Leukaemia CARE exists to provide vital care and support to all those whose lives are affected by leukaemia, lymphoma and the allied blood disorders. Our work extends to the welfare of families and carers, as well as that of patients themselves. Quite simply... 'supporting a quality of life'

CARE: www.leukaemiacare.org.uk/
Fundraising: www.raise4leukaemiacare.org.uk/

Anyone can become a fundraiser for Leukaemia CARE and appear on the blog. Email your story to: press@leukaemiacare.org.uk

Bertie Bloodcell

Welcome to Bertie's Blog! Bertie Bloodcell is Leukaemia CARE's fundraising mascot and he's really interested to hear all your stories! This blog will highlight some of the triumphs and successes of Leukaemia CARE's fundraising heroes, and give our supporters the chance to get to know the charity and 'Team Bertie' a little bit better.

Monday 22 September 2008




Here is a story from our fundraiser Linda Rowe and her team of sailors Malcolm, Liz, Rod, Paul, Helen and Mark.

Greenwich to Edinburgh Sailathon 2008

21st June - Left Hoo with strong winds expected
23rd June – We made our way across River Thames. Sea lions came to see us off Grimsby and puffins along the coast.
27th June - Left Whitby at 20.30 hours to Blyth. Arrived at Eyemouth 15.00 hours. After 12 hours we arrived at Port Edgar. We looked around Queensferry. Saw real Scotsman, kilts and bagpipes playing in Princess Street, Edinburgh City Centre.
1st July - Set off back to Eyemouth at 13.45 hours where we meet Eve Martin from Leukaemia CARE. Enjoying the nice weather unfortunately it didn’t last. Eve wasn't enjoying it. Helen reiterated, “I told you, it never stays nice, always rough, always raining, always cold! Do I have a jumper on? No, I have all my jumpers on! ” and the ranting continues. The sea built up and waves became uncomfortable. We finally arrived at Eyemouth 21.00 hours.
2nd July – Arranged for Eve to climb the mask as her sponsorship task unfolds. ‘The men slowly heaved at the rope and she began her assent. Gulping noises could be heard as she slowly went up higher …. and higher … and higher still. Finally she reached the top to cheers of jubilation from the crowd that had gathered. She had succeeded in her quest to raise funds for the charity; now she could come down.’
3rd July - Left Eyemouth at 04.00 hours feeling unwell as we reached Sunderland so we pulled up for the night.
4th July – Left Sunderland at 07.00 hours to leave Grimsby. Decided not to leave due to bad weather.
11th July – Everyone is feeling wet and cold. We turned the boat back to the Humber and headed for Grimsby. It looks like were not getting the boats back home this weekend.
13 July – Up and away by 04.00 hours. The weather changed we had sunshine but it was a very long day. Arrived at Lowerstoft at 21.30 hours.
15th July – Left Lowerstoft at 05.00 hours for Harwich. The sea was lumpy so we decided to go to Brighlingsea rather than stopping at Harwich. One day to go!
16th July - Left at 04.15 hours and the wind was in the right direction so we were able to sail all the way back to Medway. Finally arrived at Hoo 10.45 hours.

Our three boats raised over £5000 for Leukaemia CARE. Mark returned St Jarna II to its berth in Chatham the following weekend.
For help information or support with a leukaemia, lymphoma or a myeloma call 0800 169 6680 or visit www.leukaemiacare.org.uk

2 comments:

Diana said...

Well done to everyone involved in this fantastic event, especially Eve, no way would I climb a mast even for such a wonderful charity!

Bertie Bloodcell said...

I know, Eve's story was great! Big thanks to Linda and all her ship mates!