Disability charity Hammersmith And Fulham Action On Disability (Hafad) is calling on disabled people across West London to discuss their experiences with the charity in a new survey.

Residents in Hammersmith & Fulham, Kensington & Chelsea and Westminster will discuss services offered by the charity, which champions equality, independence and social inclusion for disabled people.

They may also be asked to discuss their experiences of other similar service providers in West London.

Hafad chief executive Kamran Malik said: "Facing challenges of increasing consolidation of service provision and sweeping cuts, we know we provide a quality service, but need to be able to better compete with the increasing larger service providers and identify new opportunities for partnerships."

Hafad has launched the survey as part of a strategy aiming to increase consumer reach, awareness and support future business aims.

It has commissioned national communications charity Media Trust to carry out the three-month consultation project surrounding current and other non-service users.

The project will test local awareness and brand perception amongst target users, identify new audiences, evaluate current service provision, and map existing and developing new consumer trends.

It will also test the potential needs of a new target audience of over 60s, and devise future marketing and communications strategy for 2012/13.

To take part in the survey online or to request an interview over the phone visit www.hafad.org.uk.

Family Lives has produced a resource called The Kids Are Driving Me Mad, to give GPs the information they need to help patients who are facing family and parenting problems to find support services.

It has been written by GPs Dr Sally McNab and Dr John Gavin.

The online resource includes a Family Support Prescription for GPs to fill in and give to families in crisis.

Jeremy Todd, Family Lives chief executive, said: "GPs are spending an awful lot of their own time trying to advise patients with family and parenting concerns rather than signposting them to more appropriate low-cost interventions such as voluntary services.

"We believe our new GP resource, will ensure medical practitioners are equipped with the requisite information and referral skills to ensure parents in crisis or simply in need of direction are able to access effective practice in family support."

A Doctors.net survey of 1,001 regionally representative GPs found that 86% reported that up to 10 patients per week expressed family and parenting problems as the main reason for the consultation.

The survey, commissioned on behalf of Family Lives, also found that 95% of GPs felt that there was a link between family and parenting problems and the onset of mental health issues.

Those surveyed revealed that the most common issues parents sought help for were a child's drug and alcohol use, sleep problems, anxiety, depression and their child's emotional health.

For more information visit www.familylives.org.uk/instructions-not-included/gp-resource.

The vehicle will assist YALSAR volunteers and equipment to move around efficiently to support the police and other emergency services during search operations.

Charles Perryman, chairman of South Yorkshire Police Authority, said: "The donation will greatly support YALSAR with its operational resources and effectiveness. It will also enable them to support police activity in South Yorkshire, thereby reducing the risk to vulnerable missing persons.

"The effective deployment and use of trained YALSAR resources enables large areas of open land and specific locations to be searched quickly. It also reduces the need to deploy police officers."

YALSAR is a lowland search and rescue team which operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It is made up entirely of volunteers who work to assist the emergency services to undertake specialist searches and provide major incident support.

YALSAR was founded in April 2010 and is a charitable non-profit organisation which relies on donations and sponsorship.

The women were invited by organic baby food company Plum Baby to visit the London head office of Bliss.

The charity provides care and support for all premature and sick babies and their families.

Mothers Louise Crankshaw and her son Barney, Charlotte Pundyke and her son Conor, and Kate Harrison and her daughter Abigail, presented a cheque for £30,000 to the charity.

Louise, from Cambridge, volunteered to attend after her son was born at 33 weeks and she received help from the charity. Charlotte, from Dorset, came forward after Bliss provided telephone support and counselling when Conor was born ten weeks early. Kate Harrison, from Camden, London, received help from the charity after her daughter was born at 27 weeks.

The funds were raised through a Plum Baby food promotion where 5p was donated for every promotional pack purchased and a further 1p for every Facebook like received.

The money will support the Bliss helpline for nine months, counselling for 75 families, 15,000 parent packs, and 60 support groups.

The baby food company teamed up with Bliss after it was chosen as one of its charity partners due to their mutual aim to give babies the best start in life.

The Esmee Fairbairn Foundation, which makes awards of between £30 million and £35 million each year, has selected James Hughes-Hallett as its chairman from June 2013.

Current chairman Tom Chandos said: "As the foundation enters its sixth decade we are delighted to announce the appointment of James Hughes-Hallett as the next chairman.

"We are proud of the contribution that the foundation has made to civil society over the last 50 years and we look forward to continuing that vital role under his leadership."

Mr Hughes-Hallett has been a trustee of the foundation since 2005. In addition, he is a director of Cathay Pacific Airways and a non-executive director of HSBC Holdings. Among other roles he is a fellow of the Society of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and an honorary fellow of Merton College, Oxford.

The Esmee Fairbairn Foundation was set up in 1961 by City financier Ian Fairbairn and named in tribute to his wife Esmee who died during an air raid in the Second World War. It aims to improve the quality of life for people and communities in the UK by supporting organisations that work in the arts, education and learning, the environment, and social change.

In 2011 it gave out £39.6 million, including £5 million of 50th birthday gifts and is one of the largest independent grant-making organisations in the UK.

Thousands of people turned out to support Friends of Storrington First School which hosts Storrington Duck Race in West Sussex.

More than 1,800 ducks were bought with the quickest finisher from each heat bagging a place in the final.

People also enjoyed stalls, craft activities and refreshments. Charities ABC Animal Sanctuary, Amberley Museum and Storrington In Bloom were all represented at the event on May 13.

Jane Williams, of ABC Animal Sanctuary, said: "We are trying to raise awareness for our animal sanctuary and we were delighted to be there and to have so much interest shown in our work. It was a wonderful community event."

Headteacher Garry Smart said: "All the funds from this event go towards improving and maintaining the school swimming pool. With lessons due to start this week, the children and the whole community will really feel the benefits that the projected £5,000 profit will bring.

"I would like to thank all the hard work of the Friends of Storrington First School, the round table and to everyone who gave their time for making this day such a huge success."

The international development charity has places available in the British 10k London Run on July 8.

In total, more than 25,000 runners will be taking on the race, passing the Houses of Parliament, St Paul's Cathedral, Trafalgar Square and Westminster Abbey.

Money raised by runners supporting Sightsavers will help the charity's work to restore sight and support those who are visually impaired in some of the world's poorest countries.

Caroline Harper, Sightsavers' chief executive, said: "In order to carry out our work we rely on the kind support of individuals who take on great challenges like the British 10k London Run. Without their support we simply couldn't continue our work to tackle avoidable blindness and rehabilitate the blind in the developing world."

Runners aged 15 and over who want to apply for a place can email events@sightsavers.org. Entrants must commit to raising at least £200 through fundraising, including Gift Aid.

George Bennett, 18, from Littlehampton, near Chichester, has made the call after he was diagnosed with aplastic anaemia in December.

His mother Karen noticed he was looking pale and tired and took him to his GP where he had a blood test. Four days later they found that a blood stem cell, or bone marrow, transplant could be his last hope of survival.

Karen said: "George's diagnosis hit us like a bolt of lightning. It's absolutely terrifying how quickly your whole life can change.

"Many tears have flowed since that day. The diagnosis has affected not only George and ourselves but the rest of his family and friends too. So many people have told us they would happily give George their stem cells, but it's not as simple as that, we need to find someone with a matching tissue type.

"We are relying on a complete stranger to come up as a match for our George, at the moment we just feel so helpless. As parents you will do absolutely anything you can to help your child and that is why we are now working with Anthony Nolan."

George said: "At the moment it's very hard to find a match for me, partly because there aren't enough people on the Anthony Nolan register. This is where you can help, if you sign up to the register, you could help save the life of one of the thousands of others like me who are still waiting to find a match."

A register recruitment is being held at Chichester College Student Union on May 30 between 11am and 3pm. To sign up, people need to give a small saliva sample.

People can also start the registration online at www.anthonynolan.org/register.

The Shipwrecked Mariners' Society competition is open to artists working in watercolour, oil, pastel, acrylics and sketch.

The competition will be judged by marine artist Geoff Hunt whose work features on the covers of Patrick O'Brian's Aubrey-Maturin books. Mr Hunt was president of the Royal Society of Marine Artists (RSMA) between 2003 and 2008.

The competition is being launched ahead of European Maritime Day on May 20. Entries must be submitted by July 18 and finalists will be selected via a poll on Facebook before the official judging takes place. The winner will be announced ahead of World Art Day on August 10.

To enter the competition visit www.shipwreckedmariners.org.uk and to support the charity's work with retired sailors and their families visit www.justgiving.com/shipwreckedmariners.

Jessica Maybury, was escorted around the Paddington offices of Marks & Spencer as she set to work designing outfits and getting a sneak preview of the store's Christmas range.

The eight-year-old, from Rowley Regis, in the West Midlands, was treated to the day by the Make-A-Wish Foundation UK, which grants magical wishes to children and young people fighting life-threatening conditions.

Jessica was diagnosed with aplastic anaemia in June 2011. Her illness left her with no immune system so she was constantly catching infections and taking antibiotics.

In September, Jessica was given a bone marrow transplant, but before having the transplant Jessica underwent a course of chemotherapy which left her very unwell. Her immune system has since been steadily building back up.

Jessica was escorted by limousine to M&S where she went through magazines to pick out styles for her mood board, sketched some of her own designs and scanned her ideas into a computer to add colour.

At the end of her wish day last month, Jessica was presented with a T-shirt featuring one of her own designs.

Jessica's mum Sharon said: "Watching Jessica's face throughout the day was fantastic. A situation like this is one that you never think will happen to you and when it does it turns everything upside down, but you can come out the other side. Her wish was an experience we will remember forever."

To support the work of Make-A-Wish visit www.make-a-wish.org.uk or call 01276 405060.

They have been shown how online networks such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn can be used to improve business and organisational communication.

The informal sessions have been run by Computer Aid International's team at its Africa Regional Office in Nairobi.

A charity spokesman said: "The sessions have looked at topics including the development of a social media strategy for an organisation as part of a marketing strategy, and how to expand the scope of influence as well as increase an organisation's impact through use of social media.

"These informal sessions have been designed to help our partner organisations use technology more effectively in the service of development."

Computer Aid, which is based in Brunswick Industrial Park, north London, initially started out by giving donated computers and other hardware to projects and schools in developing countries.

It has sent PCs to more than 100 countries and developed partnerships to deliver training to make the most of the new equipment.

The charity offers social media training through its Training Partnerships Initiative.

Organisations to benefit from the training include Computers For Schools Kenya, the WEEE Centre, Digital Pipeline Africa and CFSK institute of ICT.

Thousands of families have been forced to flee their homes because of the conflict in North Kivu in the eastern DRC.

The money from Cafod will help its partner agency Caritas Goma deliver blankets, sheets, plates, cooking equipment, buckets and soap to families who have fled their homes, as well as tarpaulin to help them improve their makeshift shelters. They are also distributing food on behalf of the World Food Programme.

Eddy Yamweziyo, from Caritas Goma, said: "We want to provide immediate assistance to these families. These people have nothing. They are exhausted, traumatised and rely on us to find the help they desperately need."

A Cafod spokesman said: "There has been on-off fighting between Government and rebel forces in North Kivu since 1996, but this current conflict began in early April 2012.

"We have been working in the DRC since 1995, responding to emergencies and helping people rebuild their lives after civil war. Our 2008 Congo Crisis appeal raised more than £2.4 million to support people in the east of the country who'd been displaced by an upsurge in fighting."

To support the charity's work visit www.cafod.org.uk. Any funds donated by May 17 are doubled under a scheme backed by the UK Government called Match Aid.

Fitzrovia Youth In Action (FYA), in Winehouse's home town of Camden, will use the cash to produce short films and soundtracks as part of its drugs and alcohol peer education programme.

The cheque presentation was attended by members of Winehouse's family, including her father Mitch Winehouse and mother Janis Winehouse-Collins, who were instrumental in setting up the Amy Winehouse Foundation following the death of the Black To Black singer in July 2011.

The Forward Foundation, a new foundation supporting the work of FYA, hosted the reception in the Forward Internet Group's offices in Mandela Street, Camden.

A member of the public spotted the cub in distress in their garden and alerted the Leatherhead-based charity.

Despite the cub's predicament, WAF founder Simon Cowell MBE and vet nurse Lucy Kells had to chase the cub around the garden to catch it before delicately removing the can.

Lucy spotted a chance to catch the fox and launched herself at the animal which was hiding in a bush.

Simon said: "The next thing I saw Lucy lying flat out, with one arm around the branch of a bush, and leaning over a thin wire fence that looked as if it was about to give way. She called out 'I've got him', but it was at that moment I saw that immediately beyond her was a 30ft drop.

"Lucy is absolutely terrified of heights but she had been so focused on saving the fox cub that she had not even noticed that there was a sheer drop. Luckily I was in the nick of time to grab both Lucy and the cub and pull them back to safety."

The team then helped to remove the tin can from the young fox's head. If it had not been removed the cub may not have survived for more than two days.

Simon said: "Litter of all kinds can be a major hazard for wildlife. Fly-tipping of industrial waste is a big problem too. Whatever you feel about foxes, nobody could possibly want any animal to suffer such a horrible and prolonged death. Litter can be a killer."

Claire Good, from Longwell Green, South Gloucestershire, is calling on people to support Cancer Research UK's The Answer is Plain campaign.

The mother-of-two now wants people across the South West to sign the charity's petition calling for all branding to be removed from tobacco packaging to reduce the appeal of products to children.

It comes after Cancer Research UK revealed that 82% of people in the South West believe children should not be exposed to tobacco marketing.

The research also found that 78% think tobacco marketing is harmful to children, and 68% think the distinctive branding and packing make products more appealing to young people.

Claire said: "I started smoking from the age of 16 on and off until I was aged 29. When I fell pregnant I gave up smoking and would hate for my daughters to be persuaded to smoke and lured in by the glitzy packaging of cigarettes."

Claire who is mum to Rhianna, 13, and Nadia, 11, said: "I've seen how driven by branding my children are in the clothes and shoes they want to wear. And I've experienced it first-hand with cigarette packaging.

"I fully support any measure that makes cigarettes less attractive to children. That's why I'm urging everyone in the South West to sign Cancer Research UK's petition and help stub out tobacco marketing to young people."

Alison Birkett, Cancer Research UK's spokeswoman for the South West, said: "This survey shows people across the region clearly support action to get rid of one of the last ways the tobacco industry can market its products. We're asking them to sign our petition and help end the packet racket."

To sign The Answer is Plain petition visit www.theanswerisplain.org.

It is hoped that by observing the caring interaction between parents and babies, pupils will learn to better understand their feelings and become less aggressive in class.

Action For Children's Roots Of Empathy project will be introduced to more than 2,000 primary school children in Cardiff over the next three years following investment from the Big Lottery Fund's Realising Ambition programme.

It is hoped it will reduce fighting, bullying and other problem behaviour.

Brigitte Gater, operational director of children's services at Action For Children in Wales, said: "Roots Of Empathy teaches school children to understand their own feelings and the feelings of others by using a baby as the tiny teacher.

"This raises levels of empathy amongst classmates, resulting in more respectful relationships and a dramatic reduction in levels of aggression among school children.

"We are proud to introduce Roots Of Empathy in Wales and would like to thank The Big Lottery Fund for its support.

"By increasing levels of emotional literacy in children at a young age we can lay the foundation for safe and caring classrooms and, in the long-term, safe and caring societies."

The sessions, led by Action For Children staff, will see babies taking part in nine visits to a classroom over the course of a year.

Sergeant Allan Jackson, Private Mark Vidler, Private Patrick Burns, Private Callum Urquhart and trek organiser, Captain Matt Clamp, all took part in the Mission Morocco 2012.

The active soldiers spent 14 days trekking in the North African desert to raise funds for The Afghanistan Trust.

All of the soldiers taking part in the trek were injured during active duty in Afghanistan with two losing a leg below the knee.

During the challenge the soldiers carried out specially designed tasks, including seeking out a safe house by cover of darkness, carrying out mine clearing exercises, and a 10-mile march.

Captain Matt Clamp, said: "I think Mission Morocco 2012 was one of the most rewarding experiences we've all carried out as part of the regiment. It was definitely gruelling at times, the 10-mile march especially.

"Knowing that we've smashed the fundraising target we all feel really proud of our achievement and know the money will be well spent."

Colin Smith MBE, chief executive officer of The Afghanistan Trust, said: "We've been overwhelmed by the support Mission Morocco has received and despite suffering injuries themselves, these men's courage and selfless determination to help others in need and their families is inspiring."

Last month's trip was sponsored by Nissan and carried out as part of its ongoing commitment to the charity, which supports Parachute Regiment soldiers who are injured, their families and the families of those killed on operations in Afghanistan.

The Bravo 22 Company are taking their play The Two World's Of Charlie F to theatres across the country following a successful debut at The Theatre Royal Haymarket in January.

The play was created by The Theatre Royal Haymarket Masterclass Trust in partnership with The Royal British Legion and Defence Recovery Capability.

The production, which tells the real-life stories of conflict and recovery experienced by serving soldiers, is heading to The New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham and The Sherman Cymru Theatre, Cardiff, in July, then The Pleasance Grand as part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August and returning to the West End in September.

The project has been led by patron Trevor Nunn with support from patron General Sir David Richards, Chief of Defence Staff.

Actor and project ambassador Ray Winstone said: "I am so proud and overwhelmed. It is the most moving play I've seen for a long, long time. The public should get behind this and be part of something unforgettable."

The production aims to use theatre to support members of the Armed Forces who are making the transition into civilian life.

Cast member Bombardier Gareth Crabbe, a soldier in the Royal Artillery who was injured in 2007, said: "I really enjoyed working in the positive environment of the theatre, making new friends, learning new skills and being with others who understood what I was going through.

"The whole company is incredibly excited about reliving this amazing experience and taking the play on tour to share our experiences with as many people as possible."

Portway Surgery, in Porthcawl, Bridgend, has received an Excellence in Disability Care Award 2012 from the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) and the charity Leonard Cheshire Disability.

The award, in its eighth year, recognises the outstanding efforts of practices which have gone out of their way to ensure disabled patients receive high-quality care.

Portway Surgery won the award for its work supporting disabled patients, such as ensuring people with a hearing impairment have access to sign language videos, maintaining links with carers centres and setting up a carers board.

It has also worked with local disability groups which provided awareness training to surgery staff.

Dr Sharon Guest, senior partner at Portway Surgery, said: "We were delighted to have been nominated by one of our patients for this award. To have actually won it is a real achievement.

