Barbara Ewart
Barbara and Karen's page
Fundraising for Women for Women Events - Genesis Research Trust
Story
Late September 2010 - We're back from China. To put it mildly, calling this a challenge was an understatement!! But it was an amazing, memorable and exhausting experience! I'll put some photos on here when I have waded through the hundreds that were taken and if you have yet to contribute towards this great cause - it's not too late! Donations can still be made.
We have signed up for Cycle China 2010 - a 450km Cycle ride through to raise at least £6,600 (as well as a personal contribution) between us for Professor Lord Robert Winston’s and Gynaecology Trust’s ‘Women for Women’ Charity. Does that sound Feminist? Well guys don’t be put off, as this charity is relevant to you too! Every one of you probably knows, or knows of, a couple who have lost a baby through miscarriage and how this affects not just them but their family and friends too. We are being ably supported by our own men – Nigel McTear and Dave Cooper, who are working tirelessly to fund raise and train us!
Funds raised will support scientists and clinicians working in medical research in specialising in problems affecting women and their babies including prevention, diagnosis and treatment of a range of devastating conditions that cause miscarriage, genetic diseases, infertility, cancer and brain damage.
UPDATE: September 2010 - we reached the fundraising target within the deadline thanks to all of you who supported and sponsored us. If you would like to make a contribution, then it will still go towards helping this amazing cause so please don't be put off!! We have to say a huge thanks to all those who really pulled out the stops along the way - including Portsmouth Grammar School Junior School that raised over £1000 pounds for Women for Women at an X-Factor night! My work colleagues (you know who you are) have also helped us significantly and we have had a variety of fund-raising events and a host of people have been fabulous in offering support and helping out. I must just mention one extremely generous anonymous donation and if you are reading this - many, many thanks. Contributions have continued to be made to the Just Giving Site (and this will remain open until after the event itself) - and there are contributions from family and friends as far afield as Melborne (Australia) and the (former) Office of the Transportation Attache in the US Embassy in Baghdad (May to Nov 08) as well as generous donations from those closer to home. We will be in danger of forgetting to mention someone (for which apologies in advance!) but most recently the Portsmouth Women's Network held a Cake Sale and Raffle in the Navy Command Headquarters in Portsmouth and donated all of the funds to Women for Women - Thanks Ladies! The Langstone Conservative Club let us run a Horse Racing Night in its beautiful building in Havant and a great night was had by all. The ABar and Bistro in Old Portsmouth held a raffle for the first prize of a Giant Chocolate Easter Egg and the Old House at Home in Havant is currently hosting a raffle of a TV (just in time to watch the World Cup final!)! Matt Walker and his girlfriend Charlotte have stunned with amazing gourmet food at 2 'Dinner Parties with a twist' in his home in Portsmouth and Karen's daughter Georgie had a cake sale at school (where they did like cakes!!) to raise yet more money (are you following the theme of cakes and chocolate here...??). Dave and Nigel have continued to provide superb support and we could not have got this far (and there is still a way to go) without their help and dedication. Barbara would particularly like to thank all those who recently donated to the fund in memory of her late mother, Freda, who was supporting Barbara's efforts every step of the way until the day she passed away.
We were both inspired following the day in London meeting with other ladies who have taken up the challenge and getting a briefing from Professor Lord Robert Winston himself on what the money raised by this event helps to support.
Training and preparing for this demanding 450km cycle ride is testing both of us! With 5 days to cover the ground (the equivalent of 5 back-to-back to Brighton Cycle Rides) that takes us through the countryside of ’s region, we have already been told to train for all types of terrain and plenty of steep hills!
Barbara: “I have three sons and daughters-in-law, and four fantastic grandchildren, but nevertheless they know the devastation of miscarrying. This is just such a situation that Women for Women research is focussing on - finding the reasons why. I am also part of a 10-year Ovarian Cancer research programme, looking at the possibility, in the future, of simple blood-test screening to detect this ‘silent cancer’ which affects women of all ages. At 63 years of age I know this is going to be the biggest challenge of my life! I want to succeed and make a difference to these projects.”
Karen: “I am lucky enough to have 2 healthy children and had trouble-free pregnancies. But I have seen friends and family suffer from just the things that this Charity is working to prevent and I have seen how heart-breaking it can be. I am looking forward to the challenge of getting fit for this demanding goal - and hopefully I can do that by the September 2010 deadline! “
Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor us: Women for Women gets your money faster and, if you’re a taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid is added to your donation. Whatever amount (large or small) you feel able to give will be really appreciated.
Thank you to all those who have already supported us, and to those who are still to do so, we really appreciate your help.
Karen and Barbara