So I handed the Team Honk Blogger Relay baton to an elephant...

Team MK

I've loved watching, online, as the Team Honk Blogger Relay has made its way around the country, raising thousands of pounds for Sport Relief. Yesterday was the Milton Keynes to Hemel Hempsted leg. I was proud to be part of Team MK.

Two weeks ago we sat in a coffee shop in the shopping centre plotting and scheming. We wanted to do something a bit different and thought about the iconic and the well-known attractions of MK and the surrounding area. We knew we had to include the concrete cows in our plans, they're synonymous with Milton Keynes.

Then we talked about Woburn Safari Park. Claire rang them there and then, told them about the relay and they said YES straight away. They also suggested that the elephant could hold the baton. We'd joked about this before the call and hadn't dared to ask. Oh and we'd need £10m public liability insurance. Details details.

Isn't she beautiful?

An actual elephant holding the baton

Hayley mentioned that she and Gemma could get hold of a unicorn. So we were sorted for cows, elephants and unicorns. The plan was coming together.

On Sunday I met Lizzie and Helen, and their families, who had swum, cycled, run and walked from Cambridge to Milton Keynes. I took the baton and ran around the concrete cows, with my red velvet pants on my head (nice).

Lizzie, Sandy and Helen

On Monday the pants were back on and I ran 4 miles (in 55 minutes, a personal best). I was going to handover to Alyce on her bike, but sadly she couldn't make it, so I hopped in the car and drove to Woburn.

Sweaty Sandy

There's something especially exciting about being in a safari park that isn't open to the public that day. We were introduced to Damini the elephant. We were blown away by her size. I know, I know, elephants are big, but standing next to one makes you realise just how enormous they are. She took the baton. I got trunk slobber on my coat. I love the face I'm pulling in this photograph, a mixture of awe, joy and fear.

Sandy and Damini

Damini also held one of our signs (made by Marissa).

Do as the elephant says...

Hayley and Gemma took the baton and headed off to find their unicorn.

No, it's a real unicorn. As if we'd dress up a horse. Tut tut.


Thank you to everyone who has sponsored us via our Sport Relief page or donated using the text number. There's still plenty of time left to donate, or join in, either en route with the baton or at one of the many Sport Relief events around the country. The Calicos are all running a mile together next month. That should be interesting...

Huge thanks to Katie and the team at Woburn Safari Park. Claire and I will be taking our families in half term because it is an amazing place to visit, and also to give them some business. We talked to the elephant keepers about the park. The elephants are walked for miles daily and allowed to roam free in the woods and have their own private lake to play in. Not a bad life.

*** PLEASE DONATE ***

Thank you.

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So I handed the Team Honk Blogger Relay baton to an elephant...

Dreams Come True at Gulliver's

There was a party at Gulliver's theme park in Milton Keynes last weekend. They threw the party for their chosen charity, Dreams Come True.

Dreams Come True works with terminally and seriously ill children, aged between 2 and 21, across the country. Last weekend all children on the waiting list with Dreams Come True were invited to Gulliver's, along with their families, for a Dream Weekend event. Local businesses supplied hotel rooms and refreshments, and Gulliver's supplied a fun day. There was music, dancing, fluffy characters and cake, and the odd celebrity thrown in for good measure.

This charity aims to bring joy to children by making their dream come true, however big or small. They have arranged for children to meet Lewis Hamilton, work on a fashion magazine, meet a husky, swim with dolphins, and experience zero gravity. So far they have brought joy to 5,000 families. They also provide equipment to make everyday lives better. Gulliver's have raised money in the past for sensory equipment for a little boy called Jake.

When my late brother was ill, he was given a VIP day at Manchester United Football Club (by the company he worked for). He looked forward to it for weeks and it was a huge deal for him. He wore his signed shirt all the time afterwards. A word to the wise footballers: please only sign shirts with indelible pens. Mum washed Pete's shirt, and the signatures disappeared. Thanks, Sandy.

