The North Sea Dip!

Well we did it! On Sunday we did our North Sea Dip. It is fair to say the weather didn't behave itself! Soon as we got to the beach the rain and wind appeared like a storm, never-the-less positive as we all were, we was ready to go for our dip! All dressed in our finest Onesies and Pj's and anything else to help us from the cold. 

This is us getting ready for a picture for the local newspaper. I think this was colder than the sea itself.

I did quite enjoy the dip, laughing and screaming as we ran in. It was actually harder to get out than get in as all our Pj's were full of water. I am glad I had shoes on and didn't go for bare foot as they didn't take as long to warm up.

Here is a couple of action shots of me running out of the sea! 

I would just again like to say a HUGE thank you to everyone who has supported us and donated. My page is still open for a few more days. I will post back when we know the total of what we have raised for the Alzheimer's Society.

http://www.gofundme.com/647umc

Big Thanks! 

Lauren x

January Challenges!

Some of you may or may not know but on a Saturday I work at my local Argos retail store. Each year we have a chosen charity which we raise as much money as we can for. As part of a crazy team of retail staff we have decided to take a dip in the freezing cold North Sea in January in our Pj's! All in aid of the fantastic Charity the Alzheimer's Society. I have created an online donating page where you can give as little or as much as you like towards the cause. Please help!

The event will take place at the Bridlington Seaside on Sunday 26th January at 9.30am! If your local please come along and support! More the merrier! And please bring lots of towels and TEA!

Please find the link to the donating page here: http://www.gofundme.com/647umc

Also with Christmas and New Year out the way, many people are eager and ready to keep fit! I have been set a personal challenge by a family member to run 100km in January. I aren't the best runner but one week in I have tried to push myself as much as I can with my running. Here are a few of the distances I have done.

Up until today I have now run a distance of 16miles which is just over 25km so I am on track being a quarter of the way there and one week into the month. I'm determined to keep this going so will keep you updated on how I do.

I am also excited this week as I am hopefully coming to the end of some general painting and decorating in our 'office' I have really missed my book shelf and in excitement... ordered some lovely inspiring books! Can't wait for them to arrive! Yay!

Finally, thank you to everyone who has sponsored me and my colleagues for the North Sea Dip so far. I will be posting lots of pictures on the day! Unless we are in thick snow! :)

Emma Bridgewater for Red Nose Day at TKMax

Can you believe it.. It's nearly that time of year again for Comic Relief. Everyone- get your red noses! 

I was very excited to see this years lovely limited edition items for sale in aid of the charity! 

This lovely selection of home wares is by Emma Bridgewater is exclusive to TKMax! I think they are so funny and will definitely be flying out the shops! 

"Each item you buy could help Comic Relief change lives in the UK and Africa - so get baking, throw a party… or just raise a mug to Comic Relief on 15 March."

I love the funny jokes on these T-Towels! 

You can buy from any of this range online today: http://www.tkmaxx.com/page/icat/9401

Along with the lovely home ware range by Emma Bridgewater, we have the annual T-Shirt Designed by Stella McCartney. They are equally fun and comical! 

http://www.tkmaxx.com/get-your-red-nose-day-t-shirt-here/page/tshirts

Charity Auction for 'The Sick Children's Trust'!

I have recently been contacted about a local charity auction to raise money for the charity 'The Sick Children's Trust'. I have been asked if I would donate a piece of my work for this auction and I'm delighted to say yes! For such a fantastic cause!

Paul Dobson, from Bridlington, is undertaking a challenge to climb Base Camp Everest in November 2013. This will be an extremely physical challenge, the climb will take him to 5,640m altitude, covering 110kms over 14 days.

The Sick Children's trust has played a very important part in Paul's life, when his Grandson was urgently admitted to Leeds General Infirmary with Intussusception. 

Living in Bridlington and having to travel to Leeds was immense stress for the family. Eckersley house was then introduced to them as part of The Sick Children;s Trust, offering clean and comfortable accommodation where the whole family can stay close to their children's bedside.

For a family to stay in one of their homes it costs the Charity £30 per bedroom per night. The charity depends solely on donations and is not funded by the government. 

With your Help Paul hopes to raise £4,000 for Eckersley House, which will help them to continue to provide their fantastic services and continue to support other families with sick children.

Through Virgin Money Giving you can sponsor Paul online, here's the link :

uk.virginmoneygiving.com/PaulDobson53

Any local artists or businesses who wish to donate for the auction please feel free to get in touch. The date of the auction is still to be confirmed but I will keep you informed!

Read more about the charity here: 

http://www.sickchildrenstrust.org/our_houses/Eckersley_House/index.html

Thanks for Reading, Lauren.

Fundraising for Marie Curie Cancer Care!

With a very busy Bridlington for the Scooter Weekend! We knew the town's bars and pubs would be full of people for the scooter rally! So it was a great chance for us to get out our buckets and go collecting for Marie Curie Cancer Care! 

"Marie Curie Nurses are so important in our communities, they put caring back into nursing, looking after both patients and families in their own homes. A £20 donation pays for one hour of care."  

We had rain, wind and snow but that didn't stop us! Here is some of our group, Abbie and Sian! I have never done any collecting for charity before but was pleased to see how generous people are! And it is for such a great cause! 

Overall, I am pleased to announce we raised £225! 

I would just like to say a big thanks to everyone who donated! 

For More Information on the Charity and their Nurses check out their Website:

http://www.mariecurie.org.uk

Latest Fab New Buy!

Bought this great bargain bag yesterday and its for a great cause! This Orla Kiely tote shopper is for sale at Tesco and is only £4! Proceeds go to the Children's Cancer Charity,Clic Sargent! I think you should definitely get out and buy one! I LOVE mine!