"Looking after our more vulnerable patients and ensuring they have a better quality of life is very important to us all and we work hard in trying to stay on top of the needs of patients who are disabled."

Portway staff received the award at a ceremony on May 11.

Guy Parckar, head of policy and campaigns at Leonard Cheshire Disability, said: "I would like to congratulate the staff at Portway Surgery, who have demonstrated their care and commitment to providing an outstanding service for disabled people."

Carole and Laura, who run White Petals and Lace in Derbyshire, are supporting the work of Helen's Trust by donating 10% of their profits to the charity.

The trust, which supports people across Sheffield and North Derbyshire with terminal illness at home, was set up in memory of Carole's sister-in-law and Laura's aunt, Helen Louise Lyon.

Laura said: "Helen was such an inspiration to so many people throughout her illness and her memory lives on through the wonderful work that the charity does today.

"She would have been unbelievably proud that so many people have had their wishes fulfilled through Helen's Trust. By donating to the charity we feel that we can give something back and help terminally ill people like Helen fulfil their wishes in the last stages of their lives."

Lucy Nickson, Helen's Trust chief executive, said: "Over the past 10 years the charity has grown and now offers support across Sheffield and the North of Derbyshire. This growth is only possible through the support and generosity of individuals and businesses like White Petals and Lace, and the ongoing support from Helen's Family is very special."

Famous faces including singer V V Brown, Tamara Ecclestone, presenters Dawn Porter, Sarah Beeny and Jayne Middlemiss, and actress Sally Hawkins have all revealed their cake recipes to raise funds for Shelter.

The cupcake, cake and shortbread recipes have been shared as part of the charity's fourth Cake Time event.

Baking enthusiasts are encouraged to hold afternoon tea parties or cake sales at work to support the charity, which aims to alleviate the distress caused by homelessness and bad housing.

Shelter has also teamed up with retailer John Lewis to sell cakes at their cafes throughout May and staff from the retailer will also be holding their own fundraising events during the month.

To register for Cake Time and find celebrity recipes visit http://england.shelter.org.uk and search the What Can You Do Section for events and challenges.

Mo Latham, 67 and David Eldridge, 56, will set of from their home on the Isle Of Wight on May 16.

From Sandown, they will first bike to Land's End and on May 20 begin the long route to John O'Groats, once there they will turn around for the homeward journey heading down the East coast.

The couple estimate the 2,550-mile return journey will take them six weeks of cycling for eight hours a day.

Mo, a former draughtswoman, said: "Even though I have a fit and healthy lifestyle, I'm not as experienced on a bike as Dave but my balance is improving and I'm not so wobbly any more.

"The tandem is a great idea for us especially as he can't just ride off without me."

Mo, also secretary of the Isle of Wight Diabetes UK voluntary group, said: "I want to do my bit in raising money for the charity that has supported me and others so much in coping with a serious life-long condition."

But Mo, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes 40 years ago, is no stranger to adventurous challenges. After deciding the condition was not going to limit her ambitions she set about climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and trekking to Everest Base Camp.

Jenny Green, Diabetes UK fundraising manager for the South East region, said: "We are very grateful for Mo and Dave's support on this amazing national biking tour. Diabetes is one of the biggest health challenges facing the UK today and the money raised will help improve the care and support available for people affected by the condition."

To sponsor Mo and Dave visit www.justgiving.com/Mo-Latham.

The Woodlands For Black Grouse project, led by the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT), has planted the trees in several key sites in Weardale and Teesdale in the North East.

Volunteers have planted small pockets of birch, hawthorn, rowan, alder and willow. In time, the buds and berries will provide an important food resource during harsh winter weather.

The project, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, has also been helped by the Woodland Trust, which has donated the trees.

Schoolchildren, scouts and Duke of Edinburgh Award participants helped with the task of planting the trees.

Planting events, which were run in partnership with Natural England Moor House National Nature Reserve staff, have helped more than 100 volunteers learn about black grouse and their place in upland heritage.

Fran Atterton, from the GWCT, said: "We have had a really productive season and planted trees in areas which are particularly harsh for black grouse during winters with deep snow. Two winters ago black grouse suffered huge losses because they had no protection and so this project is a lifeline for them."

The project runs for another year, with more planting due to take place.

Commuters are being encouraged to ditch the car and take the two-legged option to travel to and from work until May 18.

It is hoped the initiative, being led by Living Streets, will stop the spread of desk potato syndrome. It is a twist on the familiar term couch potato and refers to the fact that many office workers get no fresh air or exercise during their working day.

Tony Armstrong, chief executive of Living Streets, which has organised the week as part of its month-long celebration of walking, said: "Walking to work is the easiest way to reintroduce some crucial healthy activity into your work-day.

"Getting active doesn't have to be painful. Rather than costly gym sessions, or marathon running attempts, it can be as simple as stepping outside for a lunchtime stroll, or getting off the bus a few stops earlier on your way into the office. Don't sit in a meeting room with colleagues, get everyone moving in a walking meeting. That time spent walking, whether on your own or with colleagues, is all contributing to you meeting the Government's recommendation of 150 minutes of physical activity a week."

Last year, 8,000 workers clocked up 76,000 miles during Walk To Work Week.

People can register for the week online and add their total of miles walked to a national tally. To find out more visit www.livingstreets.org.uk/walktoworkweek.

Eight people who attend the Perfect Start centre in Uxbridge, will complete a relay swimming challenge to buy IT equipment for the centre.

The event has been organised by national disability charity United Response which also runs the Uxbridge centre.

The group will take to the water on May 21 for In The Swim 2012, where they will swim 2,012 metres in relay.

Maggie Narbeth, service manager at Perfect Start, will also be taking part in the swimming challenge. She said: "Although our current computers have served us well, they really need replacing. We're hoping the money raised through In The Swim will help us kick start this refurbishment. Without the IT suite operational, we cannot offer important skills and training to the people we support."

In The Swim 2012 takes place at Kensington Leisure Centre and is being hosted by former Paralympic swimmer, Fran Williamson.

Perfect Start provides vocational and life-skills training for people with learning disabilities. To sponsor the team visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/team/perfectstart.

The group from Robin Hood Airport Doncaster Sheffield will walk 24 miles from Whitby Abbey to Filey Brigg over two days from May 26 in support of the Special Care Baby Unit at Doncaster Royal Infirmary.

And the 10-strong team will be powered on Whitby's local delicacy of fish and chips, which they will eat the night before their walk.

Tim Webb, 36, of Auckley, South Yorkshire, who is leading the team, said: "It's so important to support charities in our region and we're thoroughly looking forward to what will be a fantastic walk, but mostly to the fish and chips we will eat on the Friday night."

Tim, a father of two, said: "I decided to raise money for the Special Care Baby Unit at Doncaster Royal Infirmary because Claire Woolley, who works for Securitas at the airport and will be walking with us, could have lost her son Tom in 2009 if it wasn't for the amazing work by the nurses there."

It is not the first time Tim, an airfield operations officer, and his team have taken on such a challenge. Last year they walked the route in reverse to support Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

Steve Gill, airport director at Robin Hood Airport, said: "Many of our staff are passionate about fundraising and it is admirable to see so many take part in such a positive, feel good fundraiser for a truly worthwhile local charity."

To sponsor the team visit www.justgiving.com/Tim-Webb1.

Chris Garratt, founder of The City of Bath Petanque Club, has set up a new club called the Fanny Club in a nod to the sport's roots.

A spokesman for Cancer Research UK said: "Petanque is the French equivalent of bowls, and Chris has started the Fanny Club to honour the tradition of the sport, 'to rendezvous with Mademoiselle Fanny'."

In times gone by, any player who lost a match without scoring a single point would have had to embrace and kiss the bare behind of Fanny, a waitress at a bistro.

The spokesman added: "Although the Fanny Club won't keep that particular tradition going, Chris does hope that this new club will also raise money for a cause close to his heart."

Chris, a sports lecturer and coach, decided to support Cancer Research UK in memory of his friend David Keith, chief executive of The Bath Chamber of Commerce, who died of cancer two years ago, and who helped in getting petanque up and running in Bath.

Chris said: "I'm very pleased to be doing this for the charity, and I just hope that I'm able to generate enthusiasm in others involved in our sport too. This is a unique and original club in Petanque, and its success could bring such great benefits to all those involved. At the moment, I have little real idea of the amount we may be able to raise for charity, but things are already getting going."

Melanie Skinner, Cancer Research UK's area volunteer manager for Bristol, Bath and Wiltshire, said: "We are absolutely delighted that Chris and the Fanny Petanque Club has decided to support Cancer Research UK."

For information or to join visit www.fannypetanque.co.uk, or call Chris Garratt on 07789 470577.

Young people aged between six and 16 years old will take part in the Panathlon Challenge at Stoke Mandeville Stadium in Buckinghamshire on May 16 and 17.

Participants will take part in athletics, boccia, cricket, table tennis, polybat, sitting volleyball and swimming.

The event staged by the Panathlon charity, which provides out-of-school competition for disabled children, is part of the two-day Festival Of Sport , organised by Disability Sports Events (DSE) on behalf of the English Federation of Disability Sport (EFDS).

More than 2,500 children across London and the South East have taken part in Panathlon Challenge events this year.

The Stoke Mandeville event has attracted four new teams representing Hill Crest, Wokingham and Slough, Stony Dean and Alfriston.

Three teams from Brent, Haringey and Hillingdon in London will also be participating in a second competition at the venue on May 16.

Panathlon founder Ashley Iceton said: "This special event at Stoke Mandeville, held in partnership with EFDS and Disability Sport Events, gives us an excellent opportunity to showcase Panathlon in an historic setting.

"Panathlon has already staged a race at the Olympic Stadium in London and it is great we are now taking 150 disabled competitors back to the birthplace of the Paralympics."

The competition on May 16 will be officiated by 25 young people from Mill Hill School in London who have been trained as Panathlon Young Officials over the past few weeks.

Panathlon is funded by supporters including the Mayor of London, the Jack Petchey Foundation and St James's Place Foundation.

Bideford Bay Children's Centre, in Devon, will hold two events to mark the 10-year milestone of supporting families and children.

Invited guests will come together on May 17 to reflect on the success of the children's centre, which is run by Action For Children on behalf of Devon County Council.

Then on May 19, there will be a family fun day at the centre, planned in partnership with Torridge District Council.

Action For Children's Jane Kivlin, service manager at the centre, said: "We are delighted to be celebrating our 10th birthday with the children and families and wide range of organisations we work with. It gives us the opportunity to reflect on the real successes of the centre and difference we have made to the families' lives as well as having a fantastic fun day together."

The centre provides information, advice and support to parents and carers, as well as integrated childcare and early learning, health services, family support, parental outreach and employment advice.

The fun day runs from 2pm to 4pm at the centre in Victoria Park, Bideford.

Start-up businesses in Fenland District Council area are encouraged to apply to a local Dragons' Den to win a share of a £5,000 business prize.

To enter, entrepreneurs need to submit a business plan to the Dragons' Den, a scheme run by enterprise agency NWES as part of a two-year project funded by Roddons Housing Association, part of Circle Housing Group.

Shortlisted applicants will have the opportunity to pitch to dragons in June. Winning pitches will receive a share of £2,500 in cash, as well as benefiting from a package of up to £2,500 of professional business support.

Accountants Whiting and Partners and solicitors Fraser Dawbarns are backing the project.

Wendy Coles, community and projects officer at Roddons Housing Association, said: "The NWES project is one of the most exciting community initiatives we have funded to date. We hope that by helping people to set up their own businesses, this will also improve the sustainability of the local community as a whole."

Applicants must be over 18 and live in the Fenland District Council area.

To apply, visit www.nwes.org.uk/advice/dragons-den.aspx or call 0845 6099991.

The Northern Debt Line has supported people across the North East and Cumbria, handling more than 3,600 debt enquires since its launch in 2010.

Now residents can continue benefiting from the free and independent service after the Northern Rock Foundation pledged funding to extend the service for a further two years. Details of the amount have not been released.

Liz Chadwick, chief executive of Dawn Advice, which manages the service, said: "The Northern Debt Line provides an invaluable service, particularly in the current climate, and there are signs that demand for impartial, free advice will only continue to grow.

"We are therefore delighted that the future of this service has been secured thanks to this vital injection of funding."

The telephone advice line was first launched as part of a £1.5million scheme to improve access to advice services for people living in rural areas.

Penny Wilkinson, chief executive of the Northern Rock Foundation, said: "Through the organisations and services which it supports, the Northern Rock Foundation is dedicated to tackling disadvantage and improving quality of life in North East England and Cumbria.

"The availability of independent financial advice will remain critical for our region and we are proud to be able to support the fantastic work which Dawn Advice is doing through the Northern Debt Line."

The helpline is available on 0300 3333445 or via www.dawnadvice.org.uk.

Arts360, a broadcast and online TV show from the Community Channel, has been given the go ahead thanks to funding from the Arts Council England.

The show will cover all aspects of art and culture, championing creative projects and providing topics for debate on cultural activities across London.

The two half hour specials created by young people will be broadcast on the Community Channel on Sky 539 and Virgin 233 in May.

Content created by young people including blogs and videos will run alongside this across the Community Channel's online platforms.

As part of the scheme Arts360 is looking to provide two young aspiring community reporters and journalists with the skills they require for arts and community journalism.

Young Londoners are also getting the chance to become volunteer community journalists receiving mentoring from media professionals, access to training, and a chance to showcase their work.

For more information on Arts360 email arts360@communitychannel.org.

The Community Channel aims to gives a voice to untold stories presenting news and programming that encourages people to change their world.

Phoenix Futures gave the warning as the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass) revealed that applications for children to be looked after by the state exceeded 10,000 between 2011 and 2012, a 10.8% increase on the previous year.

The rise in looked-after children came despite the levels of referrals remaining static during the same period, according to the charity.

Phoenix Futures has revealed the findings to coincide with International Day of Families on May 15.

Its National Specialist Family Service helps parents overcome addiction and build on their parenting skills and enable families to come back together rather than separating.

Trevor Sandford, manager of the service, said: "Although all the indications are showing an increase in local authority care referrals, my concern is that the funding and consideration of treatment solutions like ours are not keeping pace.

"Care commissioners face an incredibly difficult decision and we're not saying that our solution will work in every case, but we strongly believe there is a third way, it doesn't have to just be a case of leaving families together, or splitting them up and putting the children into care."

Phoenix Futures head of operations Diane Hilton said: "From the point of view of financial cost our analysis shows that a six month placement in our National Specialist Family Service can save £160,000 per family in the costs associated to long-term state care of children."

The elms are part of Ulmus londinium, The Conservation Foundation's London elm programme which is celebrating the capital's elm heritage.

Through the programme saplings supplied by charity Roots And Shoots are being offered to communities in London which have Elm Streets, Elm Avenues, and Elm Park Roads in their neighbourhoods.

The young elms were originally grown at Roots And Shoots in Lambeth, as part of its Great British Elm Experiment, but are moving on for the summer to locations around Lambeth Palace, Hampstead Heath, Syon House, High Elms Country Park and community gardens.

There they will be grown before being distributed towards the end of the year. The project, supported by the heritage Lottery Fund and the Ernest Cook Trust, is to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee and the foundation's 30th anniversary.

London's existing elm population is also being researched and recorded by the foundation on a map, which is being managed by the Natural History Museum.

To view the map visit www.bit.ly/elmmap. For more information on the elm project visit www.conservationfoundation.co.uk.

The Oxfordshire-based Sylva Foundation is calling on people to help with its oak jewel beetle and powdery mildew survey's as part of its TreeWatch project.

The surveys, which have been developed jointly with scientists from Forest Research, will help experts to tackle acute oak decline.

The first survey is looking at the oak jewel beetle, which lays its eggs in crevices on the bark of oak trees.

The larvae hatch then tunnel through the bark to feed on the tree tissues underneath, which could eventually lead to tree death. The presence of the young adult beetles can be spotted due to characteristic D shaped exit holes in the wood.

The second survey is looking at oak powdery mildew, caused by the fungus erysiphe alphitoides (Microsphaera alphitoides), which attacks young leaves and soft shoots covering them with a felty-white mycelium and eventually causes leaves to shrivel and dry out.

To take part in the studies visit www.TreeWatch.com.

The Prince's Initiative for Mature Enterprise (Prime) has been awarded the grant, which will help it to create a volunteer-led support network to help older people facing unemployment or redundancy.

The funds will be used in areas which are reliant on public sector jobs, and could see a detrimental impact from planned redundancies and public service cuts.

The exact amount of funding has not been released, but the charity will use the money over the next few months to recruit four development managers who will employ, train and support mentors to help over 50s in their business ventures.

The Social Action Fund is managed by The Social Investment Business on behalf of the Cabinet Office and funds projects in England which deliver social action programmes.

Prime chief executive Nick Bunting said: "We are grateful that the Cabinet Office has shown its belief in the ambitions of Prime's plans and for recognising the growing need to invest in the mature worker and to offer support mechanisms to realise their entrepreneurial skills."

The Social Investment Business' chief executive Jonathan Jenkins said: "The energy and vision of applicants has been impressive and we are pleased to manage a fund that finances ambitious, life-changing social action projects which will really make a difference and bring people together to improve the quality of life in their communities."

Family Action has launched its Against All Odds: Mind The Gap campaign calling for better welfare support and early intervention services for low-income mothers or those at risk from depression.

The charity has warned that the gap in early intervention services must be closed or children's development will suffer and another generation of "troubled" families will be created.

The charity aims to highlight the dangers new mothers and babies face if women are not given emotional and financial support before birth.

Family Action chief executive Helen Dent said: "The early intervention gap we've identified needs to be filled so that vulnerable mothers and babies don't fall through the system.

"We know from our work with vulnerable and disadvantaged mums using our perinatal service how vital support is at the earliest stages in mother-baby bonding and child development.

"Failure to have the best support in place could lead to a life of troubles for parents and children and set back the Government's goal of dealing with troubled families.

"Our Against All Odds campaign calls for more support and services for women at risk of perinatal depression and we want to see clear action from Government to protect this group to safeguard their future."

The charity, which works with some of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged families in England, supports new mothers through a perinatal service in Hackney, north London, west Mansfield in Nottinghamshire, Swaffham in Norfolk and Oxford.

The Better Outcomes, New Delivery (Bond) project is being launched to ensure that children in the Tees Valley with diagnosable mental health problem get support at an earlier stage.

Bond, which is being run by charity YoungMinds and funded by the Department for Education, is working with 20 voluntary sector organisations, five local authorities, NHS Tees, and more than 20 schools across Tees Valley, to ensure children can access support in schools and other settings.

