• Catwalk Shows by Angy Morton (Pyromania & Stolen Dreams), Ann Summers & EDO Menswear
  
• Live Music from Karoshi and Razmataz
• Selection of Christmas Goodies
  
• Charity Auctions (details to follow)
• VIP upgrades available
  
  

Photos: left to right, top to bottom: Angler's Crag, Ennerdale Water; View along the lake to the west; Hawthorn berries against Pillar - it seems like just yesterday when the May blossom was coming out; top of the lake with the Liza Valley stretching beyond Gillerthwaite to Black Sail

It is therefore not surprising, when we asked for asssistance on behalf of the charity from a well- known organisation in Newcastle, that we were so shocked by the wall of silence we received. Neither yes, nor no. Even though the money and connections to help were there, there was no sign of good will. But then again there was no direct financial gain for them so why should they care? And all we were asking for was an endorsement to use something we would happily donate ourselves ... c'est la vie ... perhaps not!

Just contrast that with my niece who has raised a lot of money for local charities since the age of 12. No wealth. No connections. Only doing what she likes most, making jewellery .... it really makes you wonder. She is no celebrity ... just an ordinary school girl who has devoted hours and hours of her precious time for a good cause. There is no financial reward. No recognition. Just unselfish devotion and kindness. Well done Sophie. See: Sophie's gem of an idea to raise funds

I have nothing but admiration for people like this, especially when all you hear is 'me, me, me' whenever you switch on the box or open a newspaper nowadays. Or receive a wall of silence when you pick up the phone to ask help from people who can make a difference. I am busy too, but that hasn't stopped me from doing my bit . When you have an artistic streak or a talent, you can always help by sharing it for the benefit of others. You don't need to have pots of money. I have been involved in shows to raise funds for the Wigton Youth Station, Cumbria Flood Relief and now the Toma Fund. Of course it can work both ways. I might sell a dress or make a useful contact or two, or receive some positive publicity, but that should be seen as a bonus. It is also hard work and demands a lot of unpaid time. In addition to providing my collections, I have offered my services to be auctioned at the November event to create a one-off jacket for the highest bidder. It could easily take me five long days, perhaps more but, it is something I can do, and if by doing this we can raise significant funds it will be worthwhile. In the same vein, allowing a couple of teenagers suffering from leukaemia to wear my outfits on the catwalk will be more rewarding than you can ever realise - to make their day. To make them smile and forget about their worries. It is the same for Leah who is putting in so much work behind the scenes, rallying people to help her to organise the event. This is real job satisfaction ... knowing we can make a difference, however small it might be. If I ever reach a stage where I believe I am too big or too important to give up my time to help others, then I wouldn't be enjoying my work, and should give up immediately!

This leads me to the Toma Fund and a brave, and inspirational, young teenager who sacrificed everything to help others. Jordan David Thompson (Toma to his mates) was diagnosed with acute myloid leukaemia on Valentines Day 2006 at the age of 13. He was a talented young boy who had played football for the Newcastle United Academy from the age of 10, as well as county level cricket, so you can imagine the shock. He endured chemotherapy, went into remission, then during his recovery realised he had two choices - to turn his back on everything that had happened and carry on with his life as if nothing had happened, or to help others that were in the same boat that he was in. He chose the latter and began visiting the cancer ward at the the RVI in Newcastle on a regular basis to encourage other teenage cancer sufferers to remain positive. He became involved in many fundraising activities and, as he regained his strength, he began to attend the Academy again. However, in April 2007 he relapsed as the cancer returned. Despite chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant his condition deteriorated and sadly he died in September 2007.

The Toma Fund was set up by Jordan's parents to carry on what he had started, in order to raise awareness and funds for the Teenage Cancer Unit at Newcastle's RVI. Six teenagers are diagnosed each day with cancer, but without the benefit of a Teenage Cancer Unit they do not receive the moral and emotional support from sufferers of their own age, that they require. The Teenage Cancer Unit at the RVI is an invaluable facility which will benefit more and more teenage cancer sufferers through proceeds from the Toma Fund.

If you would like to help please show your support by coming along to the event in Jesmond on 4 November, or alternatively learn about the fund and how you can help from the website here: www.tomafund.org

PRESS RELEASE: FOOTBALL FAN WEAR at LONDON FASHION WEEK

Avant-garde designer Angy Morton will be unveiling a unique collection of designer, football fan wear, including some samples created for West Ham United,at Fashion Mavericks during London Fashion Week, this Saturday, 18 September, 2010.


See my PRESS page for further information