to deliver its vision of helping all communities to be aware of the threat and impact of meningitis and for anyone affected to have access to quality care and support for as long as they need it.
I would like to offer my help and support in anyway that I can, whether it is for an event you are planning or just a friendly face! If you need more information about the work of the Trust or a local event please either give me a call on 0845 120 2838 or email me at: nicoj@meningitis-trust.org
Wheelchair Mountain Climb – 9 August 2010
Keith Matthews is taking on his challenge to climb the Mountains of Mourne in his wheelchair. Keith has completed many similar challenges but this will be his last and will fulfil a dream. Keith’s granddaughter, Tanya, had meningitis when she was 18 which left her slightly deaf in one ear. Tanya unfortunately then contracted viral meningitis in January this year. Keith is raising money for the Trust and NI Children’s Hospice. You can sponsor Keith’s challenge by donating to ‘Charity Wheelchair Climb 2010’ at any Barclays Bank. Keith is also doing bucket collections at his local supermarkets in his home town of Workington, Cumbria. If you would like to help Keith, please contact me at nicoj@meningitis-trust.org or 0845 120 2838.
Thinking about a challenge?
Why not set yourself a challenge whilst at the same time raising vital funds for the Meningitis Trust?
Running – there are lots of running events throughout the region from fun runs right up to full marathons. Dates for the diary include the ASICS Watford ½ Marathon on February 7. To search for a race near to you, visit the Runners World website which has a full list.
Cycling – organise a sponsored bike ride; no matter what your ability, there will be a cycle route close to you. The Sustrans website has a searchable map where you can find out about routes in your local area. Just click here to see what’s near you.
Triathlon – take part in this multi-sport endurance event consisting of swimming, cycling and running in immediate succession over various distances. There are lots of events taking place across the country which are suitable for beginners and people of all abilities. So why not enter a race and get sponsored to take part? To search for an event near you, then check out the British Triathlon webpage.
Slimathon – set your own target and get sponsored for every pound you lose. Be sure to do it healthily though - it's best to aim to lose no more than 1-2 lbs a week. For more advice, click here.
Banish that nasty habit – it’s not always giving up that one habit that we would ideally like to stop. Telling your family and friends that you are going to ‘give it up’ and raise money at the same time helps motivate you to resist the urge of falling back into the trap.
Feeling brave and want a bigger challenge – why not try a 10,000ft freefall parachute jump? You can jump for free if you raise a minimum amount of sponsorship. There are a variety of venues across the country where you can jump and it is available all year round. Why not arrange a jump with a group of friends or work colleagues? To register online, click here.
We can provide sponsor forms; advice on how to set up your own 'Virgin Money Giving' website; collection tins; a letter of authority (to say that you're raising funds for the Trust); a Meningitis Trust T-shirt or vest; training advice; and of course lots of support.
If you have already achieved something to shout about, please do share it and help motivate others throughout 2010!
5km Big Fun Runs
Middlesbrough – Albert Park on Saturday 31 July
Sunderland - Silksworth Park on Sunday 1 August
To enter, please click on the above link or visit www.bigfunrun.com and select your chosen venue and the Meningitis Trust as your chosen charity.
When you register you will receive a free Meningitis Trust fundraising pack which includes a T-shirt, fundraising ideas, sponsorship forms, and training tips to prepare you for the big day. We will be here to support you before, during and after your run.
Jane Tomlinson’s York 10K
Yorkshire Day, Sunday 1 August 2010.
The Run For All York 10K was established by the late Jane Tomlinson CBE. First held in 2007, the massively popular event continues to go from strength to strength.
The Meningitis Trust has guaranteed places for this race which has sold out in previous years. To find out more or register your interest, then please contact Nico Johnson on 0845 120 2838 or via email at nicoj@meningitis-trust.org.
We can provide sponsor forms; advice on how to set up your own 'Virgin Money Giving' web site; collection tins; a letter of authority (to say that your raising funds for the Trust); a T-shirt to run in on the day; training advice; and of course lots of support.