We thoroughly enjoyed Gulliver's. It's suitable for all ages. My three year old could go on all rides, accompanied by an adult, apart from the big roller-coaster. My four year old went on that four times. My heart was in my mouth watching him. Luckily I have a slipped disc and could only go on the big wheel and the train. Shame, that. I am soooo not a thrill-seeker. I am, however, perfectly happy to hold the coats.

We spent five hours at Gulliver's and didn't manage to go on everything. This wasn't because of the queues - there were none - but because there is so much to do. We will definitely go back and may take the boys (and their friends) for their birthday party.

A particular highlight was the free Zingzillas show in the Main Street Theatre. Yes, the Zingzillas are performing at Gulliver's. If that's not a reason to go, I don't know what is.

For more information about Dreams Come True please visit www.dctc.org.uk.

Disclosure:

We were given free entry to Gulliver's in return for coverage of the event. I made a donation to Dreams Come True in return.

Dreams Come True at Gulliver's

Give up Clothes for Good

I wore these Carvela shoes on a hot date with my husband. It was in the early days of our relationship, before we were married.

During the day we had filled a skip with my late father's stuff. I looked towards the sky and said 'sorry, Dad' every time I lobbed something in. That evening we had booked into a nice hotel. We washed away the dust of the day and got ready to go out. I was wearing a black top and skirt, finished off with stockings and my pretty new £60 shoes. As I said, our relationship was still very new.

We strolled a short distance from the hotel to a lovely Thai restaurant. We had a fun, flirty evening. As we set off to walk back to the hotel my feet started to hurt. I suspect Andy thought I was making a fuss, but I insisted we got a taxi back to the hotel. Yes, it was embarrassing to take a taxi such a short distance, but my  toes were covered in blisters.

I can not begin to describe the relief when I took the sodding shoes off in the hotel reception. We then drank far too much red wine and gate-crashed a wedding reception. We managed to dance the night away, with me in my stocking feet.

The Carvela shoes were put back in their box and were never worn again.

***

In April I will be taking my hardly worn shoes to my local TK Maxx store to be bagged and tagged and sent to Cancer Research to sell in one of their shops to raise money for childhood cancers. The Give Up Clothes For Good campaign is being supported by the Tots100 with a blogging carnival.

If you would like to join in please consider yourself tagged. Simply write a post about a much-loved item of quality clothing that you are willing to give up for charity. Include the links above and maybe embed this YouTube video too. Then email your post to me: sandy [at] tots100.co.uk.

Give up Clothes for Good

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

The Mona Lisa Million

Would you like to own a piece of the Mona Lisa?

I was recently introduced to blogger and father of four, Dave, also known as Mister Good Guy, by the fabulous Tara from Sticky Fingers.

Dave has just set up a project to raise $1,000,000 for Haiti. I'll let him explain more:

This post marks the launch of a new project called the Mona Lisa Million.

Over the next six to nine months I’ll be auctioning off pre-defined sections of a million pixel image of the Mona Lisa – probably the most famous image in the world!

This is an ambitious project designed to raise over one million dollars, the majority of which I’ll donate to a very good cause.

It’s not just about raising the money though, it’s also about providing something of value to those who use this site as readers and as winning bidders. You see, I’m not simply asking for money – I’m providing something in return.

For winning bidders, I’m providing a place where people can see who you are and what you do, and I’m doing it in a way that helps the search engines connect you with your customers or your audience. And this applies to you whether you’re a mommy blogger looking to increase your readership or a business owner trying to get your website higher up the search results.

For readers, I’m providing a place where you can get involved in nominating good causes and deciding which ones should benefit. A place where you can connect with genuine sites/services/products.

For both winning bidders and readers, I’m providing a place where people with a social conscience can get involved and feel they’re contributing to something worthwhile. 

I'm proud to say that I own a section of the Mona Lisa, as do fellow Mummy Bloggers Tara and the lovely Not Supermum. I'm on the far left, level with the tip of her nose.

Dave is giving away a few sections to early adopters, but you'll need to be quick.  If you would like to join this project right from the start head on over to The Mona Lisa Million! Let's try to help Dave, a good guy, raise $1m.

The Mona Lisa Million

Bloggers for Haiti - Please don't look away

I have no words, only tears and a few spare pounds.

