To help make it happen, EOSA has launched a Crowdfunding campaign. Donations can be made directly, or supporters can claim rewards from local businesses, including Piccolo Lounge, Poets House, and ActivePlay Education.

Find out more and donate here: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/help-bring-padel-to-ely

What is Padel?

Padel is the world’s fastest-growing racket sport—a fun, social mix of tennis and squash played on an enclosed court about a third of the size of a tennis court. It’s easy to learn, highly sociable, and suitable for all ages and abilities.

Currently, there are around 90,000 padel players in the UK, but the LTA expects this to grow to 600,000 by 2026. Despite this rapid growth, the nearest padel courts to Ely are in Cambridge, Bury St Edmunds, or St Ives. EOSA wants to change that and bring padel to Ely.

Why Support EOSA?

EOSA is a not-for-profit, volunteer-led organisation based behind Ely Leisure Village. It provides sports and social facilities for Ely Tigers Rugby Club, Ely City Hockey Club, Ely Tennis Club, and the wider community.

EOSA’s day-to-day running costs are covered by club memberships and facility hire, but extra funding is needed to build the padel courts.

Alongside Crowdfunding, EOSA is applying for grants, with the goal of completing the courts this summer. Once built, the courts will be available through padel membership or pay-to-play options, making them affordable and accessible for everyone.

How You Can Help

EOSA is asking for the community’s support to make these courts a reality.

• Donate—every contribution, big or small, makes a difference!
• Claim a reward from a local business in exchange for your support.
• Businesses can donate vouchers, products, or services to be offered as rewards in the Crowdfunding campaign.

Businesses that contribute will help expand Ely’s sporting facilities while also gaining valuable exposure within the local community.

For more details or to offer business support, email Julia Gilbert at padel.eosa@gmail.com.

With your help, we can bring padel to Ely—let’s make it happen!

The post Help Bring Padel to Ely! appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

IN CELEBRATION OF THE BEAST’S 25 YEARS WE ARE BRINGING BACK OUR PREMIUM RUNNING EVENT TO SUTTON.

ON SUNDAY 19TH OCTOBER WE ARE PROUD TO PRESENT…

• THE BEAST’S ‘RUN 10 IN THE FEN’

An out and back 10k or 5k across the beautiful and (mainly!) flat Cambridgeshire Fens between Sutton and Chatteris. Every level of runner can take part

To enter at Early Bird 15% off prices and for all event info click the link below using promo code ‘ROAR’ at checkout for a further 10% off. This offer ends 8th Feb.

For groups of 4 to 8 a 10% discount is automatically applied!

Once entered use our ‘running mate’ referral link for further discounts. (10% for them, £2.50 off future events for you!).

ALL PROFITS GO TO ‘BREAST CANCER NOW’

ENTRIES ARE NOW OPEN

ADDRESS TO ENTER:

• https://www.suttonbeast.com/e/10-in-the-fen-12806

100% profits go to our charity ‘Breast Cancer Now’

England Athletics approved (license pending)

10k officially measured route (certificate pending)

Minimum ages: 5K -11 years / 10K – 15 years

Part of the Sutton Feast Committee’s 2025 programme of events

Event director, Martin Pickering says:  “The Sutton Beast’s events have been great to put on for the local community, and for them to support the events for 25 years is brilliant.  We are very excited to bring back our iconic 10K run this year to celebrate this milestone”

Organised by runners…for runners!

Sponsored by #Cheffins #ftrsuspension #Joys Café #Bretts Transport

HISTORY:

For the Millennium Celebrations of 2000, a 10k Multi -Terrain Run was organised and implemented in Sutton.

Named ‘The Sutton Feast Beast’, it established itself in the running calendar with great success. In it’s latter years the 10k was re-named ‘The Tony Robinson Memorial Run’ in memory and tribute to the organiser who passed away.

Alongside this main event was ‘The Sutton Mini Beast’, a 2.5k fun run aimed at non serious runners, children and families.

The last few years we changed things up. We rested our 10k and Fun Run’s but introduced a brand new event for all the family called The Sutton Beast’s Big Colour Blast, which was a morning of colour and mayhem, which is likely to come back in the future.