Supermarket and street collections
If you or your family and friends are interested in taking part in collections at local supermarkets or shopping centres, then please get in touch. We can apply to supermarkets and local councils for the relevant permission and licenses, and as well as raising much-needed funds, they are also a great way to raise awareness of the disease and the work of the Trust.
Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge
This could be a great challenge in its own right or a warm up to the National Three Peaks. Climb the three highest peaks in Yorkshire (Penyghent, Whernside and Ingleborough).
The challenge covers approximately 25 miles and 'Adventure Challenge’s' qualified instructors are there to support you to help you complete the challenge in less than 12 hours. When you complete the challenge in time you will become a member of the 'Three Peaks of Yorkshire Club'. To find out more, please contact me on: 0845 120 2838 or email me at: nicoj@meningitis-trust.org
Great North Swim 
Take part in a challenge with a difference! This one-mile open water course across England’s largest natural lake, Windermere, is the UK’s largest swim of its kind and is definitely not one to miss. For further information and to enter, please click here: www.greatswim.org
To find out more please contact me on: 0845 120 2838 or email me at: nicoj@meningitis-trust.org
Skydive!
Feeling brave? Why not take part in the ultimate challenge and skydive for the Meningitis Trust.
You can jump for free if you raise a minimum amount of sponsorship. There are a variety of venues across the country where you can jump and it is available all year round. Why not arrange a jump with a group of friends or colleagues?
For an information pack or to find out more, please contact me on: 0845 120 2838 or email me at: nicoj@meningitis-trust.org, or click here to register on line.
Local Running Races
Why not make the decision to get fit and at the same time as raising vital funds for the Meningitis Trust? There are lots of running events throughout the region - from fun runs right up to full marathons. To search for a race near to you check out the Runners World website
We can provide sponsor forms, advice on how to set up your own Virgin Money Giving website, collection tins, letter of authority (to say that you're raising funds for the Trust), T-shirt or vest to run in on the day, training advice, and of course lots of support.
Find treasure for the Trust
If you’re looking for a fun activity with family and friends, then why not complete a treasure hunt at a location near you?
Whether you are from the destination or just visiting, both young and old can enjoy a leisurely walk around the area; learning interesting facts and seeing things you would normally just walk straight past - raising money for charity too!
Simply choose where you want to go and order your pack from www.huntfun.co.uk and then ask people to sponsor you for every correct answer.
Get cycli
ng
Getting on your bike is one of the easiest ways to keep fit. It’s also a great way to raise money for the Meningitis Trust. No matter what your ability, there will be a cycle route close to where you could organise a sponsored ride. The Sustrans website has a searchable map where you can find out about routes in your local area. Why not take a look and see what’s near to you? Just click here.
A few events you may like to consider are:
Coast 2 Coast – 140 miles
The UK's most popular 'challenge' cycle route passes through the northern Lake District before climbing the Pennines, 'the roof of England', and then descending to the railway paths of County Durham. It includes Black Hill, the highest point on the National Cycle Network (609m), and the Consett-Sunderland railway path and sculpture trail.
Hadrian’s Cycleway – 174 miles
The route stretches the length of Hadrian's Wall World Heritage Site in the North of England. Magnificent coastal views, breathtaking countryside, roman forts and museums, inspiring modern attractions, quaint villages and attractive market towns, all set in a World Heritage Site: this cycle route has it all! You will ride through some of England's most dramatic and wild countryside where you can "get away from it all" and enjoy the freedom of cycling in this unspoilt area. If you decide to organise a sponsored ride, then do let me know; we can provide a range of fundraising materials and also offer you support and advice to make it an enjoyable and successful event.
Organise your own event
Do you have an idea of your own event in mind? If so, please get in touch – we can provide you with advice and answers to any questions you may have, and help with a press release to let your local media know about your event.
We also have a range of fundraising materials on offer to help promote your event. For an information pack which includes our calendar of fundraising ideas and a step-by-step guide to organising an event, please contact me on 0845 120 2838 or nicoj@meningitis-trust.org.
