We are now in a position to present the draft details of this wonderful opportunity to visit Tanzania, experience a two day safari, take part in a cultural tour, spend a day and a half at the Cicely Peace Matunda School and Orphanage as well as climbing the highest free standing mountain in the world. Click here to read full programme details and how to apply

PAST EVENTS

Forty Three Women and Ten Bridges

The Willow Foundation celebrated its Ten Year Anniversary by gathering a group of 43 women together to walk along the River Thames in London and over ten bridges.

In fancy dress and great humour teams from Christchurch, South East London, Middlesex, Cambridge and Hertfordshire set off from Vauxhall Bridge and finished at St Katherine’s Dock after crossing Tower Bridge. The weather was kind and a memorable time was had by all.

Willow Foundation founders Bob and Megs Wilson were able to see the Christchurch team off on their way to London from the South Coast at 7.00 am and said, “We were thrilled Cicely were able to organise this wonderful event and thank you so much to everybody who raised money to provide special days for seriously ill young people.”

GALA DINNER SUCCESS

The second Cicely Gala Dinner held at the Royal Bath Hotel in Bournemouth in October proved to be a fabulous success. Friends, family and supporters arrived from all over the UK and guests flew in from Ireland, Switzerland and France. A great evening of fun and entertainment was had by all.

Scott Charlton did a fantastic job as M.C. and guests listened with interest to our Honorary Patron, Bob Wilson OBE, tell fascinating stories from his life in football and as a TV presenter.

Well done to Bournemouth Collegiate School, Grant James and The Rat Pack for really getting the evening swinging.

As ever, the auction and casino proved popular and we were absolutely delighted to raise a staggering £26,000 to support projects at Julia’s House Children’s Hospice, Demelza House Children’s Hospice, Cicely Peace Matunda School and Orphanage and Bournemouth’s Youth Cancer Trust.

Thanks to the Gala Dinner committee of Caroline Welsh, Fran May, Fiona Langridge and Christine Langton for all their hard work and the wonderful group of volunteers who gave up their time to help on the night.

LONDON MARATHON

It was a warm day for April as the 35,000 runners set off from Greenwich Park for the recent London Marathon. To see so many runners spill through the gates, each with a cause close to their hearts was quite a sight. To train for such an event is a huge commitment and it was great to see the brave and determined former London Fireman, Mick Lee, representing the Cicely Foundation.

Mick had an impressive start and managed the first half of the course in well under two hours. At 20 miles he said, “My body just blew up and I was struggling”. Despite the sweltering heat he ploughed on and went over the finish line just missing the magic four hour mark – an amazing feat for someone who has never run anything like this before.

Mick wishes to say a big thank you to all those who supported and encouraged him and all your donations. A fantastic sum of almost £4,000 was raised for Demelza House and Julia’s House the two Cicely-linked Children’s Hospices.

Ireland North To South 9th- 14th April 2009

Over Easter a resolute group of Bromley Rugby Club members cycled from Malin Head to Mizen Head, the whole of Ireland north to south, to raise funds for Cicely! Covering 410 miles they experienced some wonderful hospitality and some fairly mixed weather.

With the total money raised in the region of an amazing £13,000 we owe the whole team a great big thank you! Money raised will support Demelza House and Julia’s House the two Cicely-linked Children’s Hospices.

Special thanks to Laing O’Rourke, Paul Collins employers, who donated a huge and impressive £5,000.

Indian Motorcycle Challenge 18th-27th October 2008

Cicely Foundation Chairman, Steve Cliffen, recently completed the Indian Motor Bike Challenge and returned to the UK in one piece despite tackling some very difficult biking conditions. These included off road mountain passes as well as negotiating the chaotic Delhi traffic.

Steve said, “The expedition was far more challenging than expected but it was a wonderful experience”. Although India has one of the fastest growing economies in the world the gap between the ‘haves’ and the ‘have not’s’ is very evident. The intensity of India’s colours, smells, tastes and sounds are immense. You are left stunned by the beauty of the land and wonderful demeanour of the people.

Many thanks to those who supported the venture particularly C.W. Fellowes Accountancy of Hampshire for their generous contribution which will go directly to the Youth Cancer Trust in Bournemouth.

Billy Conquered Africa's Highest Mountain!

Cicely Foundation director Billy Cliffen has just returned from Tanzania having successfully reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Billy quoted “It was very tough at times, particularly dealing with the altitude, but I had great fun and it was definitely a once in a lifetime experience!”

Billy would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their generous donations and/or assistance. Over £1000 was raised through ‘Billy2Kili’ for the Cicely Foundation.