This year for our 25 year celebration we brought back the iconic 10K plus a new 5k option.

Our key aim has always been and continues to be for this event to be friendly, welcoming, and open to the whole community. Please show your support by entering or coming to support family and friends on the day.

We are non-profit making and all money raised after costs goes to our chosen charity ‘Breast Cancer Now’.  Last year we donated circa £1700

CONTACT:

For further information contact The Race Director: Martin Pickering on 07484079879

FB: Facebook.com/suttonbeast

Instagram: @Suttonbeast10

The post THE BEAST ROARS BACK! appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

Sam Oakhill, Madison Ford and Elena Fraser will all represent England Under 17s in Eindhoven at the end of June, whilst Josh Braybrook and Piper Froment will travel to Czech Republic in mid-July for an Under 15s International Tournament.

The Vikings have seen a good number of their players being picked for international duty over the past few years, and it comes as no surprise that the club will have yet more representation in multiple England squads this summer.

Sam, Madison and Elena have all been attending the England Academy for some time now, and were all selected for the last Under 17s World Cup in 2023, where England finished 7th overall.

The three Korfballers, along with the rest of the England U17 squad, are raising money to fund their World Cup campaign in the Netherlands, and are taking part in a 2600 mile virtual sponsored walk.

Josh and Piper, who have both been attending the England Regional U15 Academy, are also looking to raise money for their trip to the Czech Republic.

Funding is vital for all five players to allow them to represent England in their respective international tournaments and help grow Korfball in this country.

Korfball is a mixed-team sport, consisting of four male and four female players on each team, that caters to all age groups and abilities.

The game, which is similar to basketball and netball, involves aiming to throw the ball into a 3.5-metre-high basket to score points.

Ely Vikings cater for players from the ages of seven up to 70, and train on Monday evenings at the Hive leisure centre.

For more information visit www.elyvikings.com or search for Ely Vikings on Instagram and Facebook.

(Written by Alex Oakhill)

Press Release from Ely Vikings Korfball Club.

The post Five Ely Vikings Players to Represent England on the International Stage appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

Well some of the team from Stretham Football club decided to take it to another level and undertake a combined one hour ice bath challenge, to raise valuable funds for the Caring from Cambridgeshire’s Homeless group – https://
www.facebook.com/groups/664504283747356

The aim of the group is to offer support to the homeless and vulnerably housed in
Cambridgeshire, where small teams of volunteers take out donated items of hot drinks, food, toiletries, clothing and any items that may bring a bit of comfort to a persons life on the street.

The challenge kicked off shortly after 12.30pm, Sunday 25th February, after a mad rush to collect in excess of 200kg of ice that morning.

Members of the team, wearing just their swimwear and a beanie took to the challenge like a polar bear to the snow! The guys ended up doing a combined time of over 70 minutes in water around 0 degrees in temperature.

Participants pictured left to right below were Jake Scott-Paul, Jordan Martin, Dan Piggott,
James Holland, Jake Coulstock, Ben Blackburn, Aaron Makinson, Harry Black, Nigel Ashiono, George Morris, Harrison Platt, Jamie Cranwell, George Marsden and Simon Wicks.

The lads initially set out to raise £1,000, but raised the bar to £2,500 following great early traction.

At time of writing they have surpassed £3,800. The money raised will go towards supplies
(sleeping bags, clothing etc) and food for the charity outreaches.

Their Just Giving page remains open for a short period of time for anyone that wishes to donate now the challenge is completed – https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/teamicebath

The event was sponsored by Ely based company, Soopa Doopa Branding who as well as donating, kitted the guys out with beanies and towels on the day.

Special thanks to everyone involved, Debbie Fairhurst and Steve Aldhouse from the charity who attended the event in person to show support, and to each and every person that took the time to follow the journey and donate to this amazing cause.

Written by Jake Scott-Paul

The post Soopa Doopa Ice Bath Challenge appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

Members of the squad (most of which wouldn’t even have a cold shower) will take it in turn on the 25th February to complete a combined time of one hour within an ice bath.

