Four Lighthouse runners. One Bournemouth Half Marathon. Countless lives changed this Christmas.
Four members of the Lighthouse team - Jill, Ashton, John and George - are taking on the Bournemouth Half Marathon, with George completing the course in his wheelchair, pushing every mile, to raise money for Lighthouse's Big Christmas Appeal.
Every year, our Christmas Appeal helps ensure that people facing disadvantage and financial difficulty don't miss out on the magic of live theatre. Thanks to your donations:
- Families affected by cancer can share an unforgettable night out together.
- Young carers, who give so much of themselves every day, can take a break and simply be children again.
- Neurodivergent individuals can enjoy inclusive, relaxed performances designed with their needs in mind.
- Local children in care are invited to enjoy theatre and entertainment - often for the first time in their lives.
- Older people and their carers can get together, watch a show, and feel less isolated.
- Schools in low income areas can offer a trip to their students, enabling students to engage with and become inspired by performances and activities at Lighthouse.
WHY IT MATTERS:
Penny Day from MYTIME Young Carers explains:
"Childhood caring responsibilities can be all-consuming, and young carers often struggle to find time for rest and recreation. The chance to visit the theatre may be an extremely rare thing, but it can make all the difference... helping them to relax, broaden horizons, and grow into happy, well rounded adults."
Ms D Armstrong, from the Prama Life Community, shared:
"My appreciation can be summed up by my Mum's comment: 'it sort of made me feel... I don't know the word, but I was singing as I went round the bungalow and I haven't felt like that for a very long time.' I said, 'Happy Mum?' She replied: 'Yes, that's it.'"
Andy Walker, Founder of the Time Out Parent Carer Support Group:
"... it was a rare night out for people who normally wouldn't think about treating themselves to a show, especially without the kids they spend all day and night looking after. I will be honest, I got emotional. To see so many people enjoying a few hours away from their norm, I really can't describe how I feel."
A mentor with LAC (Looked After Children), Poole, spoke about the impact our the Lighthouse Pantomime had on children in care:
"The children enjoyed the show so much. To see them smiling, laughing and singing along was just magical! A lot of students that came had never been to panto, some didn't even know what one was. We have made a massive difference to their life experiences and how they view their childhood."
Finally, an administrator for a Poole based foodbank explained how the Lighthouse Christmas Appeal changed Christmas for so many of the families they support:
"Thank you so much for enabling so many of our families to come to the pantomime and really enjoy their Christmas this year. They all said it had made it the most memorable Christmas they have ever had together, and some of the parents were quite emotional at watching their children have such a fun, carefree time. Thank you also for the goodie bags of panto merchandise for the children. It made Christmas for us all."
These stories show exactly what your support makes possible.
We're running- and pushing- so no one has to miss out. Will you help us cross the finish line?
Please give the gift of live entertainment this Christmas by donating to the Lighthouse team today.
Organiser
George Rogers
Organiser
England
Poole Arts Trust Limited
Beneficiary