The charity has said that an estimated 14,000 children in Tees Valley suffer from a diagnosable mental health problem with social stigma driving many young people and families to turn to local community services because they appear more open and less judgmental.

As part of the project participants will take part in workshops, one-to-one coaching and action learning sets to provide children with the help they need.

The Tees Valley Pilot is being launched by Middlesbrough Councillor Mike Carr and the Department for Education on May 15 at a reception at the Middlesbrough Town Hall.

Mr Carr, a Department for Education representative and chief executive of YoungMinds, Sarah Brennan, will all speak at the event.

Ms Brennan said: "Many children and young people across Tees Valley are struggling to cope with mental health problems. Bond aims to help them get the right help they need as early as possible, before their problems escalate."

For more information visit www.youngminds.org.uk/bond.

Sky Badger links disabled children's charities, social services, and special needs resources together to help families find the support they need.

According to the charity 9% of families are informed about disability services within four weeks of diagnosis, a further 34% are never told about available help. Its research found that 78% of families are kept in the dark for a few years about the support that is available to them.

Sky Badger will support parents to receive respite care, help them find wish-making charities, funding for mobility equipment, counselling and specialist insurance.

The site is being launched on May 15 to coincide with the UN's International Day of Families.

Patron and illustrator Gerald Scarfe said: "My childhood asthma meant I spent a lot of time in bed and in hospital, and not much time with friends.

"I felt isolated and afraid. Drawing was my way of coping. I drew constantly, putting my fears down on paper. This was the beginning of my creative life. I believe that personal difficulties can push you to do great things, that's why I am a patron of Sky Badger."

Other Sky Badger patrons include Professor Stephen Hawking, Sir Ranulph Fiennes and Master of the Rolls Lord Neuberger.

The charity was founded by four mothers with 11 children between them, three are disabled and two have life-limiting conditions.

For more information visit Sky Badger at www.skybadger.co.uk.

The Route Map For Vasculitis has been launched by Vasculitis UK to help patients, families and healthcare professionals deal with the rare diseases.

The 112-page guide contains information on each type of vasculitis, treatments, tips on living with the condition, how to support children and young adults affected, and how to navigate Government benefits.

It has been developed by the patient-led charity with advice and support from doctors in the Department of Renal Immunobiology at the University of Birmingham.

The project has been funded by the Department of Health and the Genetic Alliance has supported Vasculitis UK and nine other charities to produce disease-specific route maps.

Vasculitides, a group of rare auto-immune diseases, affect only 15 in every one million people, which means patients may struggle to find information and support.

Vasculitis UK chairman, John Mills, has Wegener's granulomatosis, a disease which leads to blood vessels becoming inflamed, making it hard for blood to flow.

He said: "All of us affected by a vasculitic disease have, at some time, felt overwhelmed and not known where to turn to for advice. The Route Map is an all-in-one guide for patients, their families and the healthcare professionals that care for them day-to-day, many of whom may never have come across a patient with vasculitis before."

Professor Lorraine Harper, professor of nephrology and the medical adviser to Vasculitis UK, said: "The diseases we call vasculitis are rare but have a big impact on the people they affect. We hope the Route Map will become a reference source for people affected by any kind of vasculitis and the GPs who care for them."

To download the route map visit www.vasculitis-uk.org.uk.

Oliver Welsh, from Crowthorne, in Berkshire and pal Simon Gibson, who lives in nearby Bracknell, are beginning their preparations for the 2012 Ramshackle Rally Munich.

Between September 20 and 25 they will drive through France, Italy, Austria and Slovenia before arriving in Germany.

The pair hope their eye-catching theme will inspire people to donate to Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research. They hope to raise £5,000.

Oliver said: "Like many other people, my family has been affected by leukaemia. Thanks to 50 years of work by Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research, the treatment was successful. Simon and I felt that raising £5,000 for the charity would be a great way to support them in their work and thank them for their help."

Simon said: "Although the rally itself is still several months away, we've got a lot of work ahead of us. We need to source a suitable car and decorate it, stock up on supplies, and of course encourage people to donate to such a worthy cause via our JustGiving page. We're grateful to our friends and families who have supported us so far."

The pair hope their past experience in car maintenance will prove helpful.

Simon, a project manager for Logica, has owned and worked on several Vauxhalls. Oliver, a freelance production lighting designer and electrician, is passionate about restoring Ford Capris.

As well as donations to their chosen charity, the duo are hoping to attract sponsors. Simon said: "Fuel will be our main expense, but ferry crossings, accommodation, food, and spare parts for the car are among our other costs."

To sponsor the team email RallyTeamDM@gmail.com or to sponsor Oliver and Simon visit www.Justgiving.com/TeamDM.

The charity was awarded the From Care2Work Quality Mark to recognise the employability, education and training provided to care leavers through its E18HTEEN project.

The project aims to support 16 to 18-year-old care leavers from Barnet, Enfield, Haringey and Waltham Forest into training, education and employment while preparing them for adulthood and independence.

The foundation received the award at the club's White Hart Lane ground on May 10.

It was presented by the Minister for Children and Families Tim Loughton who was joined by the project's ambassador, Jermain Defoe and two E18HTEEN participants.

While presenting the award Tim Loughton MP mentioned the responsibility that football clubs and footballers have as role models and in inspiring young people leaving care.

The From Care2Work Quality Mark awards are created by the National Care Advisory Service (NCAS), supported by charity Catch 22, to enable relationships between corporate parents and employers to increase employability opportunities to young people leaving care.

Firefly Photofilms and Aletheia Photo Collective have joined forces to present Untold, which is running at 3Objectives Photography in Brixton Road, London.

The multimedia exhibition tells stories from the Congo, Nepal, India, Cambodia and the UK using films, photofilms, prints and books.

It also aims to showcase the ongoing power of traditional documentary photography and film-making by using a variety of conventional and contemporary techniques.

Work from Andy Ash, Charley Murrell, Rajan Zaveri, Michael Carroll, Ross Domoney and Dan Giannopoulos will feature in the show.

Firefly Photofilms and Aletheia Photo Collective produce multimedia projects that question cultural preconceptions and provoke social change.

The Untold exhibition is open at 3Objectives from 10am to 5pm daily until May 16. The images can also be seen online at www.fireflyphotofilms.com/untold.

The West End Vs Broadway show will be staged by GT Musicality Productions Theatre Company in Neath, Port Talbot, South Wales, to support the work of Terrence Higgins Trust Cymru.

In total, 22 performers, including young people from LX Theatre Company and a 16-piece orchestra, will take to the stage to perform songs from shows including Hairspray, Les Miserables, and Chicago.

The event will be staged at the newly-refurbished Gwyn Hall, which has been donated free of charge thanks to Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council.

All proceeds will support the work of the charity, which works to support people across Wales who are living with or at risk of HIV.

Geraint Thomas, creative director at GT Musicality Productions, said: "I'm over the moon that the local community have come together to support our new show. It's been great to see people pulling together to fundraise for such a worthy cause. We're hoping for a full house on the night, so would urge people not to wait but to book their tickets now."

Steve Jones, national director for Terrence Higgins Trust Cymru, said: "We are so grateful to GT Musicality Productions for choosing us to benefit from this show, and to the council for donating The Gwyn Hall, a truly stunning venue.

"All of the money raised will go towards our services supporting people living with or at risk of HIV in Wales, so we have everything crossed for a great turn out on the night."

The show on May 26 will begin at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £9.50 and can be booked at www.gwynhall.co.uk or call The Gwyn Hall box office on 0300 365 6677.

The Royal Alfred Seafarers' Society is highlighting the plight of people who are caring for family and friends with the condition ahead of Dementia Awareness Week.

The charity, which provides nursing and respite care to former seafarers, and non-seafarers, is urging people who know someone caring for a relative or friend to watch for signs of depression.

Signs include sad, hopeless or irritable moods, loss of interest in past pleasures and activities, low self-esteem, sleep disturbance and isolation.

One in five people in the UK will develop the condition in their lives with dementia patients and their carers at an increased risk, according to the Alzheimer's Society.

Commander Brian Boxall-Hunt OBE, chief executive of the society, said: "Dementia can be a really devastating condition, particularly for the friends and family of sufferers who are fulfilling the carer role and have to watch their loved ones gradually deteriorate in front of them.

"It can be very upsetting to see someone close to you change from the person they used to be."

The society offers music and singing session at its specialist dementia care centre in Surrey featuring songs from a person's past to encourage them to unlock memories.

Residents are also helped to create special boxes containing items from the past in a bid to trigger memories.

Dementia Awareness Week runs from May 20 to 26.

Five runners from the firm's Manchester office, in Parsonage Gardens, are competing in the 10 kilometre run, on May 20.

Solicitor Gemma Vine said: "We're really looking forward to the event, it's been great fun to get involved and to raise money for such a worthwhile cause."

Gemma will be joined by colleagues Kelly Darlington, Rebecca Fairclough, Ria Banerjee and Maeve Hurley.

Rose Franks, community fundraiser for MedEquip4Kids, said: "We're so grateful for the support we are getting from Manchester companies for taking on the challenge. The Manchester 10k is a fantastic event for runners of every ability to get out and raise funds, and the atmosphere on the day is always really supportive."

MedEquip4Kids raises funds to provide medical equipment for children who are sick or injured. Money raised from the Great Manchester Run will be used to provide equipment at Royal Bolton, North Manchester and Royal Oldham hospitals.

To support the charity visit www.medequip4kids.org.uk.

Kelvin Cheung, the man behind FoodCycle, hopes the donations flood in so that he can have the permanent tattoo added to his arm in time for the FoodCycle Conference in October.

Kelvin said: "FoodCycle has been my entire life for the past four years and now it'll be a part of me forever. Lots of people get tattoos they regret but I definitely won't regret this."

FoodCycle combines volunteers, surplus food and spare kitchen spaces to create nutritious meals for people at risk from food poverty and social isolation. FoodCycle runs 16 successful volunteer-powered community projects nationwide and is the winner of Charity Times' Best New Charity of the Year 2010 and The Big Society Award 2011.

Kelvin completed an annual personal fundraiser for the charity he founded back in 2008.

But while his past endeavours have been exhausting, with sponsored runs, marathons and bike rides, none have been so unorthodox.

To make a donation so Kelvin's tattoo can be permanent visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/kelvincheungtattoo.

The award-winning musical, telling the story of the witches of Oz, has announced its partnership with The Ben Cohen StandUp Foundation, which is dedicated to raising awareness of the damaging effects of bullying, and funding those working to stop it.

Ben said: "We are thrilled to launch the Ben Cohen StandUp Foundation in the UK and extremely grateful for the support of Wicked. Getting the message out about bullying and its long-term negative effects could not be done without the support and collaborative efforts of our partners.

"Post-launch, our work will not only focus on raising-awareness of the issue but also focus on fundraising to support organisations doing real-world work to eradicate bullying."

The charity was launched on May 10 with support from the musical at a pre-show reception at its official hotel partner, the Rubens At The Palace.

Michael McCabe, Wicked's executive producer, said: "Through its story of a young girl who is demonised because of her looks, Wicked has encouraged audiences across the world to draw inspiration from her choice to stand up for what she believes.

"We are immensely proud of our anti-bullying work here in London, and we now look forward to making even more of a difference by partnering with Ben Cohen's remarkable new charity."

Riverside has chosen the Alzheimer's Society as its corporate charity and will support its work through fundraising activities during the period.

Staff at Riverside, which provides sheltered and supported housing for elderly, homeless and vulnerable people, voted for their favourite charity in a poll across the organisation.

Liverpool-based Riverside previously raised more than £30,000 for Water Aid as its chosen charity partner over the past three years.

Chief executive Carol Matthews said: "Dementia has touched many of us and impacts on every community. Support for this charity complements our Livetime project, which encourages elderly people to be more active in their communities in order to stay healthy and avoid isolation.

"The impact of an ageing population means that many more of us are experiencing the devastating effects of dementia on family life."

Rebecca Smith, corporate partnership manager from Alzheimer's Society, said: "It's thanks to the support of organisations like Riverside that we can touch the lives of more than 30,000 people living with dementia each week.

"Dementia affects 800,000 people in the UK but it is still stigmatised, misunderstood, and hidden away from the public eye with no cure. Through this partnership Riverside will be helping change this and we are very excited about working together."

Gordon, who runs an IT department at the Royal Bank of Scotland, has already raised £4,415 as part of the challenge.

Live Below The Line aims to highlight the reality faced by more than 1.4 billion people by challenging participants to live on £1 a day for five days for all food and drink.

The father-of-two from the Scottish Highlands is raising funds for Malaria No More UK and started the challenge on May 13.

So far Gordon is the charity's leading fundraiser, followed by choreographer and former Strictly Come Dancing judge Arlene Phillips who completed the challenge last week.

Gordon said: "Malaria perpetuates a cycle of poverty and lost productivity. It affects a family's bottom line taking up to 25% of earnings. When you're living on £1 a day anyway, that's going be an inconceivably tough scenario.

"The idea of losing one or both of my children to a disease that is easy to prevent and treat is unthinkable here. But the reality is, a child still dies from malaria every minute in parts of the world affected by extreme poverty.

"I hope that friends, family and colleagues will continue to show their support and help me raise a record amount for this incredibly important cause."

To support Gordon visit www.livebelowtheline.com/me/gmackechnie.

The boost is part of the Big Lottery Fund's Reaching Communities programme, which aims to support people most in need and build stronger communities.

Among the 101 organisations to benefit from funding are 15 in Yorkshire; 16 in London; 10 in the South West; and 10 in the West Midlands.

Also sharing the funding are seven organisations in the South East; five in East Anglia; six in the East Midlands; 10 in the North East; and 16 in the North West.

Nat Sloane, Big Lottery Fund England chairman, said: "These imaginative projects will result in more active, healthier communities, with more social and community events to reduce isolation and loneliness as well as providing opportunities for young people to learn from new and positive experiences."

Porchlight wants people in Kent and Medway to tell them the location of rough sleepers so they can work with the people identified and offer them help and support.

It has launched the Don't Just Walk Past, Tell Us campaign, which gives people the option of calling a 24-hour helpline number or completing a form on the charity's website about what they have seen.

The campaign is to help the charity find people who are new to the streets.

Chris Coffey, strategic manager for the charity's rough sleeper team, said: "A large number of homeless people are currently staying on friend's sofas or in unsuitable temporary accommodation. All too quickly they can drop on to the streets when their welcome runs out. If someone has to sleep rough for too long they can become entrenched in that lifestyle and develop further issues such as drug or alcohol dependency. We want the public's help to find people quickly and prevent their situation from becoming even worse."

Porchlight already conducts early morning street outreach sessions across the county, but hopes that extra intelligence from the public will mean they can find even more vulnerable people.

Mr Coffey said: "We will invite the person to a safe place such as a day centre run by one of our partner agencies. This will give us an opportunity to really talk to the rough sleeper and get a clear idea of their support needs."

In the first three months of 2012, 244 people approached the charity's rough sleeper team for help.

To report a rough sleeper, call 0800 5677699 or complete a form at www.porchlight.org.uk/tellus.

In the research, 35% confirmed such discrimination with 43% of respondents saying they have left or lost a job because of their condition.

The figures prove there is a lack of support for people with autism in the workplace, combined with a lack of awareness of the condition amongst employers and colleagues, according to the society.

It is renewing its call on employers to ensure support is in place for workers with autism.

Penny Andrews, an adult with Asperger syndrome, said: "I was in a job for three years and was bullied by my colleagues throughout. It wasn't anything explicit so it was hard to make a formal complaint, but they regularly mocked me behind my back, left me out of social arrangements, and made sarcastic comments that I took literally, because of my condition, and they'd then laugh at me and call me stupid."

David Perkins, manager of Prospects, the NAS' employment service, said: "It is unacceptable in the current economic climate that some employers are failing to put reasonable support in place to keep adults with autism in work and off benefits.

"It needs to be nationally understood and accepted that bullying or discrimination of any kind in the workplace is deplorable and bullying or discriminating against a colleague because of their disability is tantamount to anti-disability abuse."

The NAS is celebrating its 50th birthday on May 17 and will be publishing a report of the survey The Way We Are: Autism in 2012, by the end of May.

Anthony Nolan has set up a base at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital, in Sheffield, its first such centre outside the capital.

Registered donors will go there for either of two procedures to collect stem cells which can be used in the treatment of blood cancers.

Dr John Snowden, blood and marrow transplant director in Sheffield, said: "This will help us create a first class bone marrow stem cell collection centre which will form the basis of lifesaving treatments for patients all over the world.

"Of course, we are all entirely dependent on the kindness and selflessness of the individual donors to provide this collection service, and the central location in Sheffield will help their travelling and other logistical arrangements, as well as increasing the UK's ability to meet the growing demands for bone marrow and stem cell transplantation worldwide."

Ailsa Ogilvie, operations director of Anthony Nolan, said: "We hope that this will not only build on our reputation for providing a world-class service, but will also allow us to provide more lifesaving transplants for people with blood cancer."

To join the register visit www.anthonynolan.org.

John, a consultant haematologist, is raising money for two charities close to his heart and work at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals.

His final race will be Derbyshire's White Peak Marathon on May 19. When he crosses the finish line he will have run a total of 78.6 miles to support Weston Park Hospital Cancer Charity and Sheffield Hospitals Charity Leukaemia Appeal.

John, from Sheffield, was inspired to raise money for the cancer charity after a long-standing colleague at the hospital died from the disease.

The 46-year-old said: "I am reasonably fit but not athletic, and I know I can get through one marathon, but was not so sure about three in a row.

"The biggest worry isn't one marathon in particular, it's getting injured with little recovery time in-between that's the worry. But so far my only serious injury has been a dog bite in Whiteley Woods during training in March."

John competed in the Marathon de Paris on April 15, where he was cheered on by wife Angela and sons Josh, 14 and Jake, 13. He completed the course in 3hrs 52 mins.

Then, John took on the Greater Manchester Marathon on April 29 and completed it in 3hrs 55 mins.

Sarah Cross, fundraiser for Weston Park Hospital Cancer Charity, said: "We are really grateful that John has decided to put himself through this extreme challenge for the cancer charity.

"Marathons are just one example of a running event that people can take part in to support the charity and help us to raise the vital funds we need."

The charity has its own Run & Raise campaign to support people who want to raise funds through running.

To support John visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/johnsnowden.

Staff from Greenwich And Bexley Community Hospice will be out and about to spread the word about the work of the hospice and their roles.

