Thanks for visiting my fundraising page.
Cycle India 2010 saw 30 cyclists from the UK, US and India ride 190 miles across (very) hilly terrain in southern India over four days to raise money for the latest of HEAL's projects in the region of Andhra Pradesh. So far, around £80,000 has been raised from the event to buy land and build a school to take 1,000 severely disadvantaged children out of poverty and give them shelter and, most importantly, education.
I'm lucky enough to have seen my own kids grow up to be strong, healthy young adults, but a couple of years ago I was moved to extend my family by sponsoring a child, Anusha, who had not been quite so fortunate.
I was first drawn to the work of HEAL by a Sport Relief project called All Out For India. A team of celebrities captained by Phil Tufnell and coached by Alvin Kallicharran went to India to play three charity cricket matches. In between, they visited an orphanage in Cuddalore populated by survivors of the 2004 tsunami, met the so-called 'railway children' of Villapurum and saw the youngsters of Chennai who survived by living off a steaming rubbish tip.
Today in the western world those children are recognised as 'slumdogs', highlighted in the film Slumdog Millionaire, but the sight of those small children picking around in the waste for scraps to sell and eat had a profound effect on me, just as it did on the likes of tv and radio presenter Chris Evans, who was moved to tears by what he saw. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tv_and_radio/sport_relief/5048614.stm
The tsunami disaster of 2004 was also something close to my heart. After seeing the devastation caused to those affected coastlines in south east Asia on Boxing Day, I decided I needed to do something to help and through my position on The Western Mail newspaper, I discussed with my editor Alan Edmunds the possibility of running a celebrity auction to raise funds for the appeal. He didn't take much persuading and very soon we launched an appeal which raised many thousands of pounds thanks to the generosity of celebrities such as Charlotte Church, Shirley Bassey, Julien MacDonald, Ioan Gruffudd and many stars of stage, screen and sport. We even auctioned off a gold disc of the Oasis hit Morning Glory! http://www.live4ever.us/2005_02_01_newsroomarchives
My only regret was not following it through and going out to see for myself how the money was being spent to put people's lives back together.
Now, through Cycle India 2010, I have had the chance to see first-hand the good work done by HEAL in looking after orphaned and destitute children in the region of Andhra Pradesh. Like the others taking part in the cycle ride, I was very keen to visit some of the projects, especially the HEAL children's village in Guntur where Anusha and many under-privileged children go to school.
Your support will help HEAL to continue, and expand, their excellent work in providing shelter, support, education and healthcare for needy children. Money raised goes straight to the children; HEAL has no administration costs as all those who help with the children are volunteers. Please visit the HEAL website and see for yourself what good work this small charity is trying to achieve. http://www.heal.co.uk/
One of my big inspirations has to be the band Flyleaf. Their music has been life-changing for me and getting to meet them and following their careers has been a huge source of motivation, particularly their visit to Rwanda with World Vision. http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=33826402
Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Health & Education for All (HEAL) gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation. And don't forget to leave a comment!
As Pat, from Flyleaf, said: "You take it upon yourself to help in some small way, you're still helping." Every little helps, so please do sponsor me now!
Thanks a lot,
Jem
I would like to dedicate this page to little Joe and my Dad. I miss them both.
DONATIONS UPDATE: I'm pleased to say that I was successful in obtaining a donation in the form of a signed shirt from Cardiff City striker MICHAEL CHOPRA, the leading goal-scorer in the Coca-Cola Championship. Michael was the first player of Indian parentage to play and score in the Premier League and, on behalf of HEAL, I would like to thank him for supporting Cycle India 2010. The shirt raised £222 in auction. Thanks to those who put forward bids.
Another auction was an original piece of artwork by Oscar-winning actor SIR ANTHONY HOPKINS, sent from his home in California. The drawing is in the form of a coloured pencil sketch and has been hand-signed by the artist. I am pleased to say this sold for £122.
I have also sold a number of other signed sporting items, most recently an ice hockey shirt signed by the Cardiff Devils squad, and many autographed photographs kindly donated by celebrities such as David Jason, Ioan Gruffudd, Helen Mirren, Robbie Coltrane, Ray Winstone, Rowan Atkinson and many others. That's enough name-dropping for now - many thanks to all for their donations, and bids during the auction.