The aim is not only to raise valuable funds for the group, but also awareness for what it is like being sat in that type of cold condition, of which the homeless experience on a regular basis.

The Caring For Cambridgeshire’s Homeless group offers support to the homeless and vulnerably housed in Cambridgeshire. Small teams of volunteers take out donated items of hot drinks, food, toiletries, clothing and
any items that may bring a bit of comfort to a persons life on the streets. They also put emergency food bags together for struggling families.

Any money raised will go towards supplies (sleeping bags, clothing, wipes etc) and food for their outreaches.

They often need new flasks, trollies, food containers, cups etc etc. The list goes on.
Any donation is very much appreciated and can be made via: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/teamicebath

Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/664504283747356

The post One Hour Ice Bath for Caring For Cambridgeshire’s Homeless appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

We are pleased to announce that with your kind support and generosity we have raised £2,000 for The East of England Children and Young People’s Diabetes Network. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Congratulations to the winning team – Billy Mills, Jon Jerome, Dave Kolo and Gary Saunders.

Nearest the pin – Patrick Shone and Putting Competition – Chris Page.

We look forward to next year’s event!

Press release from Absolute Sense

The post Absolute Sense Charity Golf Day appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

Four-legged friends and their “paw-some” humans are invited to join Lead On – a sponsored walk throughout the month of September.

The challenge involves completing 90km (56 miles) over 30 days from 1st September. Funds raised will provide care for people in Cambridgeshire living with an advanced serious illness or life-limiting condition, and help ensure their loved ones can access much needed support.

Precious pooches (with their human!) can complete their walks at any time, in any location and at their own pace. Each dog will receive a dog bandana, treats kindly donated by Grumpy’s pets store and the chance to win an Animo Dog Tracker with the compliments of Smart PetCare.

Human supporters of all ages are welcome on the proviso they have (or can borrow) a dog! 

Sarah Clayton, Community Fundraiser at Arthur Rank Hospice Charity, said: “Lead On is a fantastic new event which will bring dog lovers together to help fund patient care. Completing regular walks throughout September is a great way of boosting wellbeing and fitness as well as exploring new dog-friendly locations”.

“Via our Community Facebook page, we’ll be supporting the dogs and their walkers and encouraging everyone to share tips, progress and cute pics. Our supporters’ dedication, commitment and generosity are invaluable in sustaining services for people requiring hospice care in our community.”

To find out more about Lead On and to register please visit https://www.arhc.org.uk/fundraising/fundraise-your-way/community-initiatives/lead-on-dog-walking-challenge/ or call 01223 675888.

press release From Arthur Rank Hospice Charity

The post Walkies! Paw-some new dog walk challenge appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

The fun started with some top tunes from our resident DJ and a fun warm-up by Sam Godfrey before an explosion of colour set everyone on their way  around the crazy course, armed with their own pack of coloured powder to throw as they went. 

There were three Blast stations to negotiate where everyone was covered by a hail of colour by our on course  Powder Ninjas, before going on to negotiate some tricky assault course like obstacles to complete the route.  Many of the participants went around again and again and were barely recognisable when they had finished!

The event was hosted by ITV’s very own Donovan Blake and was kindly supported by local businesses.

FTR Suspension – head sponsor. Cheffins, Bretts Transport, Treetops Soft Play and GVS – Godfrey’s Vehicle Services  

Event Organizer Martin Pickering said:  ‘We couldn’t have wished for it to have gone any better.  Everyone entered into the spirit of it, resulting in total colour carnage and loads of fun.  Also we are delighted to have raised a good sum for our chosen charity Breast Cancer Now, which means an awful lot to our organizing team who have been closely affected by the disease.

The money raised is enough to:

• Help 10 people affected by breast cancer get vital answers by calling our free Helpline. No question is too big or too small, and all calls are answered by breast care nurses and trained staff
• Pay for somebody with secondary breast cancer to attend a Living with Secondary Breast Cancer face-to-face group. These support people by giving them expert information and a space to meet others who are going through the same thing.