Their efforts form part of a week-long awareness campaign for the hospice, set in Bostall Woods, on the outskirts of Greenwich. It provides free hospice care, but it is concerned that not enough people know what it does.

Chief executive Kate Heaps said: "We know that lots of people living in Greenwich don't know enough about the hospice.

"Every year we care for more than 2,500 local people and their families, ensuring they receive the best end-of-life care possible. We care for anyone with a terminal illness, aged 18 and over, and our nurses are available 24 hours a day. It is important to us that local people know we are here for them if they need us, now or in the future, and that all our care is completely free of charge."

The awareness week runs from March 14 to 20. An open day will be held at the hospice on June 9 from 10am and 2pm.

Nicola Ryan ran the Broxtowe five kilometre at Bramcote Park to support the work of Treetops Hospice in Risley, in Derbyshire.

The 36-year-old, from Kirk Hallam, raised £600 for the charity, which cares for people with life-limiting illnesses.

Nicola was first diagnosed with kidney problems at the age of 13. By the age of 21 she had complete kidney failure and was put on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). In September 2001, Nicola received a kidney transplant.

Nicola said: "I've always tried to look after myself, to give the transplant the best shot, out of respect for the person who donated it and their family. I'm lucky and glad to be alive, and I have the choice to go out and enjoy my life. I want to do something to help other people."

She chose to support Treetops in memory of her mum's cousin, Christine Nash, who was looked after at the hospice last year.

When Christine passed away from breast cancer on Boxing Day, aged 65, Nicola decided to raise money so that Treetops could care for more people.

To support Nicola visit www.justgiving.com/Nicola-Ryan0.

Mr Salt, currently the deputy chief executive at The National College for School Leadership, will now lead the trust which supports 18 academies nationwide, rising to 19 in September.

He said: "I am very much looking forward to building upon the significant improvements that the Ormiston Academies Trust has brought to the communities that they serve.

"I will work tirelessly with its staff and principals to achieve the transformation that education can bring to the lives of the thousands of children that the trust works with."

Chairman of the trust Peter Murray said: "We have conducted a robust and open recruitment process and I am delighted to announce the appointment of Toby Salt as our new chief executive.

"Toby is committed to effective school leadership and to transforming educational opportunities for young people of all ages and backgrounds. He shares our vision and values and we are looking forward to working with him."

The Ormiston Academies Trust, which has offices in London and Birmingham, aims to provide transformational learning and achievement for students and the communities in which they live.

Among the recipients of the From Care2Work Quality Mark were Lincolnshire County Council, and Birmingham Marriott hotel.

The award, from the National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) supported by charity Catch22, recognises the commitment of local authorities and employers which provide opportunities for care leavers.

The Lincolnshire council received the accolade for creating job opportunities for young care leavers through its leaving care team. Every quarter, 15 young people take part in work preparation groups, completing a 13-week work experience placement.

The council is also creating 14 apprenticeships for care leavers and aims to expand this further.

Debbie Barnes, the council's director of children's services, said: "As responsible corporate parents, the county council is fully committed to doing all it can to ensure that young people leaving our care receive the best possible support to boost their chances in the transition to adult life."

Birmingham Marriott has worked with local authorities to support 24 care leavers through work placements.

Care leavers were joined by a Marriott buddy who supported them in the housekeeping, kitchen, leisure, food and beverage departments.

At the end of the placement the hotel threw a celebration recognising the care leavers' achievements and offered HR advice plus CV and interview support.

Martin Hazlehurst, NCAS national manager, said: "The From Care2Work Quality Mark recognises the work that employers and local authorities are doing to ensure that young people leaving care get the best start possible in the world of work.

"We would like to congratulate those who have been given the award and encourage others to contact us."

Other award recipients were York Marriott hotel and Nottingham City Council,

For more information email ncas@catch-22.org.uk.

Young men and women, from Brighton and Hove, and aged between 13 and 25, are being given one-to-one support through The Wise Project from Sussex Central YMCA.

The vulnerable young people also take part in discussions around healthy and unhealthy relationships, consent, risky behaviour, assertiveness and resilience.

Gemma Doughty, YMCA Wise project co-ordinator, said: "Perpetrators exploit any child over which they can exert power. Young people are vulnerable for so many reasons. Young women for example, are often targeted for grooming simply because they can have a need to be loved and to be given attention.

"For many, going out to house parties and being picked up by an older boyfriend in a car is a dream come true. We know that vulnerable young people in Brighton and Hove are being groomed in takeaways, fast food restaurants and shopping centres.

"Typically, friendships are formed and phone numbers or social media details are exchanged, leading on to further grooming, invites to parties and exploitation. The grooming process can take place within one day or over a long period of time."

The project aims to give young people the skills they need to overcome exploitation.

Since June, it has directly helped more than 20 young people with a greater number attending sessions surrounding the issue.

For more information visit www.sussexcentralymca.org.uk.

The claim has been made by leaders of the deaf community in an open letter addressed to nine chief executive of top telecomms firms.

It also shows their frustration that the industry has failed to follow up on requests set down in November by Communications Minister Ed Vaizey MP, who wanted the telecomms companies to work with the deaf community to find solutions which meet their communications needs.

The letter is addressed to the chief executives of BT, O2, Vodafone, Three, Talk Talk, KCom, Virgin Media, Everything Everywhere and BskyB.

It reads: "You have failed to meet with us in open forum in response to the Minister's request and your silence has been deeply disappointing."

Signatories include the UK Council For Deafness, British Deaf Association, the Royal Association For Deaf People, and MP Ben Bradshaw, the former Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport.

They are hoping to find a way to create "functionally equivalent telecommunications for deaf people".

The letter continues: "Positive action by the industry is long overdue. You are delaying the introduction of modern relay services, and exacerbating the isolation and disadvantage which is faced by deaf people who are denied equal access to telecommunications."

David Buxton, chief executive officer of the British Deaf Association, said: "Deaf people have waited long enough for equality in telecommunications and are still being forced to rely on outdated technologies to speak to their friends and families. It's time for the industry to act."

The Government recently moved the revised EU Electronic Communications Framework into law setting out a legal requirement to ensure disabled end-users enjoy access to telecommunications which are functionally equivalent to those enjoyed by other users.

The letter has been published in The Times during Deaf Awareness Week.

The fourth annual Castle To Castle event will see more than 240 people swimming across the River Fal from Pendennis Point to St Mawes in Falmouth in support of the charity.

Last year's swim raised more than £50,000 for the charity's services in the Devon and Cornwall area.

EastEnders' actor Steve McFadden, who plays Phil Mitchel, joined swimmers last year and has completed the event twice in total.

Steve said: "I'm gutted to miss the RNLI Castle To Castle swim this year; it's always a fantastic challenge for a brilliant charity."

This year's event, on June 3, will be started at 4pm by BBC Radio Cornwall presenter Laurence Reed. He will also hand out trophies and medals to the successful swimmers.

RNLI event co-ordinator Sarah Cheers, and RNLI legacy manager Kate Ireland will be among the participants. Sarah said: "This is our first time taking part in the event. Although we're both quite nervous about the currents, we're really looking forward to getting across to St Mawes, and know that we'll be in safe hands with the RNLI lifeguards and volunteer RNLI lifeboat crew from Falmouth, who will be on-hand monitoring the safety of the swimmers."

Runners can also take part in a 10 kilometre cross-country circular run starting near St Mawes Castle and finishing at St Mawes harbour. Swimmers can take part in the run after finishing their swim.

Entry is £10 and the closing date for entries is May 27. To enter visit www.rnli.org.uk/castle2castle and to enter the 10km run email cornwall@rnli.org.uk.

Pac has expanded its base in London by knocking through the wall of its office in Torriano Mews, Kentish Town, to the neighbouring premises.

Pac, which offers advice, counselling, support and training to people who have experienced adoption, has been based on the site for more than 20 years, and hope the merger will increase effectiveness across the charity's services.

It will allow the charity to bring its adoption support services, including counselling and therapy rooms, fundraising and administration, under one roof.

The premises will be opened by Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Children and Families, Tim Loughton.

Mr Loughton, Tory MP for East Worthing and Shoreham, has previously supported the charity, attending Pac's Gala Dinner at the Savoy Hotel with chief executive officer Peter Sandiford and the Government's ministerial advisor on adoption, Martin Narey, in November.

Supporters are also welcome to attend the opening at 10.30am on June 18.

Youngsters from four schools across Lancaster will see their work displayed at the Peter Scott Gallery as part of the Conversations With The Collection exhibition.

The young artists aged between six and 16 have taken part in a year-long project run by eight volunteers from Lancaster University Student's Union (LUSU).

As part of the project, many youngsters visited a gallery for the first time, getting a chance to explore its exhibitions, and create their own artistic responses to the work.

They were supported by the Lancaster University student volunteers who delivered bespoke classroom workshops and helped develop the pupils' ideas and work.

George Gardiner, LUSU president, said: "This has been a wonderful opportunity for local children to have their artwork displayed next to great professional works as well as a fantastic chance for eight of our student volunteers to run their own workshops."

Volunteer Amy Gilland, 21-year-old BA Fine Art student, from Doncaster, South Yorkshire, said: "It's been great to see the unique work the children have created and to see how they have progressed in just a few months."

Conversations With The Collection will run at the Peter Scott Gallery, located in Lancaster University, until June 1.

About 2,000 participants were sponsored to run, walk or cycle the 26-miles from Avebury to Stonehenge to raise funds for the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust.

Among them were Tash Wilkinson, Tracey Sluggett, Wendy Scotford, Krysia Chrzanowski and Andrea Unwin, all from Corsham, in Wiltshire, who wore tiaras during their walk to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and the charity's 50th year.

Chris Knight, from Chippenham, also took part running the full marathon dressed as the Mad Hatter.

The 23rd annual event also saw 225 cyclists taking part, and 100 dogs and their owners also joining in the fun.

Event organiser Derek Gard said: "There was a tremendous buzz. The atmosphere at Stonehenge was electric, I've never know anything like it. For a multi-disciplined event it was great to see participants encouraging each other and sharing their success."

All proceeds raised from the event on May 6 help the charity to protect Wiltshire's wildlife and natural environment.

Registration for next year's marathon will be available from January.

The 33-year-old management consultant found he had diabetes after a routine health check at work showed his blood sugars were high.

Since his diagnosis in July, he has lost two-and-a-half-stone and is now preparing to run the Great Manchester Run for Diabetes UK on May 20.

Jason, who followed up the health check with a visit to his GP, said: "I had absolutely no idea that I had diabetes. It was a massive shock to me and my family, especially as I thought the condition was something that just happened to people in their 40s or 50s."

Jason, from Manchester, used his diagnosis to change his lifestyle for the better.

He said: "When I was diagnosed, I had a BMI of 34 and was considered obese, but since then I have lost two-and-a-half stone with a diet that's low in fat and sugar. The Bupa Great Manchester Run for Diabetes UK is one of the ways I focused my training schedule and encouraged me to change my work/life balance so I could train more."

Diabetes UK is the nominated charity partner for the Bupa Great Run Series 2012.

Running, as well as other physical activities, can help with managing diabetes more effectively, in addition to helping reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

Kate McKie, Diabetes UK North West fundraising manager, said: "The funds Jason raises will go a long way in helping us continue to support over 23,534 people already diagnosed with diabetes in Manchester, and help us find the estimated 4,700 people in the area who are unaware they have Type 2 diabetes."

To sponsor Jason visit www.justgiving.com/mcewens.

The trainee chefs now have the chance to be selected for advance training, which could lead to a paid apprenticeship to help break the cycle of unemployment and homelessness.

The Can Cook Will Cook course was set up by homelessness charity St Mungo's and delivered at its Pound Lane Centre, in Brent, north London, in partnership with Caterplus.

Under the guidance of executive chef Hugh McGivern the trainees were taught how to cook sweet and savoury dishes, make bread, and learned about kitchen equipment, food safety, and hygiene in the ten-week course.

As part of their final challenge, they had to cook a slap-up meal on the theme of the Great British Menu for about 30 friends, family and supporters at St Mungo's.

Martin Snowdon, St Mungo's employment team manager, said: "Hugh and the team at Caterplus have designed an excellent programme. Courses like these are important in helping develop particular skills, but also vital in boosting people's motivation, will power and self esteem.

"Having come this far, our hope is that these successful graduates go on to develop their skills further, through apprenticeships, further training and then into long-term jobs."

Paul Robottom, managing director of Caterplus, said: "Working in partnership with St Mungo's, we are firmly committed to providing more than just food and this programme continues to be a successful way of helping to meet St Mungo's objectives of getting people into long-term work."

St Mungo's Pound Lane Centre opened in 2010 and provides accommodation for 85 homeless people. The charity was formed in 1969 and now works across London and the South.

In 1983, 86% of the charity's clients were in work. Today, only 9% are in employment or volunteering, well over a third have been out of work for five years or more and around 8% have never worked at all.

To find out more about the charity visit http://www.mungos.org/.

His backing for the Cornwall charity, based in his home county, followed a trip to its headquarters in Helston.

Ben said: "I knew of ShelterBox but did not actually realise they were based so close to my parent's home and to where I was brought up in Cornwall.

"Having visited them and seen first-hand the work they do and the challenges they face, I am delighted to be asked to help in any way that I can. Initially this will be through supporting the organisation's fundraising efforts and introducing some of my own business contacts who may be able to make ShelterBox become even more effective."

The charity provides emergency shelter and life-saving supplies to families around the world who are affected by disasters.

Each ShelterBox is tailored to every disaster but typically contains a disaster relief tent for an extended family, blankets, water purification and storage equipment, cooking utensils, a stove, a basic tool kit, and a children's activity pack.

ShelterBox is currently deployed in Peru, where people have been affected by floods, and the Republic of the Congo, following an industrial accident.

Tim Bunting, ShelterBox UK general manager, said: "We are absolutely delighted that Ben has chosen to support ShelterBox. The awareness he raises will help us generate vital funds to respond to future natural and manmade disasters around the world."

Ben visited ShelterBox while he is training in Falmouth ahead of the JP Morgan Asset Management Finn Gold Cup, which runs from May 13 to 18.

To support ShelterBox call 0300 0300500 or visit www.shelterbox.org.

Rider, presenter of the 2011 Rugby World Cup coverage and now with the Sky Sports F1 team, will lead out players at Richmond Golf Club, in Surrey.

Golfers will enjoy a round on the 18-hole 6,091-yard course, which will include several on-course competitions, including beat the pro and longest drive.

Rider, vice president of United Response, said: "While there are many charity sporting events happening up and down the country, having been involved in previous United Response Golf Days, in my view, this one really is a bit special.

"I've been a supporter of United Response for over eight years now, and have always been impressed by the work they do supporting people with disabilities to live the lives they choose."

Golfers will return to the clubhouse for a three-course lunch, prize-giving and auction. Rider will also talk about his career in media and sport.

Tickets are priced at £175. Lunch-only tickets are available for £100. To book visit www.unitedresponse.org.uk/golf-event.

The Hawk And Owl Trust believe there are at least two active nests at Sculthorpe Moor Community Nature Reserve, near Fakenham, North Norfolk.

One breeding female, nicknamed Mrs H, has returned for her eighth clutch at the reserve.

Nigel Middleton, the trust's conservation officer, said: "It is clear the weather has had a dramatic effect. In previous years we would be expecting the first chicks to hatch in the middle of May, but this year it looks as if she has only begun brooding in the past week or so."

If all goes well with the brood the reserve will install a nestcam once the chicks have hatched safely. It will show live images at the reserve in a nearby hide so observers can watch the birds fly in and then feed the chicks.

The reserve is open from 8am to 6pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and from 8am to dusk from Thursdays to Sundays. It is closed on Mondays. A voluntary donation of £3 is suggested from adult visitors.

Computer Aid has sent 52 PCs to Euthini Secondary School, where they will help children learn IT skills while also improving learning in other subjects.

A charity spokesman said: "Having access to ICT has a vast impact on their education and leads to better job prospects when they leave school. Teachers also benefit and are able to access a wealth of free information and teaching materials on the internet.

"Only 2% of Malawi's population are internet users, so these computers will greatly improve the future prospects for the children of Euthini Secondary School."

The charity, based in Brunswick Industrial Park, north London, aims to reduce poverty through practical IT solutions.

John and Irene Binks have volunteered for RNIB for a combined total of sixty years and John has dedicated more than ten years to Sight Support Derbyshire.

Now the couple are hosting a garden open day to raise more funds for the charity, which supports 25,000 people with visual impairments in Derbyshire.

John said: "We are passionate about helping people with a visual impairment and hope that people will come and enjoy the day with us and help us to raise money. There will be stalls selling cakes, plants and a tombola, and tea and coffee served."

Robin Toal, the charity's fundraising and communications manager, said: "We are thrilled that John and Irene have chosen to support us by opening their garden and I am sure it will be a fantastic event."

The Binks are opening their garden at 27 Church Lane, Darley Abbey, on May 19 from 10.30am to 4.30pm. Admission costs £1 with accompanied children free.

Sylvia Tidy-Harris, managing director of womenspeakers.co.uk and menspeakers.co.uk, will use the voluntary role to call for increased access to bereavement services.

Ms Tidy-Harris has seen fist hand the help which bereavement services offer. Her brother Nick died of sudden adult death syndrome in November 2004, at the age of 39, in California. His children were supported by such services.

Sylvia said: "When my fun and loving brother died so suddenly we were totally and utterly devastated. But we learned to cope. We had no choice. But for my niece and nephew who were 13 and 9 at the time, life stood still.

"My sister-in-law was working overseas when Nick died in his sleep and it was the kids who found him. In the US, bereavement support seemed to be more readily available than it is here in the UK.

"In the case of Nick's son and daughter, it helped them enormously. But here in the UK, many families are unable to access the support they need, unless they are lucky enough to be put in contact with an organisation like the Child Bereavement Charity."

Ann Chalmers, chief executive of the Child Bereavement Charity, said: "Sylvia has a great track record of representing a variety of issues in her inimitable, no-nonsense style. She is an amazing networker and will be a great asset to us."

To support the charity's work or become a national or local ambassador email enquiries@childbereavement.org.uk or call 01494 568900.

The four-strong team representing Alone In London have collected all donations and sponsorship three weeks after running the 26.2-mile course through the capital.

The money will help the Islington-based charity, part of Circle, to help at least 40 vulnerable young people who have nowhere to live or who are seriously thinking about running away from home.

