News and events archive 2011
Aegon Masters Tennis, Royal Albert Hall
30th November 2011
This year’s event will see the singles field split into two separate tournaments.
ATP Champions Tour players such as Tim Henman, Goran Ivanisevic and Pat Rafter will compete in a six-man event and, a newly created four-man “Legends” group will see old favourites Jon McEnroe, Pat Cash and Henri Leconte renew their rivalry on court. Plus watch some really entertaining doubles led by the inimitable Mansour Bahrami, who will be joined by the singles players & double’s specialists Mark Woodforde Peter McNamara.
Tickets: £139 Includes a drink reception / canapés / hot food & complimentary drinks. + entry into a draw where you could win items of signed memorabilia from stars such as Andre Agassi & Andy Murray.
All enquiries to Michael Heal:
Tel: 0775 157 1936
E: michael.heal@btconnect.com
Contact UCARE:
E: ucare@ucare-oxford.org.uk
01865 767777
Help us fill the Christmas Tree
The Small Charity Christmas Challenge is a festive fundraising initiative where UCARE can order jolly card tree decorations and sell these to our supporters to raise funds for urology cancer research and raising awareness. Your donation, of any amount, from £1 to any size ! should be made to UCARE.
You can write a message on the back of the card decoration if you wish; this can be a message of support or thank you - we will collect them and hang on the UCARE Christmas tree. All messages will be sent these back to the FSI, who will use all the collected messages to create a PDF book showing the achievements of the charities involved.
Reserve your tree decorations now… A photo of the Christmas tree will be posted as it fills up with your messages…
Kilimanjaro Challenge for Paul Aram
Climb Date - 7th October 2011
An update from Paul…
Well I made it!
What a fantastic experience, at the top we were higher than internal African flights at 18,000 feet. It was bitterly cold at the top, especially during the night when we were climbing the last 1000m, down to -10c. I ended up with wind burn to my face and ice all down the right hand side of my coat\hat.
Thumping headaches and stomach cramps meant it was a slow ascent and I needed a check at the top to see if I was able to get to Uhuru - the very top.
But it was well worth the effort. A big thank you to everyone who sponsored me, I hope to have hit my target of £2000.
- Visit Paul's Justgiving page.
- Read Paul's blog to find out more about his climb.
Read more about why Paul took on the challenge…
“A few years ago, I spent some time at the Churchill with some minor ailments and came into contact with some of the people working with this charity. Oxford is a hotbed of research and through this research we might just find new ways of treating more serious conditions such as cancer.
Anyway, here I am now hoping to raise some funds to help the research - which may just one day save someone's life, so it would be fantastic if you could dig deep and donate towards my attempt to climb Kilimanjaro.
Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and the highest free standing mountain in the world at 3.6 miles high, 5895m or 19,344 feet. There are higher mountain "ranges", but they don't count ;-). Kili is a mostly an extinct volcano - Kibo is dormant. The height brings its own problems - cold and lack of oxygen, so this makes it quite a tough challenge. Only 40% reach the summit - I'm not offering a refund if I don't make the summit - but that is my aim.”
Paul Aram
BBC Oxford Get Active walking group
Our grateful thanks to Phil Mercer and the BBC Oxford Get Active walking group who recently raised funds for UCARE. The walking group is a great way of meeting people and getting exercise at the same time. They walk about 5 or 6 miles at a pace to suit everybody and try to go to a different part of Oxfordshire each month.
The route usually includes footpaths which may be muddy, so boots or sturdy shoes are advisable. Well behaved dogs are always welcome! They usually head to a pub afterwards for lunch! Visit their blog for more information.
Modern Masters Exhibition
Saturday 17th - Tuesday 20th September 2011
Thanks to The Edward Barnsley Workshop, Tom Coates, Peter Page and Johannes von Stumm for donating to the silent auction. The preview evening was a great success attracting a large number of guests. It was lovely to see our Patron, Gerald Seymour and his wife there and trustees Tony Henman and Andrew Protheroe. Our particular thanks to Clive and Tori at Dreweatts for organising the event and for the delightful canapés and wine served throughout the evening.
Read more about the event…
UCARE and the Directors of Dreweatts & Bloomsbury Auctions are delighted to invite you to the Modern Masters Exhibition
Local craftsmen with an international reputation who have donated pieces or promises to be sold in a silent auction throughout the exhibition.
Furniture, Painting, Jewellery & Sculpture. One off pieces to view and buy in support of UCARE!