If you would like to donate please visit our Just Giving page: http://www.justgiving.com/page/suttonbeast-1689536552648

Photos credits: Lauren Young, Ryan Fernandez, Jane Green

Press release from Sutton Beast

The post Colour Carnage at The Beast’s Big Colour Blast appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

Visitors to the splash pad stall could find out more about the project and we had plenty of people, including local children, putting their loose change into our campaign piggy bank.

A splash pad is a free, fully accessible, water playground with jets, fountains and other play features for children of all ages to enjoy. There are already splash pads in Cambridge, Newmarket, and Wisbech, with another approved to go ahead in St Neots.

After discussions with both the City of Ely Council and East Cambridgeshire District Council it was concluded that a site could be made available adjacent to the Hive Leisure Centre in Ely. The committee have been asked by East Cambridgeshire District Council to run a feasibility study for the site and then submit a planning application.

A feasibility study is needed to cover:

• Physical site assessment for placement of water tanks and pumps
• Access to key utilities – water, drainage and electricity
• Landscaping
• Running of the site e.g. daily checks, provision of facilities e.g., toilets and refreshments

The money raised from this crowdfunding campaign will cover the costs of the feasibility study, as well as architectural drawings and the planning application fee. 

We are asking the local business community and individuals to donate to the crowdfunder to help enable these critical first stage activities to take place. If successful, funding from grants and further business sponsorship would be sought to fund the build of the splash pad. 

The committee would also love to hear from anyone else out there who can help us with the campaign. Skills in fundraising and project management would be particularly welcome. 

A splash pad would be a wonderful addition to the play facilities in Ely. Please help us to make it a reality for our young people to enjoy. 

You can find out more, donate to our crowdfunder and get in touch with the committee via our website: splashpadforely.wordpress.com 

You can also find us on Facebook at Splashpad for Ely, Cambs and on twitter @splashpad4ely 

Press release from Splash Pad for Ely

The post Splash Pad for Ely Campaign Crowdfunding Launch appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

In 2009 the first ‘Dorset Walk’ was launched with 30 students from Ely College walking 40 miles along the Jurassic Coast. The group managed to raise £6,000. It was, however, the experience and the sense of achievement that set the seed for hundreds more people to follow.

Now in 2023, the 15th annual walk is due to set off in just a few weeks. The total amount raised by the foundation is now in excess of £450,000 with the number of people impacted and involved up into the thousands.

With the organisers being predominantly secondary school teachers and the majority of the fundraisers are secondary students, a powerful aspect of the charity is that healthy young people know they are taking an active role to support those people who are less fortunate and need their support. In addition to this, the foundation is creating opportunities and challenges allowing these young people to push their boundaries and further their ambitions.

The charity is very much about making a difference to people and individuals. The biggest achievements to date include the transformation of the Woodlands Gardens at Hinchingbrooke Hospital Huntingdon and our current project, the Lakeside Retreat in Pidley. The retreat will provide free respite breaks for families and people affected by cancer.

The charity is always keen to support and fund other causes and has donated to support counselling, respite care, bereavement support, health care, wellbeing support, research amidst a whole spectrum of other causes.

In addition to the walk, each year we host a range of different fundraisers including: the 10 hours of sport; golf society fundraisers and netball tournaments. We are always looking to involve more people, more schools and have an even bigger impact.

Fifteen Years is a big milestone for us and to mark the event and celebrate all of our achievements so far as well as look to the future, we are hosting a Celebration Ball in Ely. We are very much looking forward to getting together with the supporters who have given their all to make the charity the success it is today.

Damien the founder said,

“The biggest sense of pride for me is what the charity does to people that take part in our events. Introducing young people to charity and seeing the sense of pride they experience when they realise the difference they are making is a wonderful feeling.”

“There are now so many people involved in what we do. The emotional and physical commitment from each of them is so incredibly rewarding.”

“I am excited to see the charity continue to grow into the future. Most of all, I hope that my children will continue to support me, to drive the charity forward, in memory of their grandfather, who they unfortunately never got to meet.”.