Robert Keirans, fundraising officer for Alone In London, said: "We're absolutely delighted with the money raised for Alone In London. I would like to say thank you to the runners and everyone who donated money. The money goes directly towards Alone In London's work supporting young people who are homeless and in crisis. We also provide crucial services to prevent the risk of homelessness. The demand for our services is increasing and support from individuals like the marathon runners, is vital to help us to meet this demand."

The team members were Chris Ellison, John Gray, Sarah Schofield and Chris Giles.

Mr Ellison said: "I read the night before the marathon that you should high five a child at least every mile to remind yourself what it's really about. This was great fun until I came across a line of five St John Ambulance people with their hands out. By the third one I was aware of a strange sensation but it wasn't until I pulled my hand back in after the fifth that I realised they were giving out Vaseline and I know had huge globs of it dripping from my fingers."

To support the charity visit www.justgiving.com/teams/teamcircle2012.

Phil Harris has organised the five-mile Bluebell Run in Shropshire to raise funds for Shrewsbury-based charity Omega Care For Life.

Participants, including members of the Welsh Fell Runners Association, are paying £5 to take part in the event, with all proceeds going to the charity.

Phil, a keen climber who ran for many years, regularly fundraises for the charity, which supports carers, former carers, and the bereaved in the West Midlands and Powys.

Earlier this year Phil and his wife Helen organised a salsa evening to buy iPad computers and software to help people with motor neurone disease. They also run a meeting point and information-sharing support group in Shrewsbury.

Tom Memery, Omega development director, said: "We are delighted that so many runners will be out supporting local carers on Sunday, and thank Phil and his team for their hard work on our behalf."

The run starts at the Scout Hut in Rectory Field, Church Stretton, Shropshire, at 10am. Entry costs £5 and runners must be over 16.

To join, call Phil on 01743 289876 or email phil172@btinternet.com.

Action For Children is calling on people across Cardiff to take part in a draw-off with artist Scott Walker to highlight the issue.

Participants will fill in picture frames on a giant canvas with images of the 8,750 foster families currently needed across the UK.

The event, organised by the charity, which works with vulnerable and neglected children and young people, is part of the Fostering Network's Foster Care Fortnight.

It aims to highlight the need for foster carers, including 550 across Wales, and encourage more people to become carers.

Jason Hughes, practice manager at Action For Children's Taith Newydd Fostering project in Newport, said: "People of all ages can help us make our masterpiece look brilliant and raise awareness that the need for foster carers has never been more pressing.

"So many people have the skills and qualities to be amazing foster carers. We make sure they receive extensive training and ongoing support to meet the needs of the children and young people they foster.

"They will also be recognised as professional carers and receive a salary. It's a great way to help turn a child's life around."

The art event will take place at the Queen's Arcade in Cardiff on May 17.

For more information visit www.actionforchildren.org.uk/fostering.

Nigel, who was diagnosed with advanced incurable prostate cancer six years ago, is taking part in the Prostate Project's Love Train walk from John O'Groats to Land's End.

He set off on March 21 and is walking 20 miles a day with charity fundraiser Alan Carr MBE, and Alan's daughter Charlotte.

But with just 150 miles to go, Nigel has only raised £4,000 in online donations, far shy of his £25,000 target to help support the work of the charity.

The money will help The Prostate Project, which already funds a research team of clinicians, scientists, specialist nurses and technicians at the University of Surrey, to create a NHS Urology Centre to further its work.

Nigel, who lives in Bookham, near Guildford, said: "It's too late for me but please help me reach my £25,000 online target."

To donate to Nigel visit www.lovetrain.org.uk.

About 136 children from 33 schools across London and four patients from Great Ormond Street Hospital (Gosh) have contributed to The Jiggly Boggly And The Gosh Monsters.

The book will help to raise funds for the Gosh charity and support the work of the hospital, which provides treatment to children suffering from complex and life-threatening conditions.

It features 34 characters created and named by children alongside illustrator interpretations which tell the story of monster caretaker, Jiggly Boggly.

Publisher Clark Beecroft said: "This book is about children across London coming together to create a book of awesomeness to help sick children at Great Ormond Street Hospital. We hope to raise lots of money for Gosh, so please buy a copy and help make a difference to thousands of patients who are treated at this special hospital."

A Gosh Children's Charity spokesperson said: "We are so excited that by buying this book, children and their families across the country will be directly supporting the patients at Great Ormond Street Hospital while sharing a love of literacy, creativity and general silliness."

The book costs £7.99 and goes on sale on May 14. To pre-order a copy visit www.goshmonstersbook.com/shop.

Photographer Nadia Bettega has captured images showing people's responses to death in a bid to create more discussion about the taboo subject.

Dying Matters Small Actions Big Difference will take place at the Dray Walk Gallery of the Old Truman Brewery in Brick Lane, east London.

From there it will tour the country visiting public spaces, hospices, hospitals and schools to get people talking about the significance of death.

An audio installation featuring palliative care physician Dr Frank Brennan will also provide an insight into the care of the dying.

Nadia said: "For some death can be tragic, frightening and time of despair while for others death can be beautiful, a time of peace or relief.

"The first part of the Dying Matters photography project involved creating the portraits with patients, their families/carers, bereaved people, hospice volunteers and staff from a wide variety of ethnic backgrounds.

"Together we developed portraits, which are accompanied by a narrative describing the different issues they were facing and the relevance of palliative care."

The exhibition, funded by the Arts Council England, is running from May 16 to 20 from 10am to 8pm. It coincides with Dying Matters Week, which aims to encourage people to talk more openly about death, dying and bereavement.

The British Transplant Games will be taking place in the city next year in a bid to raise awareness and boost numbers on the NHS Organ Donor Register.

Organised on behalf of charity Transplant Sport UK (TSUK) it also aims to demonstrate the benefits of transplantation and give athletes the opportunity to take part in various sports.

It will be the first time the city has hosted the games since 2008, when it boosted NHS Organ Donor Register figures in South Yorkshire by 25,000 names.

Lynne Holt, trustee of TSUK, said: "The city has superb sporting facilities, so we are delighted to be bringing the Transplant Games back to Sheffield in 2013.

"The event is always an extremely moving one as each transplant athlete knows firsthand what it is like to be waiting for an organ. It's a life or death situation for many, so to see the people who have been lucky enough to get a transplant be back living life to the full is fantastic.

"We need events like the Transplant Games to showcase the value of transplantation and to encourage people to discuss their wishes with their families."

Julie Dore, leader of Sheffield City Council, said: "We are extremely excited about the British Transplant Games returning to Sheffield next year. It's a fantastic event for the profile of the city, raising awareness of a vital public health issue, transplantation, and the critical need for more organ donors to register."

The 2012 games take place from August 23 to August 26, between the Olympics and Paralympics, in Medway, Kent.

The 2013 games in Sheffield run from August 15 to 18. For more information call event manager Alison Bridge on 0114 257 1992 or email btg@mls.gb.com. To add your name to the NHS Organ Donor Register call 0300 1232323.

Staff and volunteers from HorseWorld will visit Bristol Temple Meads Station where the charity was established 60 years ago.

Supporters wearing campaign sandwich boards will join one of the charity's horses in front of Brunel's Temple Meads station building in a recreation of a photograph from the charity's early days.

The charity was formed in 1952 as The Friends Of Bristol Horses Society to find safe retirement homes for working horses at Bristol Temple Meads station who were no longer needed with the advent of motor transport.

Since then, the organisation has grown. It now has 100 horses on site and 300 cared for off site at loan homes. The charity has 60 staff, 140 volunteers, and last year welcomed more than 100,000 visitors to its site.

James Hutchinson, HorseWorld's fundraising manager, said: "Our Diamond Jubilee anniversary is a time to reflect on 60 successful years for the charity. But more importantly it's a time to look ahead to the next 60.

"We're grateful to the volunteers who will be spending the day with us at Temple Meads."

Staff and volunteers will be at the station on May 14 raising awareness of the charity and holding collections so its work can continue.

Family Lives is encouraging parents to use its service as stress levels rise during the exam season.

Jeremy Todd, chief executive of Family Lives, said: "Callers to Family Lives' Helpline have expressed concerns about finding a balance between wanting their children to do well in exams and not putting too much pressure on them.

"Parents tell us that the best way to get through it is to be as calm, positive and reassuring as possible. The key issue might be to help children identify their own best way to revise, some kids need privacy, others work best on the kitchen table or with a group of friends. Some need silence, some genuinely work best with music or the TV on.

"Some do best in short bursts with frequent time-outs, others with extended sessions. Children need to keep to some routines, bed times, meals and chores, but also to have some slack cut for them. The main thing to keep in mind is that exams are something kids have to do for themselves, your role is to support them to do so."

The helpline is available from 7am to midnight by calling 0808 8002222.

Sue Gilbertson, from Gateacre, Liverpool, was left shell-shocked after becoming unemployed for the first time in her life.

Sue, 41, said: "The last time I was actively looking for a job was 15 years ago but things have completely changed since then. Back then you just went into the Job Centre, got a reference number and phoned up for an application form. Now it's a totally different world, it's all done online."

Sue was one of the tenants selected for interview under Riverside's Customer Care pilot, a tenancy audit programme Riverside plans to introduce which will see housing officers visit all tenants once every three years.

During Sue's visit she identified that she would like job search support so was referred to Springboard, Riverside's tailored unemployment project.

Sue was supported by Helen Murphy, Springboard project officer, who helped to break down barriers by offering support on CV writing, job searching, applying for roles and interview techniques.

Sue said: "When I was first referred to Springboard I was gutted. I've never been unemployed so I felt really low.

"Helen was really proactive. I found out about Springboard in the morning and by the afternoon Helen had already contacted me to make an appointment. She helped me revamp my CV, registered me to all the job websites and was able to help me match my skills to those on job descriptions. In less than a month I was getting up to three interviews a week. By this point my confidence was up and I was ready to go."

She has now been taken on as a resident liaison officer for Casey Green, Riverside's environmental contractor, commissioned to develop green spaces around the Netherley and Belle Vale areas of Liverpool.

Helen's Trust suggests supporters hold a barbecue for the Euro 2012 Championships, a Pimms and cupcakes party to tie in with the Olympics or a tea party for the Diamond Jubilee.

The Summer Garden Party Appeal will support the charity's work helping people with terminal illness in Sheffield and North Derbyshire to stay in their own home.

Sophie Gill, community fundraiser for Helen's Trust, said: "This summer we're asking individuals to host a Garden Party for Helen's Trust. It does not need to be a massive event, whether you raise £12 or £200, every single penny can make a difference. However you choose to celebrate, you can raise funds and awareness for Helen's Trust too."

The charity has made fundraising packs containing barbecue recipes and garden games and can provide bunting and collection buckets for the party day.

Lucy Nickson, the charity's chief executive, said: "National statistics show that most people would prefer to die at home. Helen's Trust is working to help people achieve that goal. We help people of any age, with any terminal condition and our help is free to those who need it."

To get involved in the appeal or to organise an event call Sophie on 01629 812759.

Find out more about the charity at www.helenstrust.org.uk.

Although she is best known for roles in TV shows Keeping Up Appearances and Hetty Wainthrop Investigates, Routledge also trained as a singer, and has won awards for her roles in musical theatre.

In the US, she won a Tony Award for her Broadway performance in the Styne-Harburg musical Darling Of The Day and, back in the UK, a Laurence Olivier Award for her performance in Leonard Bernstein's Candide.

Routledge will be in conversation with writer and broadcaster Edward Seckerson about her musical life, for two evenings. The appearances will raise money for Polio Plus, ShelterBox and Soho Theatre Writers Centre.

The shows take place on May 13 and June 17, from 7.30pm at Charing Cross Theatre, in London. They are a RotaryAct fundraiser organised by the Rotary Club of Westminster East and Rotaract Club of Westminster.

Tickets cost from £19.50 with concessions available. To buy tickets call 08444 930650 or visit www.rotaryact.org.

Francis House Children's Hospice raised £650 by selling the woolly creations, complete with a Cadbury's Creme Egg, in primary schools across the North West.

It is the highest amount the charity, in Didsbury, South Manchester, has raised since it started the Easter chicks project 12 years ago.

It was started by volunteer Jackie Hadfield, from Radcliffe, who saw the pattern at the same time that her husband Graham, then a headteacher, was raising awareness about the work of Francis House through school assemblies. The couple took the knitted chicks into the school to see if they would help raise funds.

Jackie said: "The chickens were proving so popular with the children that I was knitting hundreds. I needed help so I put out a call for people to either donate wool or get knitting. Among those who came to my rescue were ladies volunteering in the kitchen and on reception at Francis House."

The knitters also donated the eggs, but were helped by a donation of 200 eggs from Costco and Tesco.

To help with the chicken run for 2013 by donating wool, Cadbury creme eggs or knitting time call the fundraising office on 0161 4432200 or visit www.francishouse.org.uk.

Dean, known to audiences at DS Ray Carling, will also be cycling with TV funnyman Nick Hancock who is a life-long Stoke supporter, and BBC sports presenter Mark Chapman.

Together they are hoping to raise £100,000 for The Donna Louise Children's Hospice, in Stoke-on-Trent, by completing the On Yer Bike! challenge.

Dean said: "I have never done anything like this before and, although I have done some 10-kilometre runs, this will be a real challenge. I've already covered 40 miles in just over two hours so everything is going well and the hard work will all be worth it to help the children and families at the hospice."

The challenge will involve a team of eight people who will be split into two teams of four cycling continuously for 24 hours. One team of four will cycle while the other team rests and then they will swap.

Dean said: "I think what makes this challenge so hard, is the fact that I will have to get up and cycle in the middle of the night. But a little sleep deprivation is nothing compared to the challenges many of the families face who rely on the hospice for help."

The riders travel to Scotland on May 28, ready to start cycling the next day. They plan to complete the trip in four days on June 1.

Dean, who was also in Life On Mars follow up Ashes To Ashes, can now be seen cycling around his home town of Rotherham, as well as Doncaster.

The Donna Louise Children's Hospice cares for more than 180 children and their families. It provides free care and support and relies on donations to help pay its running costs of £2.4 million a year.

To support Dean and the riders visit www.onyerbike2012.org.

Womb Song, at Chelsea And Westminster Hospital, provides emotional, social, educational and physical benefits for women and babies during pregnancy, labour and after the birth.

Marjaana Vanska, active birth teacher at the hospital, said: "The benefits to mothers-to-be taking part in this project are important, both during pregnancy and after birth."

Women taking part in the informal workshops learn songs that are easy to memorise plus postural, breathing and vocal exercises.

The free programme is funded by Chelsea And Westminster Health Charity.

Katherine Mellor, arts director for the charity, said: "We are delighted to be funding this programme. It is a perfect example of the kind of innovative arts-in-health work that our charity delivers and we support this programme because it has such clear benefits for mother and baby."

Classes will be held between 6.30pm and 8pm on Mondays from May 14, except bank holidays. There is no need to book. For full details call the Hospital Arts team on 020 3315 6617 or email them at arts@chelwestcharity.org.uk.

The idea is being looked at by 40 science teachers from the UK and India as part of Unbox21, a project funded by the British Council India.

If successful, the use of commercial computer games could be a way to embed digital literacy into everyday lessons and promote a long-term interest in science.

For the first part of the project, teachers took part in workshops and activities organised by the Science Learning Centre South West, at At-Bristol, to see how the subject could be taught through gaming.

Bryan Berry, director of the centre, said: "We hope the lessons they developed as part of the workshop will enable teachers to use commercial computer games to further develop their students' sense of enquiry, integrate team working, improve communication and foster a longer-term interest in science."

The ideas will now be put to the test in the classroom, in both countries, and teachers will develop lesson ideas supported by research on the impact on pupils learning.

In October, teachers from the UK will visit India for more workshops and science enrichment activities.

Ruchira Ghosh, head of global school partnerships and school communications at the British Council India, said: "We hope that the outcomes and the learnings from the project, which initially focuses on the use of digital games in science lessons, will also provide an insight into the development and assessment of skills essential in the modern world through innovative teaching approaches in the classroom."

Bristol-based education consultancy company, Imagine Education, is project managing Unbox21 and the University of Brighton has helped design the project and will evaluate its impact once complete.

Ken Bird, 81, will be taking part in a skydive as a tribute to Ann, who died in 2011, aged 76, and to raise funds for Alzheimer's Research UK.

Ken, from Southwold, Suffolk, is hoping to raise hundreds of pounds for the charity, which funds scientists at universities to find preventions, treatments and a cure for dementia.

He said: "My wife Ann was diagnosed with Alzheimer's when she was still in her 60s. That was the start of her gradual decline as this cruel disease took hold.

"For my 70th birthday Ann treated me to a hot air balloon ride and I loved it. That's when I got the idea to celebrate my 80th with a skydive. But by then, a decade later, Ann was very poorly, she didn't know who I was and wondered what I was doing in our bungalow.

"For the last few weeks of her life Ann needed to go into a care home. It was so hard leaving her and coming back to an empty house.

"Although it's a year late and my family think I'm mad, I'm still going ahead with my challenge as a tribute to Ann."

Miranda Mays, community fundraising manager for Alzheimer's Research UK, said: "We can't thank Ken enough for taking on this brave challenge and we really appreciate his support."

To support Ken call 01223 843899 or donate at www.alzheimersresearchuk.org.

TimeBank is looking for volunteers between the ages of 21 and 40 to take part in its Switch mentoring project to help people facing depression, anxiety or self-harm issues.

The project, supported by South London And Maudsley (Slam) Charitable Funds, pairs up volunteers with young people to help them make the transition from Child And Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) to adult services.

CAMHS will refer young people from Southwark, Lambeth, Lewisham and Croydon to the mentoring project.

Helen Walker, chief executive of TimeBank, said: "This is a transition that can leave young people feeling uncertain and overwhelmed. Support from a mentor can provide continuity and make a huge difference to their emotional well-being.

"Over the last 11 years TimeBank has gained extensive expertise in mental health mentoring and we know that it builds confidence and helps young people feel more ready to engage with society."

Mentors must be willing to travel to Southwark, Lambeth, Lewisham or Croydon for the scheme.

For more information or to take part visit www.timebank.org.uk/the-switch.

Michael Holscher has been appointed to the role to help boost growth by providing strategic leadership to Marie Stopes' developing country programmes and global projects.

Mr Holscher, currently the senior vice president and director of strategy and external relations, said: "I look forward to working with our teams and partners across 42 countries to ensure we bring the highest quality family planning and sexual health services to the millions of women who turn to us each year for support."

Dana Hovig, chief executive officer of Marie Stopes International, said: "Since joining Marie Stopes International in 2007, Michael has played a leading role in transforming our global profile and external relations culture. I am delighted that he will now bring his leadership to another area of the organisation."