The exhibition will include work by:
- The Edward Barnsley Workshop
- Tom Coates
- Peter Page
- Johannes von Stumm
The exhibition will be held at Donnington Priory, Donnington, Newbury, Berks, RG14 2JE
Private View: Friday 16th September - please contact 01865 767777 if you would like a ticket.
- Download the exhibition leaflet (pdf) for more information about the exhibitors and the event.
- Press information on the Dreweatts website
UCARE Golf Day 2011
Friday 9th September
Once again we thank Studley Wood Golf Club for laying on such a fabulous day’s golf and wonderful food.
Join us next year on 7th September 2012.
Land's End to John O'Groat's Bike Ride
7th September 2011
Our very grateful thanks to the gang who were well over half way and crossed the border into Scotland on the 14th September – photos to come … watch this space.
Read more about the event…
Many of you will know Mark Sullivan, Consultant Urological Surgeon. On the 7th September, together with Chris Blick, Tom Kippax and Peter Allison he will starting out on a Lands End to John O’Groats bike ride to raise funds for UCARE.
In 12 days, they will be taking in Penzance, Launceston, Taunton, Hereford, Warrington, Sedburgh, Dumfries, Dumbarton, Fort William, Beauly, Helmsdale.
If you, or your company, would like to sponsor this journey please let us know. In particular, they need a ‘back up’ van to follow them on their journey ~ can you help? Email us or call 01865 767777.
As always, with our very grateful thanks for your support.
- You can donate on line, and leave a message of encouragement
Ex Home Run
11th - 19th August 2011
A team of 12 cyclists from 78 Sqadron and RAF Benson intend to recreate an escape route taken by George Duffee a 78 Sqn bomber pilot from WW2.
This route will take us from Holland through Belgium and across France where we will finish with a climb across the Pyrenees on the night of 17th Aug 2011 to coincide with the 70th Anniversary of the first escape down the Comete Line.
“Our two nominated charities for this event are UCARE and The British Red Cross with 45% of monies collected going to each of the charities. The other 10% will go to the Escape Lines Memorial Society (ELMS) in thanks for their help in setting up this event.
Visit the ELMS site to get more information abut the escape route and to see a map
In order to raise as much money as we can for all charities involved we need to get maximum publicity for the event, Bill Sheppard for the Guardian is accompanying the expedition to document it.”
78 Sqn C Flt, RAF Benson
You can support the team through their CharityGiving page.
Main Events List
- 78 Sqn Memorial Dedication: 8th April 2011 (date time tbc), RAF Benson
- Charity Day Oxford: 2nd April 2011, 0830 - 1700, Bonn Square
- Charity Day Reading: 23rd April 2011 0,830 - 1700, Broad St
- ELMS Annual Meeting: 29th - 30th April 2011, York
- Ex Home Run Main Event: 11th - 19th August 2011, Europe
- Charity Dinner: 11th November 2011, RAF Benson
Country and Western evening at the White Horse
July 2011
Once again, we thank Derek Townsend and every one at the White Horse in Kings Sutton for fundraising for UCARE at their Country and Western evening.
Thame Swimming Club AGM
Sunday 26th June 2011
On 26th June 2011, Thame Swimming Club held their 3rd Annual General Meeting in the nicely air conditioned Dance Studio at Thame Leisure Centre. The meeting started with Greg Smith, (Swim 21 & Fundraising Secretary) presenting the cheque for the £1020 raised at the Swim A Mountain event to Jean Simmonds from UCARE. Read more on their website
More about the “Swim a Mountain” event
Red Kite Ramble
Sunday 26th June 2011
After a very successful launch last year, The Clare Foundation joined with The Chiltern Society again to organise The Red Kite Ramble - two sponsored walks through the Chilterns (one 5 miles the other 10 miles in distance) starting and finishing at the Foundation's Saunderton site.
Garden party at Broughton Castle
Saturday 18th June 2011
Thank you to our Patrons Lord and Lady Saye & Sele for hosting the UCARE summer garden party.
This quintessentially English family event included a combination of entertainment, refreshments with the most spectacular backdrop of Broughton Castle near Banbury.
Walkley Midnight Walk
11th June 2011
The Rotary Club of Swindon Thamesdown organised their 22nd Annual through the night sponsored walk along the Ridgeway. The walk started at The Red Lion Public House, Avebury (SN8 1RF) taking in Hackpen Hill, Barbury Castle, Ogbourne Downs, Liddington Castle and finishing at the Bishopstone Village Hall (SN6 8PH).
The Rotary Club of Swindon Thamesdown organise the event completely free of charge to the participants. The walkers can raise money for the charity of their choice.