To find out more about the charity or if you would like to get involved/donate all information can be found at: http://tmwf.co.uk

or you can email us at themalcolmwhalesfoundation@gmail.com

Press release from The Malcolm Whales Foundation

The post Charity Walk – 15 Year Anniversary for The Malcolm Wales Foundation appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

Cambridgeshire’s premier brass dectet, Prime Brass, is to join 100 young American singers in Ely Cathedral on Tuesday 4th July for an Independence Day concert to celebrate the special relationship between the US and the UK. 

The concert, to include cathedral classics such as Zadok the Priest as well as American and British folk songs, will be conducted by Craig Jessop, former director of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, and Stan Engebretson, artistic director of America’s National Philharmonic Chorale both of them well-known figures in US music.  

This is the second big Independence Day concert in Ely Cathedral to be organised by concert promoters Music Celebrations International, who bring choirs, orchestras and bands from the USA to perform in Europe during the summer every year.  The previous concert, in 2018, commemorated 100 years since the end of World War 1. 

Prime Brass will open the concert with its own version of the overture from Rossini’s The Italian Girl in Algiers, arranged by Paul Garner.  Included in the programme will be old favourites from the UK such as Parry’s I was Glad, Stanford’s Beati Quorum and Vaughan Williams’ O Clap your Hands, as well as US favourites such as Randall Thompson’s Last Words of David and Stephen Paulus’ Pilgrim’s Hymn.    Prime Brass will also perform George Butterworth’s The Banks of Green Willow.

Crowning glory will be An Atlantic Bridge, a magnificent compilation of British and American folk songs for six soloists and choir, arranged by Mack Wilberg, director of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.  His works have been performed by a host of internationally known artists, such as Renée Fleming, Frederica von Stade, Bryn Terfel, the King’s Singers, Madeleine Albright, Walter Cronkite and Claire Bloom. 

The concert will finish with Somewhere from West Side Story, and An Irish Blessing arranged by James E Moore Jr.

The singers will come from some of the US’s premier choirs, including the National Philharmonic Chorale, the Peninsula Singers and the Providence Singers.

Ely Cathedral, Tuesday 4th July 2023, 7.30pm

Premium tickets cost £15, including preferential reserved seating and a glass of wine during the interval.  Other tickets £10 (unreserved). Concessions £8 in £10 seats. 

They are available from Ely Cathedral Box Office (Tel 01353 660349),

email: box.office@elycathedral.org or online from https://www.elycathedral.org/events.

All profits will go to East Anglian Air Ambulance

Press release from Ely Sinfonia

The post Prime Brass Join 100 Young Singers to Perform Independence Day Concert appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

The Committee is made up of just 8 Parents.

Highfield is a local Special Educational Needs School covering Ely and the surrounding areas.  All pupils have an Education, Health and Care Plan (previously known as Statement of Special Needs) for a significant, severe or complex learning difficulty which means their needs would not be met in mainstream education.  Many pupils have additional medical, sensory, communication and physical disabilities.

The need for fundraising:

In order to address the varied and complex needs of pupils at Highfield, the HFPA raises funds for equipment, services and facilities that cannot be met by statutory funds. Our fundraising has been especially challenging during recent years, as we have been unable to put on many of the events that we depend on to raise vital funds, due to Covid, recent rise in cost of living etc.

Our appeal:

Our latest fundraising project is to purchase 20 iPads with Grid 3 technology. This is a complete communication solution that enables the user to have a voice, control their environment and live a more independent life. It is designed for anyone with complex communication or access needs and includes a wide range of resources that the user can control with touch, switch, eye gaze and pointing devices. This technology will give a voice to many young people who attend Highfield who have previously not had one.

The 20 iPads with the technology pre-loaded will cost £10,000 which, as a small committee of around 8 parents and family members who have children who attend the school, is a huge target for us to raise, and therefore any support the community are able to offer in reaching our goal would be hugely appreciated.

So far, we have raised over £2,000 and hopefully a grant for £5,000.

If you would like to donate click here

Press release from Highfield Friends and Parents Association (HFPA)

The post Highfield Friends and Parents Association Fundraiser appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

By getting their “apple a day” (or two) from our bake stall and taking part in our Guess the Weight of the Cake competition, these supporters helped us raise almost £800! We are fundraising to replace the club’s main landing stage (an essential bit of kit that lets us safely get people and boats onto the river), and this is a terrific contribution towards the work. 