The singers are part of the line-up for this year's Tatton Park Picnic Concerts in aid of Francis House Children's Hospice, in Didsbury.

The two-night event at the Cheshire park in July aims to support the work of the hospice, which provides respite care for ill children and their families from the North West.

On July 28, the Halle symphony orchestra will be taking to the stage with their 100-strong choir conducted by Stephen Bell.

They will perform Handel's Zadok the Priest, the Anvil Chorus from Verdi's Il trovatore and Orf's O Fortuna from Carmina Burana followed by a fireworks display.

Then, on July 29 music fans can go Back To The Eighties as Tony Hadley and Rick Astley are joined by Heaven 17, Roland Gift, from Fine Young Cannibals, and Altered Images for a retro pop spectacular.

In 2011, the Tatton Park concerts helped Francis House to raise £32,721 through corporate hospitality.

For more information about supporting Francis House Children's Hospice by booking hospitality or becoming involved in sponsorship or event branding call 01260 223320 or email judy@francishouse.org.uk.

Tickets for July 28 cost £29.50, or £27.70 if bought advance. Tickets for July 29 are £32.50 or £30.50 in advance. Weekend, group and family tickets are also available. To buy tickets visit www.tattonparkconcerts.com or call 0844 8472457.

Family Lives has created its Family Support Volunteer Practice Toolkit to assist organisations and volunteers working in the family support sector.

The online toolkit will provide advice on setting up a volunteer programme, assessing the needs of families, and good practice in recruitment, training and supervising volunteers.

It will also provide information on how to recognise volunteer achievement and how to evaluate the difference they have made to families and organisations.

Jeremy Todd, Family Lives chief executive, said: "Family Lives has produced this volunteer practice toolkit to help organisations work to best practice in managing volunteers who work in family support.

"Family Lives has over 30 years' experience working with families and volunteers. We provide a range of local and national services, including our national helpline, online support, evidence-based parenting courses and community support. We have drawn upon this work and that of other key family support organisations alongside the latest evidence about working with volunteers to develop this guide."

The toolkit also includes sample application forms, supervision forms and role descriptions, and organisations can use downloadable action tools and look at examples of other firms working with volunteers.

To access the toolkit visit http://familylives.org.uk/volunteer-practice-toolkit.

Sightsavers is launching an Innovation Fund offering funding of up to £75,000 to initiatives which suggest ways to overcome challenges in the promotion of eye health, inclusive education and social inclusion.

Winners will get a chance to implement their ideas over 18 months.

Dominic Haslam, Sightsavers director of policy and strategic programme, said: "We are really excited by this new approach, made possible by the strategic funding provided by the UK's coalition Government.

"Investigating new methods and practices is essential to improving the quality of Sightsavers' work and the work of the wider development sector. We're hoping that by bringing different organisations together to overcome these barriers, we can create lasting large-scale change."

The funding is part of a three-year Programme Partnership Arrangement that Sightsavers has with the UK Government's Department for International Development (DFID).

Andrew Mitchell, secretary of state for international development, said: "The UK Government is clear that innovation is vital in helping to lift more people out of poverty. This Sightsavers fund will see British aid used creatively and will provide a genuine opportunity for charities, the private sector and academic institutions to work together to solve key health and disability challenges."

Judges for funding applications include representatives from 3iE, DFID, and Moorfields Eye Hospital. Applications must be made through Sightsavers' website by June 30.

For more information visit www.sightsavers.org/innovationfund.

The retired boxing champion teamed up with the Make-A-Wish Foundation to help seven-year-old Owen Allen.

Owen, who has Hodgkin's lymphoma, and his family met Calzaghe on May 3 thanks to the charity, which grants wishes to children fighting life-threatening conditions.

They were picked up in a limousine and taken to All Stars Boxing Gym in Harrow to meet Owen's idol.

The young boxing fan took part in warm-up skipping exercises with Joe before getting into the ring for a ten-round sparring session with Owen declared the winner.

His love of boxing grew after he was diagnosed with the condition in December 2010 and took up skipping to help strengthen his tendons.

He started visiting the local boxing gym training four times a week and now dreams of becoming the heavyweight champion of the world.

His dad, Peter, said: "Throughout his treatment Owen was an inspiration to the whole family; even in the darkest hour we could rely on Owen to have a smile on his face. It was more than I could have ever expected for Owen. What a great guy Joe is, and thank you to Make-A-Wish."

Owen, from Bromsgrove, said: "It was better than brilliant."

Owen was given a pair of signed gloves before getting tips from Joe, who joined them for lunch and signed cards for Owen to give to his friends.

Joe said: "It was a real pleasure to meet Owen and spend time with him in the boxing ring, he's a great boxer already and he's only seven. I feel privileged to have been involved with his wish and think the work that Make-A-Wish does really is fantastic."

The Royal Manchester Children's Hospital has received £150,000 in funding from the Thomas Cook Children's Charity to make its hydrotherapy unit more child-friendly.

The unit's pool, receptions, corridors and treatment rooms have now been redecorated to make the environment less clinical.

The newly-decorated hydrotherapy unit was opened by Pete Constanti, chairman of Thomas Cook Children's Charity, Coronation Street star Antony Cotton and children's hospital patron Julie Neville on May 4.

They were joined by 11-year-old patient Abigail Lightbown, from Bolton, who is undergoing treatment for a brain tumour at the hospital.

Abigail said: "I think it is brilliant and having bright colours and magic pictures makes it much better. I can't wait for my next hydrotherapy session so I can test the new light and sound art out for myself."

Pete said: "We are proud to have supported this project and are confident that the new decor will make a difference and will be a welcome distraction for the children as they undergo treatment and therapy at Royal Manchester Children's Hospital."

The rooms have been decorated with jewels and coins that the young patients can touch, while the corridors and receptions are filled with holiday-themed artwork and sounds of the ocean.

The pool area has also been transformed into an under-the-sea paradise to help children relax while receiving treatment.

Caudwell Children is making the call to help raise funds to provide a new powered wheelchair for 17-year-old Ahmed Hussain.

The teenager, from Erdington, in Birmingham needs the £24,000 wheelchair as he suffers from Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a genetic disorder which causes progressive muscle weakness.

Ahmed is unable to move his arms and legs and is totally dependent on friends and carers. He is also reliant on a machine to assist with his breathing following a lung collapse last year.

The charity now needs funding support to make the donation for the M400 Corpus wheelchair, which will make Ahmed more comfortable, stable and independent.

Trudi Beswick, chief executive of Caudwell Children, said: "The wheelchair will dramatically change Ahmed's life, but our funds are running low and unless we get the support of the local community donations like this will disappear.

"We are appealing for kind-hearted members of the public who may be able to fundraise or donate to Caudwell Children to come forward and help local families like the Hussains.

"Equipment like this is not available on the NHS, so Caudwell Children is a lifeline for families caring for a disabled child. We are anxious to get as much support as possible from the local community, no matter how big or small, so that we can help other children; but we can't do it alone."

Ahmed's mum and full-time carer, Shaheen, said: "The wheelchair will make a huge difference to Ahmed as not only will it give him more freedom it will also mean he is able to attend family outings without the worry and pain he currently has."

To support the appeal visit www.justgiving.com/Ahmed-Hussain.

The Poirot actor is supporting a scheme to regenerate Cody Dock on the River Lea, which has been sealed off for decades.

David is among a number of stars who have pledged their support to the scheme, run by the Gasworks Dock Partnership, including comedian Andi Orshi and singer and activist Billy Bragg.

The charity is aiming to open the site, located between Canary Wharf and the Olympic Park, before the games start this summer.

So far Gasworks has raised £56,000, but is calling on the public to help it raise the remaining £83,000 through crowdfunding website Spacehive.com.

Once completed the project will enable people to walk for 26 miles from Hertfordshire to the Thames thanks to a new swing bridge.

David. a keen boater and chairman of the River Thames Alliance, said: "One of London's most historic docks currently sits behind lock and key in a neglected corner of the capital. This brilliant grassroots project will reinvent it as a vibrant home for artists, entrepreneurs, and boaters.

"Opening Cody Dock will complete an epic 26-mile walk along the banks of London's second river, the Lea.

"I hope people will dig deep so we can unlock it for all to enjoy."

Project creator Simon Myers said: "We've got our hands on the most amazing space here. For decades Cody Dock has been a hidden secret. With your help we can not only open it but create the most exciting new place for Londoners to enjoy."

To support the scheme visit http://spacehive.com/codydock.

Urban Oasis has been devised by Groundwork and the Royal Horticultural Society to demonstrate how food growing can take off in the unlikeliest of places.

The garden is inspired by an orchard planted in a scrap of land amongst high rise blocks of flats in north London and demonstrates how easily plants and trees can soften the hostility of concrete. It features portable allotments planted into aggregate bags to show how the smallest place can be used to grow food.

Chris Beardshaw, who visited a number of Groundwork community green space projects this year, said: "The green space around us, where we live and work, has a fundamental effect on our emotions and behaviour. It is well documented that in areas where these spaces are neglected and poorly designed we see strong evidence of social unrest and it is easy to see why when you stand in these spaces yourself.

"Whatever the green need there is a solution and contrary to popular belief it doesn't have to mean high cost, the Urban Oasis Gardens showcase designs solutions which can make such a difference in people's lives."

In Worcestershire large orchards are commonplace, but an average town orchard will contain between six and 21 trees.

The show garden, sponsored by Marks & Spencer and Three Counties Agricultural Society, will be exhibited at the show, which runs from May 10 to 13 at the Three Counties Showground.

Up to 120 designers aged between 16 and 19-years-old will show their work to charity Fashion Awareness Direct (Fad) after taking part in one of its projects.

Judges will then chose 25 of the underprivileged designers, who are from inner city London and Manchester, to join them at the prestigious London Fashion Week in September.

Work from all the designers will go on show at the Fashion And Textiles Museum, in London, on May 21 before the finalists are selected on the night.

Fad's Fashion Futures programme, which is sponsored by Asda clothing brand George, consists of a series of industry workshops and nurtures young talent by offering training opportunities, professional careers advice and platforms that encourage creative ability.

Teenagers are mentored by professional tutors and volunteers and undertake the complete design process of a garment from generating research, fashion illustrations and technical drawings, to creating paper patterns and calico toiles from scratch.

Randa Alvarez, 16, from Maria Fidelis School, in Camden, said: "Thanks to Fad I have actually been able to get connections, and start building opportunities for my future."

Fiona Lamber, George brand director, said: "Fashion Awareness Direct is a fantastic way to help young people break into the fashion industry.

"At George we are passionate about nurturing the next generation of fashion talent and Fad enables us to do exactly that by giving those with less fortunate backgrounds the opportunity to learn invaluable fashion skills, receive professional coaching and provide a platform to showcase their hard work and ability."

Shaun, known for roles in Great Expectations and Married. Single. Other. will be running through St James' Park joined by his brother-in-law Sam Cameron and fellow actor pal Nigel Whitmey.

Last year, the same race was Shaun's first experience of an organised run. He chose to support Alzheimer's Society after working on a dementia storyline for the psychological thriller Exile, where the main character, played by Jim Broadbent had Alzheimer's disease.

Shaun said: "The storyline in Exile and the experiences of friends and colleagues are a reminder of the devastating impact dementia has, not only on those directly affected, but on their families and loved ones. More resources are desperately needed to support people with dementia today and find a cure for tomorrow. I am proud to run for Alzheimer's Society again, and am excited about taking on the challenge."

Jeremy Hughes, chief executive of Alzheimer's Society, said: "We are delighted that Shaun is taking on the Bupa 10,000 again for us and recognise the time and energy he's put into preparing for the run. As a charity, we rely on the generosity of individuals like him to help people live well with dementia today and fund research to find a cure for tomorrow. On behalf of the charity, I hope his training is going well and wish him the best of luck in the race."

The run takes place on May 27.

The charity wants cyclists of all abilities to sign up to one of its four Pedal For Parkinson's events. People can chose between a five, 20 or 60-mile route, depending on their location.

Paul Jackson-Clark, director of fundraising at Parkinson's UK, said: "The cycle routes are designed for everyone, from families to experienced cyclists. I would encourage everyone to get involved to help us reach our fundraising target.

"All funds raised from Pedal For Parkinson's will go towards funding specialist Parkinson's nurses in the UK. We are totally dependent on donations, so this event can make a real difference to our work to improve life for everyone affected by Parkinson's."

Rides takes place in Stratford-upon-Avon, on June 10; Swansea, on July 8; Stirling, on August 5; and Newcastle, on September 9. In Newcastle, cyclists have to do a 20-mile route, and in Stirling there is no five-mile option.

Cyclists must be aged 12 years and over to enter the 20-mile ride, and 16 years or over to enter the 60-mile route. All cyclists will receive an exclusive Pedal For Parkinson's cycling top, sponsorship forms and regular newsletters with fundraising and training tips.

There is no minimum sponsorship required to take part, but the charity suggests cyclists set themselves a fundraising target of £100.

Parkinson's UK hopes to raise £45,000 from the events. All funds raised will go towards funding specialist Parkinson's nurses across the UK.

To register, call the Parkinson's UK events team on 020 7963 9305 or sign up online at www.parkinsons.org.uk/pedal.

Volunteers are also needed to help the cyclists. To find out more call 020 7963 9305 or email events@parkinsons.org.uk.

Richard House Children's Hospice is appealing to members of the Muslim community to fund its work with children living with life-limiting illnesses.

The hospice, which is based in Beckton, east London, cares for children and young people from across the capital and needs to raise more than £3.1 million a year to survive.

A large number of its children come from Muslim backgrounds and the support of the Islamic community is increasingly important, with the hospice seeking to increase its community engagement across ethnic minority groups.

Sadaqah is a donation which all self-supporting Muslims must give to charity before the end of the month of Ramadan, which starts on July 21.

Hannah Bosley, community fundraiser for the hospice, said: "Richard House Children's Hospice looks after children of all religions and all backgrounds, but in order to keep providing these services we must raise a significant amount of money each year.

"By donating all or just some of your sadaqah you can make a huge difference to the lives of children, young adults and their parents who use our hospice."

Money can be donated online by visiting www.richardhouse.org.uk and following the links on the homepage. Alternatively, contact Hannah Bosley on 020 7540 0228.

Numan Milton-Tomkins, needs specialist surgery in America to treat his spastic diplegic cerebral palsy which causes tightness in his legs and makes some movement painful. He is unable to walk unaided.

But Numan, from Camberley, in Surrey, hopes the surgery, at St Louis Hospital, Missouri, will change his life and he can run about and play with little brother Sammy.

The procedure, called selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR), involves cutting some of the sensory nerve fibres that come from the muscles and enter the spinal cord, allowing Numan to take the first steps he has dreamed of.

Numan's mum, Bilkis, said: "We desperately need to raise this money so that Numan can gain the independence that he so craves. As a mother I would love to be able to see my two sons running and playing outside together, but without this operation this may never happen.

"We know that raising £60,000 is going to take a lot of hard work and dedication but, like any parents we will do whatever we can to help our son and really hope that people will support us in raising the funds needed to allow him to have the life he dreams of."

The family are being supported by Caudwell Children, a national charity, which helps families caring for sick and disabled children.

Trudi Beswick, chief executive officer of the charity, said: "This type of operation has a proven track record of improving the lives of children with cerebral palsy and we are pleased to help try and raise the money they need. We need to raise a lot of money in a short period of time to give Numan the independence he deserves."

To help Numan call 01782 600867 or visit www.justgiving.com/helpnumanwalk.

Pedal For Pounds, which is organised by Yorkshire Cancer Research, has traditionally been held at Harewood House, in Leeds, and The Great Outdoors, near Doncaster, with a choice of a 25 or 50-mile route.

But this year organisers have combined both events to create a challenging 62-mile circular bike ride through the Yorkshire Dales, starting and finishing at Ilkley Rugby Club.

Participants will weave their way through the hills and valleys of the dales to Masham and back, passing by Leighton and Gouthwaite Reservoirs and Bolton Abbey.

Emma Young, head of events at Yorkshire Cancer Research, said: "Pedal For Pounds has always been a very popular and successful fundraising event raising thousands of pounds for our research into cancer, so this year we've decided to step things up and create an even more challenging bike ride.

"We're really excited about our new base in Ilkley and our new route, which will take our participants through some beautiful countryside. We hope that our past participants and new supporters will join us for what will be a fantastic day out."

The entry fee is £18 and includes an event T-shirt, fundraising pack, training guide, en-route refreshments and finisher's certificate and medal. The ride is on August 12. To enter, visit www.ycr.org.uk/pedal.

In total, The Peter Pan Nursery For Children With Special Needs wants 25 people to complete the Tittersworth To The Roaches Challenge, in Staffordshire.

A charity spokesman said: "This is an excellent team-building activity which will make a huge difference to children's lives. If you are looking for a new challenge this summer and would like to partake in an adrenaline-fuelled day out then this is an event for you."

Participants will kayak the length of the Tittersworth reservoir, hike the outstanding roaches and continue to Trig point to scramble to victory.

Registration costs £30 with money raised helping the charity in Hoon Avenue, Newcastle-under-Lyme. To book email sophiab@peterpannursery.net or call 01782 715219.

The character, named Percy, is holding a book, and wearing a waistcoat made from a map of the world and a top hat.

He was created by community arts charity Same Sky for its Brighton Festival Children's Parade on May 5.

Percy was made by Same Sky community artist, Jo Coles from willow sticks, newsprint and domestic paint. It took two weeks to make him.

Jo said: "We're very upset and terribly worried about him. He's a gentle soul, a romantic and a scholar and really shouldn't be out in Brighton on a Saturday night. He needs looking after.

"He won't survive being outside for any amount of time and will fall apart if he gets wet."

The over-sized puppet was taken from underneath the Arches on Madeira Drive as Same Sky's crew were clearing up after the parade. The team believe that someone must have spotted, or maybe even photographed, him being taken.

Jo added: "There's a reward for returning him, a bundle of sticks and some newsprint so that the thieves can make their own Percy."

Same Sky has been organising the Children's Parade since 1989 and it has grown from 60 children and five schools to over 5,000 young people from 77 schools. The charity works with communities to create exciting and affordable arts events.

Anyone with information on Percy's whereabouts is asked to contact Same Sky at info@samesky.co.uk.

It represents the charity's most significant development in horticultural training for 20 years and replaces its careership training scheme.

The courses, co-funded by the National Gardens Scheme and developed with Reaseheath College, in Nantwich, Cheshire, will lead to qualifications in heritage gardening.

