AN EVEN BETTER REASON FOR SLIPPING VASELINE ONTO MY INNER THIGHS (Marie Curie Cancer Care)

Member Name: marandina

Product:	Marie Curie Cancer Care
Date:	23/01/03 (235 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great cause

Disadvantages: You may not be keen on running

For anybody that read my Vaseline review, you'll know by now that I slip the magical substance onto the inside of my thighs <<as readers switch to another opinion in disgust>>. I seem to remember disclosing the reason for this absurd behaviour i.e. to stop them rubbing whilst *running and that's my story so I'm sticking to it (?). The beauty of running is that it's an easy thing to do for charity. Personally, I enjoy being out on the road with nothing better than a lovely spring day to admire whilst pounding the tarmac. I usually run between 3.5 - 5 miles, at least twice a week to stave off the effect of onrushing middle age. This year, I've re-entered the Daffodil run which is based around Castle Ashby, Northants. It is in aid of the Marie Curie Cancer Trust being one of the most prominent charities in the UK.

***The Charity***
Marie Curie Cancer Care is well known by its logo based on a blue box containing the name of the charity along with 2 yellow daffodils to the right hand side. It has its own website http://www.mariecurie.org.uk/ which contains a plethora of information about the organisation. If you decide to visit it is nicely laid out with pictures and information along with a facility to donate online.

The history of the charity begins in 1948, at the time the National Health Service was launched. Not long before the transfer of the Hampstead-based Marie Curie Hospital to the NHS, a group of committee members from the hospital decided to preserve the name of Marie Curie in the charitable medical field. This was the beginning of the Marie Curie Memorial Foundation - a charity dedicated to alleviating suffering from cancer - and today known as Marie Curie Cancer Care.

Following the donation of an engagement ring to help raise funds for the charity, the very first appeal was launched and brought in a substantial £4,000. By 1950 the ongoing appeal had raised a staggering £30,000 and in 1952 th
e Marie Curie Memorial Foundation officially became a charity - No. 207994

Marie Curie Cancer Care is the only UK charity combining cancer care through a home service alongside 10 hospices. Sponsoring research into prevention, the foundation also provides education and training for health care professionals.

***Hospices***
The foundation provides specialist palliative care beds as well as both medical and emotional support for both patients and families. Reliant on both trained staff and nurses, MCCC provides an invaluable service at a very traumatic time in people's lives. Whilst hospices have a rather sad inevitability, it counts for a lot to be able to make someone's final days and months as comfortable as possible.

***Shops***
MCCC has over 170 shops nationwide. Re-selling clothes from donations, the shop network relies on its shop managers and volunteers to raise funds for the cause. This can prove to be good experience for anyone wanting to get a foot on the job ladder so if you are interested by all means call 01793 722 306. Whilst having been in various charity shops, I honestly can't say I've made a purchase (shame on me) but as I understand it, fashionable bargains are to be had at knock down prices.

***Fundraising***
Like all charities, fundraising is the lifeblood of the organisation. There are lots of ways to get involved including:

 Becoming a volunteer fundraiser by organising events to raise money.

 Individual opportunities exist through helping with associated administration, delivering talks on behalf of MCCC, placing collection boxes and so on. Due to the size of the operation, people with all manner of skills can help to make the organisation a success.

 Daffodil Day is the special day designated for this charity. It's one big push to provide a cash injection to funds so watch it for the publication of the day for 2003.
r> Helping at events by selling raffle tickets, meeting and greeting at events and so on.

 House to house collections

***Back to the run***
Not everyone will have the time to get involved with charity work and may just settle for making donations. However, if you are a runner then get hold of your entry form for this year's run on Sunday 2nd March!

The Daffodil Run has been going for a few years now and I do remember participating in the 10K run around Althorp Estate, Northants a few years back. It was a stunning day in March with thousands turning up to take part. That particular circuit was tough including a couple of arduous hills to sort the wheat from the chaff. However, I did actually finish in a respectable 50 minutes albeit I suspect I'll take longer this year with there being a gap of 3 or 4 years since that run! (There are folks with foil wraps to take care of anyone suffering from exhaustion)

This year's organiser is a lady called Elyse Kirkham. The regional fundraising office is based at Unit 9, Mobbs Miller House, Ardington Rd, Northampton, NN1 5LP, Tel: 01604 442316. Application forms should be freely available at most leisure centres and gyms. You can enter either the 10K run (approx 6 mils) or the Half Marathon (approx 13 miles). The entry fees are £8.50 (£1 reduction for affiliated runners) for 10K or £10 for the Half Marathon.

You'll get a free t-shirt (I've still got my old t-shirt but it's a tighter fit these days) together with your race day pack, which includes your running number along with a timetable. This year's sponsors are Nationwide Building Society.

***Why bother?***
It really is a great day out. Quite why I've got out of the habit of participating I'm not quite sure but I do remember that last run around the family home of Princess Diana and it really was a lovely day. The atmosphere around the circuit was wonderful with hu
ndreds crowd
ed along the edge willing the runners on. After finishing I recall having a few beers at my local and meeting up with some of the other runners from the day. That was the most deserving drink I can remember having and it was a proud feeling to have raised the funds I did on the day. It helps if you can attract sponsors whilst my employer generously matched the funds raised to double the contribution.

If you're still unsure then the Castle Ashby circuit is much flatter than the Althorp one meaning things should be a lot easier this year. If you are out of the habit of running then you haven't got long to get back in the swing of things. Remember not to overdue it as people can suffer all manner of mishaps by taking on too much, too soon (a proper build up by running progressively longer distances is best culminating in running just short of your race distance before the event).

Maybe I'll see you there?

Thanks for the read

Marandina

*Medical team usually on standby :O)