Raising funds for Cancer Research UK and Launchpad.

Those who know me well will be aware that I hate my short hair to become so heavy it goes flat on the top of my head and to combat this, I religiously go to the hairdressers every 4-5 weeks (see above photo). I managed a visit just before lockdown but that is (at the time of writing) 10 weeks ago and in Scotland (where I live) hairdressers are not likely to open for some weeks. I have already tackled cutting my own hair and its likely to get trickier as it gets longer, especially at the back. I am therefore going to give myself a buzz cut and use it as a fundraiser. It will happen on Saturday 13 June, 12 weeks since lockdown. Quick - make it worthwhile before I change my mind!

I am splitting the funds raised between Launchpad, the charity for veterans of the armed forces that I work for, and Cancer Research UK, and I hope you are able to give generously. I am aiming to raise £5,000 so don't be shy - every little will help. It's easy and simple to donate - even on a mobile - and you'll get a receipt emailed to you straight away. Please pass this link on to anyone you know, especially those who have been touched by cancer or have military connections.

Further Information on the Charities

Launchpad has continued to support 70 veterans of the armed forces currently living in the Veterans Houses in Liverpool and Newcastle during the Covid-19 lockdown. Many residents have underlying health conditions and mental health issues. The communal areas are closed and external support and activities now curtailed. Veterans have to stay in their flat, except for shopping and daily exercise. Staff contact residents daily by phone to check their wellbeing and ensure they have the food and medicines they need. However, staff and residents are adjusting and all are determined to ensure the veterans get the help and support they need. The charity received funding to enable it to buy tablets for the most vulnerable residents to allow them to video call with staff and support agencies to maintain some human contact. Its going to take considerable effort and planning to return to some semblance of normal when allowed.

The two homes can accommodate up to 80 veterans at any one time in self-contained flats. Before coming to Launchpad, 76% had been sleeping on the streets and 71% have relied on foodbanks to stay alive. 83% are long-term unemployed. Launchpad provides veterans with up to two years housing and targeted support, which helps them address the underlying issues which have caused or contributed to their situation. First, help is provided to veterans to claim their benefit entitlements, which part-funds their support. Next, a personal action plan is developed to address their often complex needs, including undertaking positive, diversionary activities such as volunteering to build confidence and skills, addressing their mental health problems with specialist support from Combat Stress/the NHS; addressing drug/alcohol problems with Addaction; training and work placements with Crisis Skylight; and local employment and housing partners. The charity needs to raise £4,625 each year per veteran from grants and donations to provide them with this support. Since the charity was formed in 2013, it has helped over 460 homeless veterans rebuild their lives. 69% of the veterans successfully move on to settled accommodation and 42% leave with a paid job. For more information, please visit: www.veteranslaunchpad.org.uk

Attacking my hair seems to me to be an appropriate action to take to raise funds for Cancer Research UK. I have been a keen supporter of the charity since my diagnosis and treatment in 2011. Clinical trials are now being postponed and vital research is being delayed as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic as they anticipate a drop of 20-25% in their fundraising income. This charity is the largest independent funder of cancer research in Europe and the worlds leading charity dedicated to cancer research.

In the current situation, universities are partially closed, laboratories have wound down their activities and experiments have stopped. Researchers are continuing to work from home but the progress of research will slow down and this will inevitably have an impact on the lives of people affected by cancer. Despite these difficulties, they have seen a surge in activity among the research community to help tackle Covid-19. Many of their clinical academics have been called to the frontline in hospitals all over the country, many of their scientists are volunteering at Covid-19 testing hubs and Cancer Research UK institutes and laboratories are re-purposing their resources to help the Covid-19 response. The virus has closed their charity shops, caused fundraising events to be cancelled or postponed and prevented collection tins being rattled. I would like to do my bit because I believe Together We Will Beat Cancer! For more information, please visit: www.cancerresearchuk.org .

It is wonderful that lockdown restrictions are slowly being raised but the three plus months of confinement and subsequent reduction in funding opportunities is going to have a marked effect on both charities. I would like to be able to increase my fundraising target to £9,248 to cover support for one veteran at Launchpad for one year and a match sum of £4,625 for Cancer Research UK. With your support I hope this will be possible.

Launchpad Case Study - Drew at Avondale House, Newcastle

Drew served in the Parachute Regiment for 9 years. When he left the armed forces he moved to Cheshire with his wife and children to start a new life. However, unfortunately Drew suffers from PTSD and, within a year of leaving the military, his marriage ended.

Trying to re-build his life, he secured jobs first in Farnborough and then London. Things initially went well, he settled down with a new partner, and they had a daughter together. However, Drew got into significant debt, his relationship broke down and he found himself homeless, sleeping in a garage.

He was referred to us by ABF The Soldiers Charity. We gave him a safe place to live in Newcastle. He says: "Its a Godsend. I came here with literally nothing but the clothes on my back and I knew I had to re-build my life." Drew is starting to address his mental health problems with help from our partners. He is surrounded by people in a similar situation and feels he has the support he needs to recover.

Drew told us "Launchpad has made me feel more secure. I have got a roof over my head, my own flat. The other residents understand, we have all been through it and we all have something in common. "

Since the outbreak of Coronavirus, Drew has been volunteering for Family Support, delivering up to 70 food parcels a day to vulnerable adults and families. He says, "From being homeless and living in a garage to independence - Launchpad has helped me turn the corner and given me real hope for the future." Family Support have reported back to us: "Just a quick note to say that Drew is an absolute gem!! We are wondering what we ever did without him!! Thank you for sending him our way ." (see media gallery for photo)

Thank you for your generosity - every little helps.

Mandy