Disasters Emergency Committee

Bloggers for Haiti Just Giving Page in aid of ShelterBox

Bloggers for Haiti - Please don't look away

Check It Out!

I've got so much to tell you...

I'll start with the promised update on the

Auction for the Cumbria Flood Recovery Fund.

The organisers have been unable to set up a raffle in the time available,

instead all donated items have been added to the auction.

The auction closes at 6pm on Sunday 6th December,

so there's plenty of time to make a bid and grab a bargain!

***

Next up is the Best of the British Mummy Bloggers Carnival.

The lovely Pippa from A Mother's Ramblings is hosting, and

a fine job she's done too. Huge thanks to her for including one of

my posts even though I missed the deadline!

***

I have been writing a series of Blogger Basics lessons over at

New Mummy's Tips. The latest lesson is adding video.

There is also a comprehensive FREE blogging E-course generously written by

Erica at LittleMummy. It's not too late to make a start.

On this course you will find out everything you need to know about blogging.

It is suitable for complete beginners, old hands may also learn a thing or two.

***

Have you done all your Christmas shopping yet?

The Great Toy Guide team have been busy reviewing 100 toys under £10.

Presley personally tested the brilliant My First Lacing Tools and the Bambini beads

There is also an amazing competition. Check out the prizes:

What are you still doing here?! :-)

Check It Out!

Fundraising Auction for Cumbria Flood Victims

Have you ever tried to imagine what it must be like to watch, helplessly, as your house floods? You may not even be able to see the water seeping in. At night there would be no power, no light. What if you were away from home and unable to move your photograph albums from floor level?

What would it be like when you eventually returned to your house after evacuation? What would your home smell like? What if you had small children, a baby? What would you do? Where would you stay?

The floods in Cumbria last month have left 900 families homeless. Among them are young families, the elderly, those with disabilities. There is a way we can help them.

The amazing Kat from Housewife Confidential has set up an online charity auction in aid of the Cumbria Flood Recovery Fund.

The auction is being hosted by the fabulous Natalie at Bambino Goodies.

Both Kat and Natalie have young families, but have been so generous with their time and effort to put this auction together.

Many bloggers have donated auction lots, or used their contacts to ask for help. There are too many to mention here.

You can read all about the stunning auction lots

or go straight to the bidding page.

The auction closes at 6pm on Sunday 6th December.

There will also be an online raffle launched later in the week, so if none of the auction lots appeal - or are out of your price range - don't panic. You can still make a donation and make a difference.

Watch this space!

Fundraising Auction for Cumbria Flood Victims

Take My Hand

When I was asked if I was interested in promoting the Women's Aid charity single on Baby Baby I didn't have to think twice.

I was in an abusive relationship once. I won't write about it as I try not to think about that awful time. The only thing I will say is when you realise you're being abused verbally, emotionally or physically GET OUT STRAIGHT AWAY. Don't hope that things will improve. They won't. Don't worry about what other people will think of you. Let them say I told you so. It doesn't matter. The people that care for you will breathe a sigh of relief and help you pack.

I was lucky, I was able to get out. Some women are not so lucky.

***

Women’s Aid release charity single Take My Hand

On Wednesday 25^th November 2009, national charity Women’s Aid is celebrating 35 years of working to end violence against women and children by releasing their first charity single, ‘Take My Hand’. The song has been written especially for the charity to help them raise vital funds to support abused women and children. The single, which is being released to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, is sung by 13 year old classical singer Olivia Aaron, with Natasha Benjamin, a real-life survivor of domestic violence. The song is based on the 2^nd movement of Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No. 8, ‘Sonata Pathétique’ and its lyrics are an expression of the emotions experienced by children and young people affected by domestic abuse.

Women’s Aid Chief Executive, Nicola Harwin CBE, said:

“Take My Hand has been written especially for Women’s Aid and reflects the words of families that have survived abuse. The song reflects hope for a future free from violence and we hope it will reach out to those affected by domestic violence as well as the wider public. We want to raise awareness of the support available and raise vital funds so that we can continue to provide these services.”