The cakes were homemade by a team of 18 rowers from the club (who still managed to row early on Saturday morning …), and supplemented by a generous contribution from the kitchens of the Royal Standard. We took the Apple Festival occasion very seriously and baked everything with apple we could think of.

Traditional toffee apples were popular and the first item to sell out, and we also introduced some customers to their first apple and cheese scones – delicious. Everything sold out by the end of the day!

The Guess the Weight competition was won by R Pegington with a highly impressive guess of 3.63 kg, just a few grams off the true weight of 3.652kg. Congratulations to anyone who guessed close to this!

Besides fundraising, we really enjoyed the chance to meet more locals interested in rowing here in Ely. If this is you, please do get in touch using the contact details on our website. Isle of Ely Rowing Club is an inclusive club that welcomes lots of beginners every year, besides experienced rowers (and rusty rowers).

We offer learn-to-row courses each year, where beginners get instruction in the basics and progress with others in the same boat (pun intended). We also have a partnership with Ely College that gives young people in Ely the chance to start rowing through school, and this highly successful project was recently awarded a Gemini Boat Race Bursary. 

To find out more about our fundraising for the landing stage, please take a look at our website and JustGiving page

Left: Mayor of Ely, Cllr Richard Morgan with Lyn Haynes

Right: Isle of Ely rowers Jill McCulloch, Lucia Goodall and Jo Williamson

Press release from Isle of Ely Rowing Club

The post Rowers Turn Bakers for Ely Apple Festival appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

Held at Ely City Football Club on the 17th September 2022. The night was a great success raising nearly £2k! The dinner and dance included food served by the wonderful Rotisseroll.

The event went well because of all the volunteers and musicians giving up their time for free and we were so grateful.

A BIG thank you to our entertainment David Picarra an amazing local singer and guitarist, Sammy Brooks the DJ, Amy Daly and Nikki Dyer-Scott dancers one of whom use to perform in the west end, all gave their time for free. Our raffle host local communications coach Jon Torrens delivered the raffle. There were also some spontaneous performances from the lovely Megan Langford and Melanie Read got on the mic with her rendition of Rollin on the River. The atmosphere was electric! 

Cicely and Twine donated the most beautiful flower displays and Ely City Football Club were absolutely amazing with support, running the bar and allowing us flexibility when rearranging their hall. The décor transformed the football club thanks to Amy Walton at Walton Events and a thank you to www.aplacesetting.co.uk for helping provide last minute glassware and cutlery.

Ely Football club is perfect place to hire for a party or event. 

Businesses who donated to our raffle:

2 x Tickets to Newmarket Races and Dinner Newmarket Nights

A Family ticket worth £56 at The Playground 

Love Lane Gift voucher and lovely things

£50 Steak & Honour Voucher 

Gift Voucher from Becky Case-Upton Soft Tissue Therapy and Reflexology 

House Of Pure Beauty Voucher 

The Prince Albert Pub Voucher 

The Royal Standard Pub Voucher 

Essential Health Ely £50 beauty Voucher 

Chris Beaumont Titleist – Signed golfer cap by Jordan Spieth famous golfer

The Tivoli – Golf and pizza for two at Tivoli 

MAGPAS Air Ambulance Visit to look behind the scenes of this life saving with Dan Read 

Ruby & Rose Beauty Voucher

Natalie Clarke Jewellery Voucher and Stud Earrings

Jim Dandy Barber Shop Voucher

Ely Grazing Company Gift Voucher

Real Santa Family Christmas Video Message from Santa

Costa Coffee Goodies

Nuzest Europe – Protein Powder

City Cycle Centre, Toy Dept. – Game

Why a ball and why these charities?

Felicity’s Story: Felicity is running the virtual London marathon on 2nd October and the London Marathon next April 2023. Two marathons! Just Giving link: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/fliss82

Jenni’s Story: My nephew Henry was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes a few years ago.

