insideKENT Magazine Issue 70 - January 2018 | Page 125

CHARITY
KENT WOMAN SMASHES £ 5,000 FOR MS
A Kent mother , writer and businesswoman has raised more than £ 5,000 for the MS Society by running the New York Marathon – the day after her 50th birthday .
Former BBC journalist and author , Siobhan Stirling from Tunbridge Wells , ran the marathon as the first of 50 challenges she intends to complete in her 50s , and as the launch of 50 Challenges – a global community of people redefining mid and later life . She created the movement to inspire her peers to join her in pushing their boundaries , celebrating life and achieving more than they ever thought possible .
The second challenge of Siobhan ’ s 50 Challenges is to raise £ 50,000 for the MS Society before she turns 60 , in support of two of her best friends who live with multiple sclerosis ( MS ). She was boosted towards her first milestone of £ 5,000 for the New York Marathon by sponsorship from CapitalSpace , which provides business accommodation for more than 650 small and medium-sized enterprises in their nine business centres in Kent , Essex , Surrey and Bedfordshire .
Nicky Turner , area fundraiser at the MS Society , commented : “ We ’ re thrilled that Siobhan has set herself such an ambitious target to raise £ 50,000 for the MS community and we ’ re delighted that CapitalSpace have helped her get off to a flying start . Her challenges over the next 10 years will help us support more than 100,000 people living with MS in the UK and drive innovative research into the condition .”
You can find more about the movement at www . 50challenges . org .
NEW ROMNEY VOLUNTEERS AWARDED BY HRH THE PRINCESS ROYAL
MCARTHURGLEN ASHFORD NAMES HOME START ASHFORD & DISTRICT AS 2018 CHARITY OF THE YEAR
A New Romney couple was among dedicated volunteers from across the UK who had their endeavours recognised by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal at the annual RYA Awards ceremony in London .
The RYA Awards are presented to outstanding individuals or groups nominated by their sailing clubs or associations and selected by the RYA Awards Panel .
Zalan Paksy and Jane Glanida , described by Varne Watersports Club ( VWC ) as “ extraordinary volunteers ”, received an RYA Outstanding Contribution Award for their commitment to boating .
Zal and Jane ’ s contribution ensures that the club is friendly and inclusive , has a growing membership and has more children safely and confidently out on the water . Their children , Zane and Zara , have also encouraged many more youngsters to join along with their parents .
Zalan and Jane said of receiving their award : “ Although we are truly humbled by the nomination and the whole experience , we do not think of it as a personal award , we believe it ’ s a recognition of the club ’ s effort to enable hundreds of people every year to get access to watersport activities when they would not have a chance to do so otherwise . We personally thank all our supporters , helpers and partners enabling it to happen .”
McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Ashford is proud to announce Home Start Ashford & District as its 2018 Charity of the Year .
Committed to giving back to the local community , McArthurGlen Ashford will support the charity from the New Year through a variety of initiatives and activities , which will help aid its mission of supporting families in Ashford and the surrounding area .
McArthurGlen Ashford understands that children are the future and is delighted to be working with Home Start Ashford and District next year . The centre is committed to the wellbeing of our youth and truly values the great significance of providing philanthropic support for the next generation .
Peter Corr , centre manager at McArthurGlen Ashford says : “ We are proud to support an organisation so dedicated to the community ’ s youth . As 2018 Charity of the Year , McArthurGlen Ashford will work closely with Home Start Ashford & District to achieve its mission of providing the highest quality of services to families in the surrounding area . We are looking forward to bringing awareness to Home Start , raising funds and creating a positive environment for families in the area .”
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