Darren & Michael 100k Ultra March challenge

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We are taking part in the London to Brighton Ultra 100k full challenge, Ultra March is a 100km full on CONTINUOUS march in which we hope to complete in about 24hours. Our latest insane challenge is completely self funded and we have decided to raise money for TLC TEDDIES FOR LOVING CARE Here’s why….. A hospital visit can be a frightening experience for a young child, especially in an emergency situation. Teddies for Loving Care (TLC) is a way of providing much-needed comfort to children in A&E departments, helping to reduce the shock and distress of their experience. Every child that receives a teddy, gets to take it home. The Teddies for Loving Care initiative provides unique cuddly bears to Accident & Emergency departments for medical staff to give at their discretion to young children. The bears are used to calm children down, reward them for being brave or to demonstrate procedures. Often the bears distract children so nurses and doctors can get their jobs done quickly and efficiently. The TLC teddy has become an invaluable tool for medical professionals and a real comfort for children. And the added bonus they get to take them home and they become a special friend. The work of TLC is funded through the generous donations families and supporters of the programme. Approximately 1100 teddies are currently given to Children in Surrey A & E departments each month. Hospitals currently included in the scheme are Mayday (Croydon), East Surrey (Redhill), Crawley, Epsom, St Helier (Carshalton), Kingston, Chertsey, Guildford, Frimley Park and St George’s (Tooting). TLC Appeal Surrey operates 365 days a year by a dedicated team of volunteers making weekly deliveries of bears to the 10 Surrey A & E hospitals. Teddy bears are given to children exclusively at the discretion of the nursing staff. TLC was adopted in Surrey in February 2003. East Surrey Hospital in Redhill was the first Surrey hospital to pilot the scheme. When it launched they had 12 bears which lasted just 2 weeks. Now, 11 hospitals later, each unit receives 48 bears per week! TLC Appeal Surrey has distributed in excess of 100,000 teddy bears to A&E units in the area. There are six different coloured teddy bears of a unique design, only available through the charity. TEDDIES FOR LOVING CARE SUPPORTING  I CHOOSE FREEDOM CHARITY  Here at I Choose Freedom, we support women and children in their brave journey of fleeing domestic abuse. We have 3 refuges where 30 women and up to 60 children live.  We provide a sanctuary for them to rebuild themselves and offer help, love and understanding. When a child first leaves domestic abuse, things can seem confusing, surreal, and uncertain. No matter a child’s age, it can take a huge toll on their emotions.  That’s why the arrival of a family is one of the most important factors in what we do. They must be able to feel trust, kindness, warmth and most importantly, safety.   To ensure this, we created Welcome Packs, so families have everything they need to settle in and feel at home. In the children’s boxes, we include the necessities like toiletries and bedding. We also add colouring books, pens, reading books and toys to allow them to be themselves and have fun as any child should.  Thanks to Teddies for Loving Care, the children arriving now have a companion to keep them safe too! A companion that – in a child’s brilliant mind – can come to life or become a best friend, someone to share thoughts and feelings with, with no judgement. It is imperative for a child to have this after so much affliction.   And for that, we are forever grateful for Teddies for Loving Care. Each bear is CE marked and has been approved by all of the health authorities. TLC is funded by the generosity of local Surrey Freemasons, the sale of merchandise, the sponsorship of local business and individual donations. We thank you for taking the time to read our Blurb and would greatly appreciate any donations or sponsorship.