Domestic violence affects 1 in 4 women at some point in their lifetime and recent statistics from the Women’s Aid Annual Survey show that last year an estimated 18,000 women and 20,000 children lived in refuge accommodation in Women’s Aid’s national network of services.

The launch of Take My Hand on the 25^th November marks the beginning of Women’s Aid’s activities to mark the ’16 days of Action’, where the charity will ask the public to help them take action against violence against women and children.

For more information on the ‘16 Days of Action’, go to www.womensaid.org.uk.

To buy Take My Hand for 79p, please go to www.womensaid.org.uk/takemyhand or straight to itunes.

Natasha's story:

‘I was only with my boyfriend for three weeks when he started to become verbally aggressive. The first time he got aggressive I thought I must have said something that upset him and he went mad. He started throwing things at the walls, even a wine glass that had red wine in it. As I left the room he continued to throw things after me and a glass plate just missed my face. The first time I did try to get help I was told to leave him, but it was not that easy. When it happened again I told no one, firstly from sheer embarrassment, and later from fear.

One night I woke up with his foot on my face and my boyfriend saying he was going to stamp on me. I had to sleep in contact lenses as it was a common occurrence for him to wake me up with demands or threats. I was so afraid of not being able to see when the assaults took place as I might not be able to get away.

I experienced a severe form of domestic violence that also included a range of abuse, from controlling where I was and what I did, to pulling my hair, to eventually strangulation. My daughter witnessed the abuse and we were both very frightened of what would happen. I was only with him for six months where he nearly killed me.

I stayed in a Women's Aid refuge which provided us with safety and which gave us the support we needed to rebuild our lives. I am singing on 'Take My Hand' to not only raise vital funds for Women's Aid but also to provide a message of hope to women and children currently living with violence in the home - thanks to support services provided by Women's Aid there is hope for a safe future free from fear.’

Thank you for reading.

Take My Hand

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

Cancer, Fashion and Rings

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

This is my best friend Amanda. This beautiful photograph is of Amanda on her wedding day in 2005.

A few weeks after the wedding Amanda rang me. I knew she had found a lump in her breast. I knew she was going for a mammogram and a biopsy. I didn't imagine for one moment that it would be anything serious. I was waiting for her call. In the tiniest voice I've ever heard she told me 'I've got cancer'.

I'm afraid I was incapable of keeping a stiff upper lip. I wailed and cried with her. I shouted 'it's not fair'.

Amanda was just 36. Her children were only 11 and 7 years old.

Amanda had a mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. She was very sick. She lost her hair.

She never stopped battling and she beat it. I'm so proud of her.

A couple of weeks after her major reconstruction surgery, in October 2006, we went to the Breast Cancer Care Fashion Show. Here we are about to get into the limo:

Amanda is second left, with her newly grown hair. I'm third from the right.

We had an amazing night at the Grosvenor House Hotel. It was great fun celeb-spotting. We saw Cherie Blair, Natasha Kaplinsky, Duncan From Blue and Geri Halliwell among others. There were goody bags and Swarovski crystals in the carpet.

The fashion show was one of the most moving things I've ever seen. All the models (male and female) have had breast cancer. My hands were bruised from clapping.

There was a charity auction. As Amanda recalls, she nipped to the loo and when she got back I was bidding. I outbid Kenny Goss (George Michael's partner) and won the Romantic Lot.

Yes, I had been drinking! I was also celebrating getting engaged to Andy a few days before.

I won't say what my winning bid was, but I had to raise my credit card limit to make the payment.

The Romantic Lot was a weekend in a luxury hotel (only 20 miles from home), a hire car (forgot to claim this bit of the lot) and the chance to spend the weekend at the Jon Dibben Jewellery workshop, with a £2000 voucher to spend at Jon's shop.

We had the most amazing time. Jon and his team made us so welcome. They even said they were happy we had won instead of Kenny Goss! Andy and I made, from scratch, a silver ring each, mounted with a tiny blue diamond. We also chose my engagement ring and our wedding rings. We spent time with the goldsmiths who made them. This makes our rings even more special.