It threw his and my sister’s family’s world upside down. The worry of managing it, the worry of how his little life was being affected. Thanks to the development of various T1 technologies she is able to manage her son’s insulin intake daily and monitor his highs and lows.

I had to look after him one evening unexpectedly and have never been so scared feeling like his life was in my hands, but thanks again to technologies I had the scanner to read his levels – although panicked when the battery was low and was grateful it fit my kindle charger.

I would do anything to help cure T1 for my nephew, for my friend’s son and another friend’s little girl, and for everyone that has to deal with T1 daily. 

JDRF’s goal is to improve the lives of every person affected by T1D by accelerating progress on the most promising opportunities for curing, better treating, and preventing the disease.

Total profit raised for charity: £1,987

In aid of: Alzheimer’s Research UK and JDRF – Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Ltd  

Links to charities: 

Alzheimer’s Research UK: https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/

JDRF: https://jdrf.org.uk/

Press release from Event Organisers: The Masquerade Ball was organised by Felicity Reynolds and Jenni Homent

The post The Mask-querade Ball Raises 2k for Alzheimer’s Research UK and JDRF Diabetes Charities appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

The creation of Muddyboots Farm began in early 2022, when the school introduced rabbits and guinea pigs. Some older students work towards qualifications in Animal Care as part of their programme of study but the animals provide opportunities for all learners, ranging from therapeutic benefits to curriculum opportunities in Maths, English, Sciences, Communication and much, much more.

Chickens quickly followed and it was clear that more space was needed – Muddyboots Farm was born when an unused 160 square metre space was fenced off and repurposed to make it accessible to all. The school quickly fundraised for a Chicken “palace”, which gives plenty of space for the five chickens. Further to this, 2 pygmy goats joined the farm over the summer after the Highfield Friends and Parents Association (HFPA) had raised funds for a goat shed. A rabbit “mansion” is now also on the way.

Moving forward, the HFPA are raising further funds for a fully accessible fenced pond area where students will be able to experience pond dipping in safety. A car boot sale on October 1st on the school site aims to raise money for this part of the project. See poster below for details of how to book a pitch.

The school plans to open Muddyboots Farm up to small groups of visitors from local schools and other parts of the community from Spring 2023, giving Highfield students valuable work experience as guides and developing their confidence.

Press release from Highfields Ely Academy

The post Highfield Ely Academy Fundraising for a new Pond at Muddy Boots Farm appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

These group of daredevils (well Angels!) will be diving out of a plane in a group Skydive at 10,000 feet and let’s hope for a clear day!

It is a charity very close to the heart of many of the staff but also Business owner Faye Peters-Tucker, who lost both her grandparents to this terrible disease.

Faye commented “We are all really excited to be taking part in this challenge and I cannot believe the team will be jumping out of plane in a matter of days, which is a bit crazy and I am super grateful to all the team who are doing this phenomenal challenge!”

She added “We would like to raise as much money for this cause as we can, to be able to assist in finding a cure. These diseases turn our beloved family members into people we don’t recognise, and they do not recognise us. We feel that raising the money will help towards finding a cure for this awful disease, because we all want to remember our loved ones at their best and hate to watch them deteriorate in front of our eyes.”

Let’s get behind the team at Almost Angels and help the team smash their fundraising target and if you could help share their story which can be found within the link below:

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/aatf

Alzheimer’s Research UK work on researching these diseases to try and find a cure, and their aim is to have this by 2025.

To donate, please either use the link, or they are taking donations at the front desk in their studio on Forehill.

From Almost Angels Tattoo Family

The post Almost Angels Sky Diving for Alzheimer’s Research appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

Martin and his wife Hema tragically lost their daughter who was eight days overdue following a normal low risk pregnancy.

“We’d heard Mia’s heartbeat just a few hours before labour started and suspected nothing as we travelled to hospital, expecting to bring home our first child.

“In the years following Mia’s death my mental health declined as I started to suffer from depression, despite us going on to have two beautiful daughters – the impact of the loss was too great. I no longer cared if I was around.

“A wake-up call gave me a crossroads in my life; continue my decline or make positive changes,” says Martin. “Running was instrumental in picking me back up and continues to be my main support mechanism to help manage my mental health.

