RBC Race for the Kids

I am delighted to be able to tell you about an event that takes place next month in aid of Great Ormond Street Hospital. My late brother spent a great deal of time in this wonderful place and it remains one of my favourite charities.

Here are the details:

This summer get the whole family in shape on Sunday 6 June 2010 and join hundreds of runners of all ages and celebrity supporters taking part in the RBC Race for the Kids in Battersea Park to raise vital funds for Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity.

The Charity, together with new sponsor Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) - the largest bank in Canada and the 13th largest bank in the world, with a significant presence in London - is asking supporters to take part in the 5km fun run and help make a difference to the thousands of children who are treated at Great Ormond Street Hospital every year. All the money raised from the RBC Race for the Kids will help to fund the essential redevelopment of the Hospital.

Roving entertainers, prize-giving, face-painting, goodie bags and plenty of refreshments for participants are some of the activities planned to keep runners and supporters on their toes on the day.

West End star Jodie Prenger who is supporting the event says, “The RBC Race for the Kids is going to be a fantastic day out! It’s only 5km - you’ll get fit and, more importantly, you’ll be helping thousands of very sick young patients at Great Ormond Street Hospital."

The RBC Race for the Kids takes place at 10am on Sunday 6 June in Battersea Park and is designed for every ability and age, providing fun and fitness for all.

To sign up please visit www.raceforthekids.co.uk.

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RBC Race for the Kids

GOSH

I'll admit here and now that I don't watch the X-Factor, but when the brilliant Brit in Bosnia asked me if I would promote the X-Factor charity single on Baby Baby I didn't think twice.

There is a very good reason for this. My brother spent a great deal of time at GOSH, pretty much from birth, until he was sixteen. I haven't written about him before because it is difficult. Losing a sibling is one of the worst things that can happen to you. When your brother dies and you are 27 and he is 25 you lose a part of you, a part of your family history. You lose a friend.

GOSH looked after Peter so well. He was terribly ill with a rare lung condition. Several times my parents were told that he would not survive the night, but he did. Thanks to his amazing spirit and thanks to the caring and highly skilled doctors and nurses that looked after him.

I'm sorry, I can't write any more.

Here is all the information you need to support the GOSH/X-Factor charity single:

You may be aware that the X Factor has released a charity single and Sony are going to donate all profits to Great Ormond St. hospital. The single was released earlier this week and they are really hoping that it will hit the No. 1 spot at the weekend. Not only do they need the money but they are hoping that the publicity that a No. 1 single will have will highlight Great Ormond St and their need to continue raising money.

All 12 of this year’s X Factor finalists have released a fantastic cover of Michael Jackson’s You Are Not Alone in aid of Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity.

Their website is http://www.gosh.org/x-factor/the-charity-single/ and there is a little video that goes with it that was shown on last weeks show http://www.gosh.org/x-factor/the-charity-single/the-story-so-far/oscar/.

Thousands of children just like Oscar, who really is an inspiration to us all, need the help of the amazing staff at GOSH and this single will help sick children from across the UK to get better.

Some of the patients of Great Ormond Street Hospital appear in the official music video launched with the single on Sunday night http://xfactor.itv.com/2009/videos/player/item_200784.htm and if you watch this then I am sure you won’t fail to want to support them.

They are asking for everyone’s support in helping this single make the number one spot this weekend. Sony are donating all profits from the sale of the single and a number of retailers are also very kindly donating all their profits from the sale of the single (find out which ones by clicking here http://www.gosh.org/x-factor/the-charity-single/buy/ ). Please ask everyone you know to buy/download this single now – it doesn’t cost much but every single bought will make an incredible difference to the sickest children in the UK right now.

Thank you.

GOSH