We haven't been to the fashion show since 2006 for one reason (having Presley in 2007) or another (having Cash in 2008), but we are going this year.

I'm delighted to say that Amanda has been chosen to be a model at the 2009 Breast Cancer Care Fashion Show. I can't wait to see her on the catwalk. I will be taking my camera and a whole box of tissues. I'll report back next week and let you know how we get on.

This year however I won't drink quite so much champagne and I'll be leaving my credit card at home!

Cancer, Fashion and Rings

Bloggers’ Festive Theatre Campaign to Boost Children’s Cancer Charity (oh yes it is)

The lovely Linda Jones has asked me (and others) to post this press release on their blogs. I'm happy to oblige. This is a wonderful campaign that I will be supporting. Oh yes I will!

UK parent bloggers are joining forces to laugh their socks off while raising cash for a children’s cancer charity.

Bloggers are signing up for The Great Panto Review 2009 which will benefit NACCPO – The National Alliance of Childhood Cancer Parents’ Organisations.

Leading theatres in England, Scotland and Wales have agreed to give bloggers access so their reviews can spread ‘word of mouth’ throughout the blogospshere.

Cardiff’s New Theatre where John Barrowman is appearing as Robin Hood and the Birmingham Hippodrome where Ray Quinn and Joe Pasquale will star in Sleeping Beauty were among the first to pledge to welcome the bloggers and back the charity effort.

Reports will be featured at http://www.havealovelytime.com which is an “umbrella” family travel and activities site featuring reports from top UK parent bloggers.

Writers taking part will be asked to donate to NACCPO, while readers will also be asked to give generously.

Panto reviews will also be published on the bloggers’ own sites as well as being promoted through social media platforms such as facebook, Twitter, Stumbleupon and Digg.

Contributors, many of whom are also members at http://britishmummybloggers.ning.com, are currently contacting more theatres large and small to request review tickets or places at panto media previews.

http://www.havealovelytime.com editor and mum of two Linda Jones said she came up with the idea after being approached by several large corporations including Disney and Ford to write about their products and wanted to harness the resulting ‘word of mouth’ to do something positive at Christmas time.

She said: “It has been very exciting to see how well this has taken off so far. The bloggers and their families who are reviewing the shows are over the moon and we have had nothing but positive feedback from theatres approached.

“The idea was inspired by the fact that my family loved John Barrowman at the Birmingham Hippodrome last year and as Aladdin the year before.

“I wanted to be able to share that laughter with other bloggers, as well as promoting the Great British panto and raising money for a wonderful charity.

“NACCPO fundraiser Rachael Olley has contributed to Have a Lovely Time so I was well aware of the work they do. As the site is all about having fun, especially on holiday and NACCPO help families with short breaks, we wanted to do something to help.”

Susanna Scott, who founded http://britishmummybloggers.ning.com added: “I hope that in a year when some families will be weighing up whether they can afford to go and see a panto, our reports will help give the Great British panto a shot in the arm.

“We have more than 600 members, who each have a loyal readership of anything from dozens to hundreds of thousands of readers, so the potential audience is huge.”

NACCPO fundraiser Rachael Olley added: “To see the star names in productions backing this campaign is great for us. We rely on fundraising and applaud the bloggers for their innovative way of bringing in money which will be used to support children with cancer.”

We are entirely dependant on fundraising to continue our services - we do not receive any government or statutory funding so every penny is gratefully received. “

The National Alliance of Childhood Cancer Parent Organisations (NACCPO) is made up of parent run organisations that have common aims of working together to support children and young adults with cancer.”

• If you are a parent blogger and would like to know more about the Great Panto Review 2009, please check out www.havealovelytime.com or contact editor Linda Jones on Linda@passionatemedia.co.uk

• Please donate to The Great Panto Review 2009 here: http://www.justgiving.com/havealovelytime

If you'd like to support NACCPO, whether or not you'll be visiting a panto this year, please visit our Justgiving page. I have set a target for the time being which I hope is realistic. This may change, depending how we go.

Thank you!

Bloggers’ Festive Theatre Campaign to Boost Children’s Cancer Charity (oh yes it is)