Charity news from around Essex this month include donated iPads to terminally ill children, info on Race for Life for Cancer Research UK and much more

Race for Life for Cancer Research UK

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life is a series of women-only events raising money for research into all 200 types of cancer. All over the country there are 5k, 10k, Pretty Muddy, half Marathons and Marathon events taking place. And if you would prefer to help without running or walking, there are a lot of opportunities to volunteer, too. There are plenty of events in Essex to get involved with, including ones in Southend, Chelmsford and Colchester. Once you have signed up for your event, via the website, there is guidance on how to set up your JustGiving page, and there is also a new Race for Life smartphone app. For information in how to get involved in this year’s Race for Life, visit www.raceforlifecancerresearchuk.org

Hidden treasures help hospice

Colchester’s St Helena Hospice has invited local people to showcase their gardens from March through to August in order to raise money in support of its patients and their families. Knowing that lots of its supporters have beautiful gardens nestled away which have had a lot of hard work, time and effort put into them, the hospice would love supporters to share their masterpieces in aid of its work. Whether the garden is a large estate or just a few pots and planters the hospice wants to give people a chance to show off their hidden treasures. The community fundraising team will provide fundraising materials for anyone opening their garden as well as helping with advertising to the local community. An event raising just £25 could pay for a chaplaincy visit to provide a listening ear to a patient, regardless of any religious beliefs. Visit www.sthelenahospice.org.uk/opengardens16 or call 01206 931468.

Free iPads given away by Wipe Away Those Tears charity

Essex-based charity, Wipe Away Those Tears, donated iPads to terminally ill children in Essex on Global Safer Internet Day in February. The charity was founded in 2006 to help grant wishes and bring sparkles into the lives of terminally or seriously ill children in the county. Since then the charity has gifted more than £1.2 million and helped hundreds of children, providing specialist equipment, financial assistance, special experience days and more.

Wipe Away Those Tears’ director and Tesco Mum of the Year, Gail O’Shea, said: ‘I want to encourage all children to stay safe online and our charity chose extra special children to receive an iPad each. All children should be aware that the internet can be dangerous. However, used properly, the internet can be an empowering and wonderful tool for a child with special needs.’

Step back into a vintage era

If you love all things vintage then Helen Rollason Cancer Charity (HRCC) can help transport you back to a bygone era as the charity’s annual Vintage Fair returns to Cressing Temple Barns on Sunday, September 4.

Stallholder Kay Brown was full of praise for last year’s fair. ‘The Vintage Fair was heaps of fun with lots of people buying a variety of lovely vintage things,’ said Kay. If you are a stallholder and would like to attend this year’s event, please contact the HRCC fundraising team on 01245 380719, or email fundraising@helenrollason.org.uk