“I joined the amazingly supportive local running club, Ely Runners and have got a place in both the Great North Run and the London Marathon in the next few weeks, running for a charity close to my heart. Give me a wave if you spot me on one of my training runs around Ely.”

“I hope my story helps to raise awareness of baby loss and the impact it can have on families” concluded Martin.

If you can spare a small donation (even just a couple of pounds) that would be amazing – every pound helps to spur me on and helps to support Tommy’s: http://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Martin-Thorpe19

The post Keep On Running… appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

This is where cats are fostered before going onto their new lives. After Ely’s most famous cat passed away three years ago it was decided to have a pen named in his memory. Garfield (with a little help from owners David and Tina) had raised money for Cats Protection through a donation box in Sainsburys and a Just Giving page set up in his memory.

Royalties from a book written about Garfield’s adventures ‘What’s That Doing There?’ have also been donated to East Anglian Air Ambulance.

David has now commissioned local artist Sally Dunham to create a statue of Garfield, which he is hoping to be ready by next Spring and will be situated in Pocket Park.

A Go Fund Me page has been set up to help raise the £6500 needed. So far £1800 has been donated, and any excess raised will go to Cats Protection.

You can donate here: https://gofund.me/870f51a9

From Mr Sainsbury’s aka Garfield

The post Tribute to Mr Sainsbury’s at Ely Cats Protection appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

“Whilst organising a funeral for my brother, we (my niece and her uncle) spoke to a lovely lady called Shirley Jenkins who is the Warden of St Leonard’s Church in Little Downham, near Ely. St Mary’s church in Ely is closed for renovation so we were lucky enough to find this church was available.

We were going to live stream the funeral to family and friends (some are in Scotland and France) but we found out that we couldn’t as there wasn’t any Wi-Fi in the church.

Also we heard that Shirley wanted to modernise the weekly Sunday church services to encourage the younger generation to play more of a part. The internet could play a major part in this to provide live-stream, videos, hook up to other churches etc.

All they need is a phone line, a router and an internet provider and a little money to start with. Shirley said they find it difficult to fundraise and so I thought I could help a little by spreading the word.

The church will be busier next year as St Mary’s is closed so this could be very helpful to people using the church in the future.

The Go-fund-me page is below, thank you. Any donations (however small) are gratefully received.”

https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-to-get-st-leonards-get-internet

The post Local Church Fundraiser for Wi-Fi Connection appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

Staff members Courtney Pettifor, Ollie Rutherford and Sam Loveday, from Elyte Fitness, will start the challenge on Thursday 11^th November at 18:00 and aim to complete all the miles by Friday 12^th November at 18:00.

The team will be splitting the first 1000 miles between them, meaning they will each be aiming to cover 333 miles in 24 hours. If the fundraising total goes above the target, members at Elyte Fitness will help by getting them over the final few hurdles!

Elyte Fitness, based at Unit 14 in Lancaster Way Business Park, will be hosting a range of fundraising activities in their fundraising efforts, ranging from a live DJ set on the Thursday evening, to Fancy Dress on the Friday, with all proceeds going to Children in Need.

Dawn Lamb, owner of Elyte Fitness and recently nominated finalist in the SME Ely Business Awards 2021 Business Hero category, organised the event along with her team, who wish to raise £1000 for Children In Need.

Dawn said: “We are always looking at ways that we can give back to the community. Children in Need is a fantastic way of bringing the community together after such a challenging 18 months.”

“We have received such amazing support so far, raising more than half our fundraising target.”

“I feel so proud of my amazing team taking on this challenge for such an important cause. A nonstop 24-hour cycle isn’t easy and I’m sure they would appreciate any tasty carbohydrates being dropped off. Come along and show your support. You don’t have to be a member, so any pay as you go attendance payments will be given to the charity.” 

To donate to the Elyte Fitness ‘Money for Miles’ fundraiser, please visit: www.elytefitness.co.uk/children-in-need-2021

Press release from Elyte Fitness

The post Money for Miles! Elyte Fitness Aims to Raise Hundreds of Pounds for Children in Need! appeared first on Spotted in Ely.