Mike Calnan, head of gardens at The National Trust, said: "Our new gardening courses are a great step forward and have been designed to develop the modern skills needed to sustainably manage major heritage gardens into the future. We believe they are a significant development for the sector and fill the training gap between existing botanic horticulture and amenity gardening diplomas.

"We can now offer two entry points and great opportunities for people wishing to develop a long and rewarding career in heritage gardening and a spring board for those aspiring to become our head gardeners of the future."

The one-year foundation certificate will develop the essential practical skills needed to look after and nurture heritage gardens, and is aligned with the Royal Horticultural Society's (RHS) level 2 in horticulture.

The two-year diploma in heritage gardening is unique to The National Trust and is available for those with some prior experience and relevant qualifications. It builds on the foundation level training, providing trainees with an in-depth and working knowledge of heritage gardens.

Courses are largely practical, with trainees based at major National Trust gardens in Sissinghurst, Hidcote, Stourhead, but the trainees will also spend 10 weeks a year at Reaseheath developing their horticultural knowledge.

Diploma students will also cover plant conservation, GPS surveys and plant databases; garden history, period planting styles, restoration and interpretation; and visitor engagement techniques.

Both courses start in September and there are 10 places available on each. Applications are now being accepted at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/gardencareers.

Volunteers from the scientific community across Central Scotland are been urged to discuss their reading habits as part of the What Scientists Read project.

The project, funded by the Scottish Crucible programme, aims to uncover if literature has an impact on a scientist's career path, or the research they undertake.

Researchers from The ESRC Genomics Policy and Research Forum, and the universities of Glasgow and St Andrews will interview scientists about their reading habits as part of the project.

Chief researcher Dr Christine Knight, said: "From Frankenstein to 2001, science has long influenced fiction. But relatively little is known about the significance of the leisure reading of scientists upon their career choices, the experiments they carry out, or how they approach ethical issues relating to their work.

"In establishing the importance of literature to science, not only will we be conducting interviews with Scotland's scientific community, but we are also encouraging scientists from Adelaide to Anchorage to visit our website and let us know what they are reading, and why.

"We hope the results of the What Scientists Read research will provide an insight into how literature might inspire young people to pursue careers as scientists, as well as the impact fiction can have in making science more relevant and engaging to the wider public. The project may also help writers understand the reach of their work throughout the scientific community."

Scientists across the globe can reveal their reading habits and answer questions by visiting www.whatscientistsread.com.

Robyn Fellows, Raphael Havard, Matthew Jaycock, Lewis Miller, and Jo Ruane, attended the premiere of the Pirates Adventure Show in Majorca, which raised 40,000 euro (£32,170) for Great Ormond Street Hospital (Gosh) Children's Charity.

They were joined at the premiere by VIP guests and celebrities including EastEnders' stars Steve McFadden, Linda Henry and Cheryl Fergison and ex-Hollyoaks actresses Sinead Moynihan and Leah Hackett.

Funds raised during the April 28 show through ticket sales, bucket collections and auctions supported the charity's Theatres For Theatres Appeal, which aims to fund a new operating theatre at the London hospital.

The families were flown out to the island courtesy of Thomson Holidays where they were surprised by a band of pirates at their apartments ahead of the show.

Guest Jo, from Cookridge, in Leeds, said: "Me and my mum had the most amazing time and we'll never forget this."

Charlie Bridge, Thomson Holidays area manager for Majorca, said: "It has been a humbling experience meeting the Great Ormond Street families, some of whom have never been abroad together before. It's great that we have been able to give them the opportunity to spend some quality time together."

Robyn's mum, Jane, from Haverfordwest, in Pembrokeshire, said: "The whole week was fabulous and meant so much to us."

Raphael's dad, Duane, from Bedford, said: "Thanks to Gosh Children's Charity, Pirates Adventure and Thomson Holidays for making this such a fantastic experience for us. Raphael had the best time."

Lewis' mum Gillian sai0d: "We had the most amazing time from start to finish. A huge thank you to Gosh Children's Charity, Thomson Holidays and the guys at Pirates for making it so special."

Matthew's dad Gary, from Rossendale, Lancashire, said: "We cannot thank Gosh Children's Charity, Thomson Holidays and Pirates Adventure enough for organising this special treat for us. We have all had the trip of a lifetime."

Michael Phillips has been appointed as volunteering manager, while Lisa Connor has joined the charity as fundraising manager.

Both Michael and Lisa will help to ensure that Riverside is carrying out its corporate social responsibility and encouraging staff, tenants and other members of the community to take part in volunteering.

Michael, who worked for Barnardo's for 11 years, will develop policies and procedures to support staff as well as strategies to encourage tenants and members of the community to volunteer.

He said: "Volunteering can be highly rewarding, knowing that your efforts have made a real difference to people's lives. Volunteering can give our residents skills and experience they need to access new jobs and career opportunities. Volunteering is also a great way to meet new people and build confidence."

Lisa Connor, who was an events manager for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), will be responsible for co-ordinating funding requests and providing training, guidance and support to people looking for external funding.

Lisa said: "My priority is to raise awareness of the various funding streams so we can make informed decisions and ask for the right things from the right places.

"At RNLI I was responsible for over £400,000 worth of fundraising per year. The craziest thing I did as part of my job was abseiling from the top of the Liver Buildings to raise money for the new Hoylake lifeboat station."

The Liverpool-based social landlord already allows staff up to three days off a year to carry out public and voluntary duties and has raised £30,000 for its nominated charity WaterAid over the past three years.

They are among a number of people taking part in a campaign for Richard House Children's Hospice, which is encouraging people to write down one thing they want to do before they die and stick it on a board in one of the charity's shops.

MPs Angela Watkinson, Andrew Rosindell, Jon Cruddas, and Barking And Dagenham deputy council leader Rocky Gill will be visiting the charity's shop to add their wishes.

The scheme is part of Dying Matters Week, which runs from May 14 to 20, which aims to change attitudes towards death, dying and bereavement, and is organised by the Dying Matters Coalition.

Richard House shops which will be displaying messages include Romford, Barking, Station Road and Elm Park both in Hornchurch, Upminster, and Dagenham.

The shops raise funds for Richard House Children's Hospice, which supports children and young people with life-threatening conditions or complex healthcare needs.

BBC sports presenter Mark is teaming up with the duo for the On Yer Bike Challenge in aid of The Donna Louise Children's Hospice.

Mark, who anchors Monday Night Club on BBC 5 Live, 5 Live Sport and 606 on Saturday evenings, will be cycling from John O'Groats to Land's End in a bid to raise £100,000 for the charity.

Mark said: "The Donna Louise Children's Hospice is an amazing cause, helping more than 180 children and their families every year. The slightest thing that we can all do, whether it's making a donation to sponsor me and the other riders, or putting money in a collection tin, can help so many and make a difference.

"I was asked to take part by Nick Hancock and he is a very difficult man to turn down. He is so persuasive. My only hope for the trip is that I remain ahead of him because I don't want to be staring at his backside for four days solid as we ride through our beautiful country."

The team, who will be setting off for Scotland on May 28, will start the cycle on May 29 and plan to complete the trip in four days on June 1.

The Stoke-on-Trent hospice provides a range of specialist care and support services for children with a shortened life expectancy and their families in Staffordshire and South Cheshire.

To sponsor the team visit www.onyerbike2012.org.

The name was the most popular among male dogs and cats being cared for by Battersea Dogs And Cats Home.

Bella, was the most popular female dog name, while Coco took the top slot among female felines, according to the animal charity.

Pet owners appear to be following trends set by new parents with Charlie, Jack, Alfie, Lily and Ruby among the animal names top 10 and baby names for 2011 according to the Office For National Statistics (ONS).

Battersea has also welcomed dogs called Gucci, Armadillo, Hero Pig, Nancy Drew and a tiny Yorkshire Terrier called Megatron, and cats called Batman, Miss Piggy, Big Dave, and Mr Bean.

Battersea's lost and found assistant Louise Taylor said: "People often see their pet as an extension of their own personality, so choosing an unusual name can be a way of making sure your dog or cat stands out."

"Unusual names can still suit an animal, so Big Dave was a large, confident cat who was a real character, while one of the dogs called Gucci was a Chihuahua who loved being the centre of attention."

The British-born actor, who plays Sergeant Nicholas Brody in the American programme which had its series finale on May 6, is calling on people to sponsor children in the region, which is facing a food crisis.

Damian and his family sponsor 11-year-old Marie in Burkina Faso through charity Plan UK, which helps children in the world's poorest countries to build a better future.

Marie is among 13 million people at risk across the region as food supplies are running short, according to the children's charity.

Damian said: "It's hard to get a grip on the sheer scale of this crisis. What we do know is that in Burkina Faso alone, more than two million people are at risk.

"Poor rains have decimated the cereal crop on which families depend for meals, the last harvest only produced half the amount they'd normally expect.

"As ever, children are the most vulnerable. Marie's family has been hit hard by the poor harvest. Child sponsorship helps with long-term projects to help families stave off hunger but families need help now to survive."

Mark Wentling, Plan's country director in Burkina Faso, said: "Our work so far has focused on providing food and supplies for school canteens to ensure children are getting the nutrients they need.

"But families' supplies are fast running out and they need help now to avert a catastrophe over the coming months."

To make a donation or for more information call 0300 777 9777 or visit www.plan-uk.org.

Players from charity Swanswell's football team will get new shirts, shorts, and socks paid for by the telecommunications company.

Orange has pledged its support to the charity, which helps people affected by drug or alcohol misuse to change their lives.

Trevor Bedford, operations manager for Swanswell in Birmingham, said: "The health and social benefits of playing team games like this really make a difference to people on their journey towards recovery from alcohol or drug misuse.

"With that in mind, we're delighted that Orange have been able to sponsor our new kit, giving people an added incentive to do well and feel well."

The team, made up of service users and charity members, will wear the new kits at a five-a-side tournament on May 11.

Swanswell's players will face teams from a number of organisations working with people affected by alcohol or drugs misuse in Birmingham.

The game, organised by non-profit aftercare service Changes UK, will take place between 12pm and 4.30pm at the Power League centre, on Sedgemere Road, in Yardley.

Trevor said: "There's always a great atmosphere at this tournament, we're always really encouraged by the interest and support from our service users and staff every year. Whatever the result, it will be a thoroughly enjoyable day."

The Royal Albert Hall will develop a music education strategy for 150 schools in Westminster, Kensington & Chelsea and Hammersmith & Fulham after being appointed by the Arts Council.

It will partner with the Royal College of Music and the Aurora Orchestra to shape musical education across the three boroughs.

As a strategic leader, the Royal Albert Hall will ensure that children aged from five to 18 years old get the chance to learn an instrument, play as part of an ensemble or choir, and develop their skills.

The move follows an annoucement by the Secretary of State, Michael Gove's, in January that councils will no longer have sole responsibility for the development of music education programmes.

Lucy Noble, head of education and programming at the hall, said: "We're extremely honoured to be appointed in this role, and we see it as a great responsibility.

"Music is obviously an area that everyone at the Royal Albert Hall is extremely passionate about, and we look forward to instilling some of that passion in the education programmes we develop with our partners."

Victoria Townsend has been selected as one of the 8,000 torchbearers who will carry the flame during the Olympic Torch Relay ahead of this summer's games.

Victoria, from Marnhull, Dorset, was chosen to be a torchbearer thanks to Lloyds TSB, which asked people to nominate someone special to carry the flame.

The 49-year-old was selected for her tireless work supporting the families of children who cannot breathe without mechanical apparatus through her charity Breathe On UK.

The charity supports the families and carers of young people who are life dependant on long-term ventilation (LTV).

The mum of two boys is personally affected by the issue as her son William is dependant on LTV.

Victoria said: "It's a great honour and privilege being selected by Lloyds TSB to be one of their Olympic Torchbearers.

"It's also a real opportunity to spread the word about Breathe On UK and a chance to help the families of these so deserving children. It's the least I can do to get a little out of breath myself on their behalf."

The Olympic Torch Relay will take place across the country from May 18 and travel for 70 days through 1,000 towns, cities and villages. Victoria will carry the torch when it travels through the Dorset village of Fontmell Magna on July 12.

To find out more about the charity visit http://www.breatheon.org.uk.

The Elmbridge Fairtrade Network will be holding a tombola stall at the Dittons Fair, in Giggs Hill Green, Surrey, on May 13.

Residents will be able to buy tickets from the stall and be in with a chance of winning Fairtrade prizes bought from local retailers.

The move is part of Elmbridge's work to achieve Fairtrade Borough status, which is achieved when a town, city, borough, village, island, zone or region makes a commitment to supporting Fairtrade.

Residents in Elmbridge are also supporting the cause by taking part in the Fairtrade Foundation's Take A Step campaign, which encourages people to take a step towards supporting Fairtrade products.

Volunteers at the stall will also be providing information about Fairtrade for school projects.

Fairtrade products promote sustainability by encouraging the responsible conservation of the environment and use of natural resources, supporting social development projects and producers, preventing the exploitation of workers, and investing in good quality products.

For more information visit http://step.fairtrade.org.uk.

The Richard III Foundation is holding its annual conference featuring speeches and presentations on late-medieval English history and the reign of Richard III.

The Surrey-based not-for-profit educational organisation will be holding Richard III: Monarch And Man at Bosworth Battlefield Centre, in Market Bosworth, Leicestershire.

The event aims to promote knowledge and understanding of the life and times of Richard Plantagenet and correct the distorted picture created through literature and popular culture.

It will start on October 12 with a tour of the site of the Battle of Bosworth, where Richard III was defeated and died on August 22, 1485.

Historian Mike Ingram will take participants to battle locations, and give an overview of the historic clash between the armies of King Richard III and Henry Tudor during the War of the Roses.

The conference will take place on October 13 from 8.30am to 5pm and will feature speakers including the organisation's patron Robert Hardy CBE FSA; Steve Goodchild, chairman of the Tewkesbury Battlefield Society; Dr Craig Taylor; Dr John Alban; David Baldwin; Mark Downing; and Dr David Hipshon.

Author Peter Algar will also give a presentation on his new book Dead Man's Hill, which will be published in June.

For more information on the event visit www.richard111.com or write to: The Richard III Foundation, 24 Floral Court, Ashtead, Surrey KT21 2JL.

Helen Lancaster's son Joshua has cerebral palsy and needs the powered wheelchair to get around and maintain his independence.

It is being provided by national charity Caudwell Children, which is now asking families in Somerset to support its work.

Helen, from Kingston, in Somerset, said: "The wheelchair will make a huge difference to Joshua as at the moment he has to have people help move him around while at school as his current chair isn't very easy to manoeuvre. Although having people transfer him has been OK while he is small it could lead to injury in the future so the wheelchair is vital. Joshua is looking forward to receiving it, gaining more independence and being able to take part in more activities with his friends."

Now Caudwell Children says more funds are needed to help support disabled youngsters like Joshua.

Trudi Beswick, the charity's chief executive, said: "The wheelchair will dramatically change Joshua's life, but our funds are running low and unless we get the support of the local community donations like this will disappear. We are appealing for kind-hearted members of the public who may be able to fundraise or donate to Caudwell Children and help families like the Lancasters.

"Equipment like this is not available on the NHS, so Caudwell Children is a lifeline for families caring for a disabled child. We are anxious to get as much support as possible from the local community, no matter how big or small, so equipment like this can be made available for other children; but we can't do it alone."

To donate to the appeal visit www.justgiving.com/Joshua-Lancaster or to set up an event, call Mary Rose at Caudwell Children on 01782 600433.

Wigan-based carpet tile manufacturer Milliken is supporting the appeal to make sure tiny and sick babies get the help and support needed at Wigan Special Care Baby Unit.

The appeal is being run by MedEquip4Kids, which has pledged to raise £12,223 to fund three patient monitors designed to check heart rate, blood pressure, temperature and respiration. They will also be providing an oxygen saturation monitor.

Kath Thompson, Milliken's charity committee team leader, said: "We chose this charity because we know that our donation will make a real difference to the lives of babies born prematurely or with severe health problems.

"Moreover, we wanted to support a charity that reaches out to and helps parents not only within our company, but within our community."

Sarah Suthers, community fundraiser for Prestwich-based MedEquip4Kids, said: "We were thrilled to hear that Milliken had decided to get behind this appeal. It will make such a difference for babies born prematurely in Wigan."

To support the appeal call 0161 7981600 or visit www.medequip4kids.org.uk.

Designer English Threads will donate £3 from each T-shirt sold to the trust and hopes to raise £5,000.

The design combines the Union Jack flag with the red ribbon emblem which is the global symbol of support for people living with HIV.

Stephen Shotton, founder and designer at English Threads wanted to create a quintessentially English fashion statement while capturing the jubilee spirit.

Sonya Trivedy, head of fundraising at Terrence Higgins Trust, said: "We just love this T-shirt, and we are so grateful to English Threads for choosing us to benefit from their wonderful design. It's the perfect accessory not just for the jubilee celebrations, but for any one of the Great British events taking place this summer, including our own Walk for Life. With the money raised going to support people living with HIV, we hope that people will like it as much as we do and buy a T-shirt to show their solidarity with the cause."

The T-shirts cost £19.99, are manufactured from 100% cotton and available in a range of sizes for men and women. They can be purchased at www.englishthreads.com.

The GI Jane Bootcamp weekend will see women complete an Army assault course, circuit training, running and boxing.

It has been organised by Greenwich And Bexley Community Hospice in Abbey Wood, on the outskirts of Greenwich.

The group will be led by military trainers who have years of experience working and training British Forces and will push the participants to the limits, but in a fun, challenging way.

Celebrities including Kerry Katona and Abi Titmuss have previously tried the GI Jane Bootcamp.

It costs £40 to register, and there is a minimum sponsorship target of £250 per person, compared to the normal price of £399. The event will be held in Sittingbourne, in Kent, from May 25 to 28.

The hospice will use the money to continue to provide free specialist end-of-life care for people with life-limiting illnesses, as well as providing support for their families, friends and carers.

For more details and to book call 020 8319 9230, email info@gbch.org.uk or visit www.gijanebootcamp.co.uk.

Digital Me is encouraging young reporters to create an report about the Olympics or Paralympics to celebrate the upcoming games in London.

Through its Supporter To Reporter (S2R) scheme, an official London 2012 Inspire Mark Project, reporters could create sports reports on the Torch Relay, local hopefuls, community events or country profiles.

The best reporters will be selected by S2R to appear in its online medal winners gallery, and on its schools' social media platform Radiowaves.

