We thought it useful to have a web based newsletter, so that friends and supporters can see what has been happening on a more regular basis than our usual written reports.
A pilot study of younger oral cancer patients’ experiences during their journey through pre-diagnostic NHS care. (A full copy of this project outline can to be sent electronically on request). All patient interviews based in Edinburgh, the Lothians and the West of Scotland have now been completed: these have now been sent to the University of Bath for analysis. As soon as this has been carried out, a report will be posted on this site.
It is with great regret that I have to report the death of Sir Peter this summer. Peter was a great supporter of the trust over many years, not only in financial matters but most importantly with encouragement and advice. Always interested in what we were doing, he brought great knowledge and pragmatism to all advice he gave. Our condolences to Lady May Main.
I have to report a very active period here and many thanks to all individuals who have contributed in all manner of ways.
Starting in Summer 2007. Through Scotland's Gardens scheme, the gardens in and around West Linton opened giving a percentage of takings to The Trust. On the days in question the weather behaved perfectly (somewhat surprisingly) and the event raised £617. Many thanks to Trish Kennedy and all those West Linton gardeners who so generously gave their time to the event.
Clare Farnsworth, a dental nurse in the oral surgery department, and friends organised a staff bake and raised £110, not only raising money but also awareness.
Through this year’s organiser, David Sutherland, the University of Dundee Dental School continued with their tremendous support that has gone on for many years. They raised funds for three charities by having a slave auction of students (not as dodgy as it sounds). A good evening was had by all and £2,210 was raised for The Trust. We have a great arrangement in that they raise the money, then we pay back 50% to their patients’ fund.
It is probably not well enough known, but the RBS actively encourages their staff to be involved in charity work. Through their ‘Community Cashback’ scheme, RBS has donated £250 a year over many years because Val Bennett, our Treasurer, works for the bank. Many thanks both to RBS and to Val for all her sterling work.
Elizabeth Herman very generously ran the London Marathon for us on the 13th April in memory of her sister Joan Cunningham. Joan died of oral cancer just before Ben. This was Elizabeth’s first marathon and she did fantastically well, completing it in 3 hours 47.26 (well within her target 4 hours), raising £2178. She said that she would have finished sooner had it not been for there being so many people in the way! A special thanks to Elizabeth, her husband Andrew, and her mother Georgie, who have helped in so many ways over the years. (We hope to be able to post a photo shortly of the event)
Lead by Micheal McAuliffe, a great team of Doctors associated with Maxillo Facial Surgery, Dentistry and a med student ran on the 4th May 2008. Fiona Campbell (who has very generously run for us before), Eoin Mills, Anthony James, Angela Dickson, Marie Gavin, Neil McCulloch and Victoria Nason raised over £1000: well done. See the photos for the drama of it all.
Stuart Taylor, my nephew, completed this event (one of the stages of the Tour de France) on the 6th July and raised around £4,000. See his page on justgiving.com. He finished in 8 hours 53 minutes, coming 4,497 out of 7,500 finishers. Well done, phew! To quote Stu, “I even have a cheap gold medal to prove it. The weather was apalling, rain drizzle all the way and the big climbs took us into the clouds.” In thanking his sponsors he says, “In the last few miles, in my case up a very steep hill, it is very motivating to think of all the individuals who have contributed to The Ben Walton Trust in this way. So thank you.”
What more can I say, but a very big thank you to all those individuals, and a particular mention here to the Pyet Deli of West Linton, who time and time again generously support our work by way of regular fundraising. We have this year joined justgiving.com, which is a very effective and efficient fundraising method. Thanks for donations are instantly issued with a receipt and 'Gift Aid' collected and sent to our bank account. See the justgiving Ben Walton Trust page.
We are always open to suggestions and new ways of fundraising. Anyone wanting to run a marathon or race for us, please give good advance warning to the race organisers as you usually have to register well in advance to enter and be considered as a supported charity. A big thank you to all.
Michael Walton
for and on behalf of the Trustees of The Ben Walton Trust