Charity/voluntary

FIVE caring nurses are holding a party this week before they set off for a mammoth trek across the Sahara.

The Macmillan nurses at Hillingdon Hospital, who care for terminally ill patients, have been fundraising for their expedition for over a year.

Their trek is to raise money for a new Information Centre based at the Hospital, in Pield Heath Road, Hillingdon, which can be used by the community.

Claire Colman, Claire Young, Liz Bunker, Fiona Hamer and Lorraine Barton are the braves nurses who will be walking for six days for a total of 100km across the burning desert.

A MAN who has donated countless samples of his blood was himself given an award at a special ceremony.

Bernard Green, of Ryefield Avenue, Hillingdon, was among 43 dedicated blood donors honoured by the National Blood Service (NBS).

He received a crystal plate recognising the fact he had made over 75 donations.

A GLITZY fundraising bash for a young boy suffering from Cerebral Palsy raised over £9,000 to pay towards his treatment.

Donations came thick and fast for Kai Phillips, three, after his parents and their friends organised the event, held at Dragon's Health Club, in Northolt.

A GRIEVING woman whose husband died after a three year battle with gastric cancer completed a daring skydive to raise awareness for the disease.

Rakhee Desoura, of Hillingdon Hill, Uxbridge, decided to do the challenge while husband Bharat was still alive, but he sadly passed away in September aged 37, before he could see his wife do the jump.

CARING members of a motorbike club raised money for an animal sanctuary at their fourth anniversary bike show and party.

Doggs Bollocks MCC, who meet every Wednesday at The Breakspear Arms, in Breakspear Road South, Ruislip, have been raising money for charity for the past four years at their show.

This year Pets Corner, in Petworth Gardens, Hillingdon, was lucky enough to be the chosen charity and on October 25 the bikers presented a £500 cheque to the owner, Stan Atkin.

The club's president, Del Pratt, said the club's members had decided to raise money for the animal sanctuary and petting zoo after hearing it had been repeatedly vandalised.

Club member Peter Murrar, known as 'Fly', of Raynton Drive, Hayes, said: "This year it was my turn to chose the charity. I chose Pets Corner because it gets vandalised a lot and we are all animal lovers.

"I have just been diagnosed with a terminal illness but I will raise money for charity as long as I am still on my feet."

About 200 people attended the anniversary day, which was held at The Breakspear Arms.

The club's profit of £250 was then generously matched with a further £250 by Darren Morgan, landlord of the pub.

The club's chosen charity for next year is Help for Heroes.

For more information visit www.doggsbollocksmcc.com or contact Mr Pratt on 07889 852428.

THE Hillingdon Foodbank made their first visit to a school this week and are making a second on Wednesday.

A YOUNGSTER with cerebral palsy was the beneficiary of a kind donation ahead of a fundraiser to help with his medical treatment.

Gillian and Daniel Phillips, both 32, of Micawber Avenue, Hillingdon, are hoping to raise up to £10,000 to pay for three year old son Kai Phillips' medical bills.

THE Mayor of Hillingdon became a broadcaster for the day when she became a guest speaker at the Hillingdon Talking Newspaper studio.

The Talking Newspaper has been running since 1975 and sees the Gazette recorded onto cassette tape by volunteers in order that blind people can stay in touch with what's happening around the borough.

In addition to this, they also produce a quarterly magazine which includes favourites such as 'notes from the potting shed', London Walks, and a selection of jokes.

The Mayor of Hillingdon, Councillor Shirley Haper O'Neill, agreed to read out the first item of the autumn magazine which was recorded on tape and sent out to visually impaired residents in Hillingdon.

Her involvement was to mark 'National Talking Newspaper Week' which is running up until Saturday. (19/9)

To find out more about the Hillingdon Talking Newspaper service please call 01895 250111.

WOMEN who have achieved beyond their expectations are being invited to take part in a special 'graduation ceremony'.

The female only celebration is being organised by Hillingdon Women's Centre, in Long Lane, Hillingdon.

by Lyn Fahmy

SO STRANGE THAT ALL THOSE YEARS AGO
I WASN'T WISE ENOUGH TO KNOW
THAT EVERYTHING I THOUGHT I'D GOT
LAY IN THE LAND THAT TIME FORGOT.