At the finishing point at the Bishopstone Village Hall was open to welcome the walkers with a hearty breakfast and hot drinks.
A presentation night will take place at 7.30pm on Tuesday 19th July 2011 at the Holiday Inn, Swindon (SN3 6AQ) where all cheque's will be presented to the various charities. The Rotary Club of Swindon Thamesdown will be pleased to welcome all walkers, their families and their chosen Charity representatives at this event.
For further information about the Walkley Midnight Walk please visit the club's website.
The 32nd year of the Otmoor Challenge
Saturday 4 June 2011
The first Saturday in June is well established on the runners' calendar as "Otmoor Day" and we welcome runners from a wide area covering the South and Midlands - over 350 in 2010.
The variation of terrain has its own unique appeal and the 'challenge' is on. Walkers too enjoy the footpaths and bridleways of the area. Many entrants return year after year to take in the views and birdlife, much improved by the very active presence of the R.S.P.B.
Our grateful thanks to Rosemary and Keith Palastanga who took part in this event raising £750 for UCARE.
Rosemary who works at a GP surgery in Winslow and Keith a driver at the Churchill hospital completed the 13 mile walk in 3½ hours
“We did the walk to raise money for the charity and to celebrate 20 years since Rosemary was diagnosed with kidney cancer. Thanks to everyone that supported us.”
David Cranston 4 Peaks challenge
June 2011
UCARE trustee, David Cranston with two colleagues climbed the 4 Peaks again 10 years on from their last effort. Somewhat older but not much wiser, they will be challenging a younger generation from the same families.
Over 48 hours they will hoped to climb 14,000ft up and down Helvellyn, Snowdon and Carantouhill, Ben Nevis four of the highest peaks in Scotland, England, Wales and Ireland.
- You can still support him on his fundraising page
Prague Marathon
May 2011
We would like to thank Tom Grunsell and Jamie Briant who completed the Prague Marathon for UCARE.
Oxford to Paris Cycle Ride
On the 14th May, Lizzy Musgrove and friends undertook this bike to reach Paris.
Oxford win 2011 Xchanging Boat Race
Crew member, Simon Hislop began rowing at school aged 15. Won Student Coxed Fours at Henley in 2004 and the Visitors Challenge Cup in 2008. Selected in the Great Britain VIII for the U23 World Championships in 2005, but had to pull out due to injury. Diagnosed with testicular cancer in April 2010, but after surgery is back to full health.
Keen to raise awareness Simon Hislop says…
“the motivation behind not keeping the whole cancer thing to myself: it doesn't have the profile that I think such a cancer should. Young guys just aren't really aware of the need for checking themselves and what a significant benefit early intervention has on the management of the disease.”
Thame Swimming Club - “Swim a Mountain”
Sunday 27th March 2011
Many of you will know that UCARE Patron Simon Burnett, is also a Patron of Thame Swimming Club. Fundraising for UCARE and the club, Swim a mountain started with about 45 swimmers.
First to finish swimming Everest was George Finch, Boys Squad Capt, closely followed by Boys Squad Vice Capt James Goetz - both completing 354 lengths of 8850m. They both did a 150m cool down swim to complete 9km this evening. First to finish a mountain was James Newton who did 89 lengths to swim Mount Kosciusko, (it's in Australia apparently).
Thame Swimming Club Fundraising & Swim 21 secretary, Greg Smith, did a fantastic job organising the event which ran pretty much like clockwork. Our grateful thanks to everyone who took part and raised vital funds for UCARE.
Spinathon
Saturday 26th March 2011
Our grateful thanks to Paddy Pollard (a researcher based in Oxford) who organised a 3 hour "spinathon" to raise funds for UCARE.
Find out more or make a donation at www.justgiving.com/ucare-spinathon
Evening at the Royal College of Surgeons
30th March 2011
Our gala dinner at the Royal College of Surgeons is in Lincoln's Inn Fields, London was a marvellous event - thank you to every one involved.
Out of the Blue charity concert
26th February 2011
The famous Oxford Cappella Group performed for one night only, a concert in aid of UCARE.
Out of the Blue, fresh from their successful US tour and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival are one of Oxford's brightest stars…
“This really was such a fantastic event to be part of. Really very memorable - and all the boys had such a fantastic time. So glad to have been involved - and it means a lot to hear what it meant to the audience and that the money raised has real impact on people's lives. I count myself so privileged to be able to be a part of things such as this; really it is such a wonderful opportunity.”
Total raised for the Out of the Blue concert: - £1828