And reporter medals will be awarded to the first 500 successful reports which are submitted to Leeds-based not-for-profit organisation Digital Me.

Participants could also receive one of Digital Me's new S2R digital badges, which have been launched as part of the reporting project.

S2R digital badges reward key skills like communication, teamwork and mentoring and can be displayed across a young person's online networks including Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Tim Riches, chief executive officer of DigitalMe, said: "The time is right for an assessment solution which recognises the skills young people need to succeed in the 21st century economy. Open Badges provides DigitalMe with the opportunity to make a significant breakthrough in this area."

To take part in the reporting challenge visit www.radiowaves.co.uk.

The male tawny owl was spotted on an island in the middle of a private fishing lake in Pebmarsh, in Essex, by a dog walker.

It is believed he had been dangling from the line by the tip of his wing overnight and most of the day.

The RSPCA, which rescued the bird, has now reiterated calls for anglers to take any fishing waste away with them because of the dangers it poses to wildlife.

To rescue the owl, three RSPCA inspectors paddled a boat to the island to cut the bird free from the line and detangle him. He was taken to a wildlife centre for a check-up and later released back to the wild.

Inspector Rosie Russon said the owl was very difficult to see as he was camouflaged and playing dead by hanging his head and keeping very still.

She said: "This was a very lucky owl. How the dog-walker spotted him out there, I really don't know.

"There's no doubt he would have died if he had not been seen, probably a slow, lingering death from starvation. He could not have freed himself from that tangle.

"The fact that he played dead saved his life too. If he had flapped to free himself he would have broken bones.

"There was a happy ending this time, but there often isn't with cases of wildlife and fishing litter which can be very damaging to wildlife. It is so easy to dispose of rubbish properly and we urge people to take greater care, it could save a life."

The Open Garden Squares Weekend will be taking place in London on June 9 and 10.

This year's event, which is being held in association with the National Trust, will involve 212 gardens in 27 of London's boroughs. It includes 23 gardens which have not previously taken part in the event.

Tickets cost £9 in advance, and £12 during the weekend. They can be purchased from the City Information Centre by St Paul's Cathedral or online at www.opensquares.eventbrite.co.uk.

Positive Jobs helps employers who post a role with the site or jobseekers who register for free to directly benefit good causes including the Cancer Recovery Foundation and Hospice Aid UK.

The website advertises job vacancies for a variety of industry sectors, but also works in collaboration with charity partners.

It aims to support charities while boosting the economy after the Government's plans to cap tax relief on charitable donations sparked concern about falling philanthropic donations.

Positive Jobs aims to give 60% of its profits to charity.

Managing director Ian Spencer said: "The quicker we can help get people hired, the quicker we can help make a really positive difference, it really is that simple.

"Through our collaboration with recruitment partners our mission is to get as many people back into work as quickly as possible and in the process raise over £500,000 annually to support the vital and amazing work of each of our charity partners."

For every jobseeker CV uploaded to the website 25p will also be donated to charity.

For more information or to register visit www.positive-jobs.co.uk.

Play Association Tower Hamlets has worked with schools and residents across the London borough over the past 12 months as part of its Keep Playing project.

The scheme, which received funding from the Big Lottery Fund, aims to increase play opportunities close to children's homes and create a network of Play Champions who can do something positive locally.

The project team, Eleanor Image and Suzannah Walker, have shared games with junior Play Champions at Ben Jonson School, visited primary schools to encourage parents and carers to play with children, and organised play days during.

The project has been back by Registered Social Landlords (RSL) Southern Housing, Tower Hamlets Homes and East End Homes.

Eleanor said: "We believe to have children playing out makes a housing estate safer and a better place to grow up in. Tower Hamlets RSL's have been supportive of this and we hope to see a lot more children getting out playing close to home over the three-year life of this project."

Keep Playing is run by the charity Play Association Tower Hamlets, which seeks to improve every child's opportunities to play in Tower Hamlets.

Founder and president of charity Carbon Monoxide Awareness, Lynne Griffiths, is urging manufacturers to include warning notices to deter people from taking barbecues into tents, caravans, or campervans ahead of the bank holiday weekend.

The call comes after several incidents where campers have died through exposure to the odourless gas after taking lit barbecues into tents or caravans for warmth.

Ms Griffiths said: "Nobody should ever take a barbecue indoors. To do so is courting disaster, but the public don't seem to be aware of this and sadly there have been a number of tragedies and several near misses in recent years. Please don't let this happen again."

Ms Griffiths will be holding a meeting to discuss carbon monoxide safety at caravan, camping, or music festival holiday breaks in June.

She is also planning to take the Aintree-based charity's Be Carbon Monoxide Aware Camping And Caravan Sites Register national.

Carbon Monoxide gas, which is colourless and has no taste or smell, has symptoms similar to flu and reduces the blood's capacity to carry oxygen, thereby causing the vital organs to fail.

Celebrities including Jeff Brazier, Chipmunk and Ralf Little will be taking on former players Graeme Murty, Michael Gilkes, and Mick Gooding for the Reading Legends vs Luther Blissett's Celebrities United match in aid of the Duchess Of Kent House Hospice.

The anniversary match at Reading FC's Madejski Stadium will raise funds for the charity, which supports the work of the Reading hospice by paying for services, staff and equipment that would otherwise not be available.

The June 3 match will kick of at 2pm. Tickets bought in advance cost £7 for adults and £3 for under-16s and are available from The Hexagon, Qeens Walk, Reading, or www.readingarts.com. Tickets are available on match day from the stadium and cost £10 for adults and £5 for under- 16s.

VIP boxes with food for 10 guests are also available from £250.

Celebrities have customised their own gardening tools, which will be on show at a pop-up shop in Soho as part of Christian Aid Week.

Shoppers can then bid for the items on eBay during the week from May 14 to 19 to raise funds for the charity, which supports poor communities across Africa, Asia and Latin America.

Other items on offer include artist David Shrigley's wellies, actor Kris Marshall's mini gardening set, singer Lemar's watering can, actress Jill Halfpenny's trowel, actress Donna Air's broom and buckets from designer Gary Card.

One of the celebrities taking part is model Tali Lennox, who has customised a watering can for the event.

As a Christian Aid Week ambassador, Tali, daughter of singer Annie Lennox, travelled to Sierra Leone to visit war-torn communities that have already benefited from charity funds.

Tali said: "This was the first time I got to see how small changes can transform lives in such a big way. People are being provided with the kinds of things we in the UK would take for granted. The country has so much potential. They just need the right tools, and that's where the donations have been so vital."

This year the Government will also match the first £5 million donated to the charity during Christian Aid Week as part of its UK Aid Match scheme.

To bid for the gardening tools visit www.ebay.co.uk/christianaid.

Diabetes UK is looking for Service Champions in West Cheshire, Salford, Trafford, and North Mersey.

They will represent the charity at NHS meetings and events in each of the four areas and put forward views and suggestions on how services could meet the needs of people with diabetes.

Helen Pattie, Diabetes UK North West regional manager, said: "The Service Champions will ultimately identify how diabetes care can be improved and help to design new diabetes services.

"The Service Champions will be our eyes and ears on the ground, an ambassador reporting on diabetes services, representing Diabetes UK at key NHS meetings and events, influencing key decision makers, championing our work and shaping diabetes services. This is an opportunity to change lives and futures."

The role will take between seven and 21 hours per month.

To apply call Jo Cunnah on 01925 644574, or email jo.cunnah@diabetesuk.org.uk.

Players Will Fraser, Justin Melck and Petrus Du Plessis urged people to sign up for the RBC Race For The Kids five kilometre family fun run in aid of Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital (GOSH).

The trio made the call after visiting some of the young patients being cared for at the London-based hospital, which provides treatment to children who are suffering from rare, complex and life-threatening conditions.

Will, who will be taking part in the event, said: "Despite facing some really tough times, the children and families we met were all so positive. I was bowled over by their bravery and amazed at the phenomenal work carried out by doctors and nurses.

"I'll be taking part in the RBC Race For The Kids 5k family fun run this year, so please join me and sign-up to this exciting challenge and raise as much money as you can to help Great Ormond Street Hospital stay at the top and continue its superb work."

A Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity spokesperson said: "We're delighted that the Saracens have once again got behind the RBC Race For The Kids, our mass flagship participation event. It promises to be a great day out for everyone, so please sign up now and help make a real difference."

The run is taking place at Battersea Park on June 24. To sign up visit www.raceforthekids.co.uk.

The charity is starting patrols at 34 beaches across Cornwall, Devon and Dorset on May 5 in anticipation of a busy weekend.

Steve Instance, RNLI divisional lifeguard inspector said: "We're hopeful for some sunshine, but whatever the weather throws at us, we can expect the beaches to be busy as determined visitors and locals enjoy their holiday time.

"We'd urge beach goers to head to one of the 34 RNLI lifeguarded beaches and to swim and bodyboard in the supervised area marked out by the red and yellow flags."

For those heading out to sea, Adrian Carey, RNLI divisional inspector, said: "We'd advise anyone going afloat to wear a well-fitted lifejacket and know how to operate it should an emergency situation unfold.

"Please check your equipment before you head out, especially if it's being used for the first time this year, check the weather and tides, tell someone where you are going and how long you plan to be.

"We'd also advise a VHF radio as a means of communication rather than relying on a mobile phone which might have poor signal."

For more information visit www.rnli.org.uk.

The shot stopper, whose goalkeeping heroics helped guide the Reds to their fourteenth Cup Final, is backing the work of blood cancer charity Anthony Nolan.

Brad's son Luca was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2010, and passed away in November 2011. Brad and his partner Dani have remained passionate supporters of the charity, and with the news of Aston Villa club captain Stiliyan Petrov's recent leukaemia diagnosis, Brad is keen to help raise awareness of the charity's work within the footballing community.

Brad has made a video with the charity which is now on YouTube called Are You Fit To Spit? It refers to the saliva sample people have to give when registering.

He spoke out ahead of Liverpool's FA Cup Final clash with Chelsea at Wembley on May 5.

He said: "I've never played with Stiliyan, but I was devastated when I heard the news of his diagnosis. I know just how terrifying a leukaemia diagnosis can be, and that's why Anthony Nolan's work is so important, it gives people like Luca and Stiliyan the chance to fight back.

"We always say at Liverpool that we're nothing without our fans, and Anthony Nolan's the same, it couldn't do its work without its remarkable donors.

"They particularly need more young men to join the register and it only takes 10 minutes to sign up. If you're lucky enough to come up as a match for someone, I can tell you first hand the life-changing effect you could have on your patient and their family."

Men aged between 18 and 30 make the best donors but only account for 12% of the register.

To watch the film visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-1ZH7-HGso.

The Government has set aside £2 million of funding from its Big Society Fund to help thousands of sporty and creative people host Community Games.

South Yorkshire Sport, one of the country's 49 County Sports Partnerships, has grants of up to £500 to give to at least 25 groups to organise events.

Stuart Rogers, partnership development officer for South Yorkshire Sport, said: "The Community Games gives everyone across South Yorkshire the chance to be part of London 2012. But it's also about bringing people together to try new sporting and arts activities while having fun.

"This is a great opportunity to provide activities for children during the school holiday or to take advantage of one of this summer's additional Jubilee Bank Holiday weekends. A Community Games event would be the perfect opportunity to support South Yorkshire's Olympic competitors, such as heptathlete Jessica Ennis and Paralympic swimmers Eleanor Faulkner and James Crisp."

The project has been developed by the Lottery-funded Legacy Trust UK, a charity which aims to create a lasting impact from the Olympic and Paralympic Games by funding community initiatives.

Community Games events need to include both sporting and cultural activities, from dancing, football and athletics to wheelbarrow races and arts and crafts. Events should also feature an opening or closing ceremony.

For more information about the Community Games, visit www.sys.co.uk/community_games or call Stuart on 0114 2235683 or email stuart.rogers@sysport.co.uk.

David, from Nether Edge, is hoping to raise funds and awareness of Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice where Sam Sparkes was cared for before his death.

Sam was diagnosed with mucolipidosis II, I Cell disease, when he was six months old and he died in December 2009. He was among the first children to stay at Bluebell Wood, in North Anston, which opened in 2008.

David, who lives with his wife Jessica and sons, Josh, 14, and Ben, 11, said: "The vital thing about Bluebell Wood is that it offers support to the whole family. Sam needed 24-hour care and a variety of medication, so going to Bluebell Wood meant that the pressure was taken off his parents while they could rest assured that he was getting the care he needed."

Sam and his family, including Sam's mum Rona, dad Jon and older sister Freya, then aged four, were able to receive additional medical support and respite care.

David, headteacher at Oakwood Technology College in Rotherham, said: "It is easy to take what Bluebell Wood offers for granted. I hope that people never have to experience what Rona, Jon and the rest of the family have been through, but if they do, there should be provisions like Bluebell Wood available to them."

It costs £3 million every year to run Bluebell Wood which recives no statutory funding.

Sarah Champion, chief executive of the hospice, said: "The support of people like David is vital for us to continue helping as many families as we do."

The SIG Insulations Sheffield Half Marathon and 3k Fun Run takes place on May 27 at Don Valley Stadium from 9am.

To sponsor David visit www.justgiving.com/David-Naisbitt.

Openstorytellers received £20,900 over two years to help it continue its work to support people through story telling in an effort to reduce social exclusion. The money has been provided by Lloyds TSB Foundation For England And Wales.

Openstorytellers, which was set up in 2009 and operates across Wiltshire and Somerset, helps people to develop their confidence, resulting in better relationships with friends, family and the community in which they live.

The grant will help fund the salary of an administrator who will provide support for the charity's variety of projects and services.

Cindy Moxham, director at Openstorytellers, said: "The number of people with complex needs is ever increasing and it is estimated that areas with an average population of 250,000 will have 105 individuals with profound disabilities by 2026, that's an increase of 27%. Our aim is for disabled people to receive the best opportunities and support possible, through our training courses, performances and community activities we can help individuals to become active members of their community."

Last year the Lloyds TSB Foundation for England and Wales provided 77 grants to the South West region, totalling £1.7million.

Trevor Smale, the foundation's grant manager for Devon, Cornwall and Somerset, said: "Openstorytellers is providing an innovative service where people can develop their skills and abilities, opening up opportunities for them that may not have been previously there. At the foundation we aim to provide funding that can bring a positive impact to those most vulnerable and support lasting change. Openstorytellers is doing just that."

The Patients Association hosted the event with University Campus Suffolk (UCS) in Ipswich.

Angela Rippon, vice chairman of the Patients Association, welcomed the audience and contributors from across nursing, health authorities, regulatory bodies and the Department of Health, in addition to patient representatives and students.

Among those giving talks during the conference were Stephen Moss, former chairman of the Mid Staffordshire Foundation Trust, Dr Ruth May, nursing director for NHS Midlands and East, and Professor David Oliver, national clinical director for older people at the Department of Health.

The panel speakers looked at the essentials of care and the importance of nursing, leadership and responding to the patients voice, with particular emphasis on respect and dignity.

Carol Smith, UCS head of school nursing and midwifery, said: "The conference has been excellent, with a full programme hearing from both national and local speakers. Compassion, care and dignity for patients were at the heart of discussions and UCS were pleased to have welcomed many visitors to Ipswich."

Catch22 is working with Kent Probation and User Voice to increase the service-user involvement in developing and designing services.

It is seen as key to Catch22's approach to offender rehabilitation and supports Kent Probation's 'desistance approach'. Desistance is the process through which people cease and refrain from offending.

A spokesman for Catch22 said: "Phase one of the project will run for three months and will involve a consultation with service users to gain an understanding of the main issues in the Kent area.

"Service users and service providers will then co-produce a resulting action plan and test the support for a Service User Council. In this stage they will identify and train service users to become council members.

"User Voice is run by ex-offenders. They have the experience and understanding to enable offenders who are subject to supervision to express their views and positively impact on the work of Kent Probation and its partners."

The creation of a council model has been piloted by User Voice within prisons including at HMP Maidstone.

More recently, London Probation Trust and Northumbria Probation Trust have commissioned User Voice to develop Service User Councils as part of their Offender Engagement Project.

The Hate Incident Support Service has launched an easy read form to encourage the reporting of such crimes, connected to the victim's perceived or actual disability, in West Sussex.

The service, from Victim Support, hopes that those affected use the form to report these incidents so they do not continue to suffer in silence.

Helen Ranasinghe, Victim Support service delivery manager in West Sussex, said: "This type of hate crime is hugely under reported in West Sussex which we know through speaking with disability community groups across the county.

"Often victims of hate crime feel unable to report incidents due to fearing that nothing will be done about the situation. Sometimes other people such as friends and carers know it is happening yet choose to do nothing about it."

It is hoped the new form will mean that people do not have to rely on somebody else to report an incident as the person can complete the form themselves.

The service is independent of the police, but will work closely with them if the victim's consent is given. Call 0845 3899528 or email sussexhateincidentreport@victimsupport.org.uk.

The 28 University Of Birmingham students were dropped off in Dyke Wood, Bridlington, East Riding, and had to race back to Birmingham without a map or spending any money.

Lost: The Ultimate Race, was organised by the student-run Maple Bank Residents' Association (RA) and students were sponsored to take part. Teams of two or three students were taken to the secret starting point just after 8am on April 28.

Teams could get minutes knocked off their time by completing challenges en route including being photographed next to a cow.

The first team back to Birmingham completed the challenge in five hours, but the winning team arrived back slightly later having completed an extra challenge.

Zuki Majuqwana, vice president housing and community at the uni's Guild Of Students, said: "To ensure students' whereabouts and safety were monitored during the challenge; each team was required to check-in with the Maple Bank RA by text or phone call each time they moved on.

"All participants were required to raise a minimum donation of £20 before starting the challenge, so to see the total funds rise to more than £2,000 is wonderful news."

Carl Williams, Sense community fundraising officer for Birmingham, said: "This is a fantastic donation. The money raised in the Lost event will help support deafblind children and adults overcome the isolation that they face on a daily basis."

The Shaw Trust has praised companies in Herefordshire which have helped people in to employment.

The trust provides training and finds work for people through Work Choice, the Government programme aimed at helping people with learning, mental health or physical disabilities to secure work.

Daniel Thorne, 21, from Much Birch, has a learning disability and had been struggling to find work. He joined Shaw Trust's Work Choice programme and received training and one-to-one support in his hunt for a job. He completed work experience at Full House Furniture And Recycling Centre, which led to him getting a job.

Daniel said: "I am really happy to have carried out the work experience. My Shaw Trust advisers have been brilliant supporting me and the people at Full House have been helpful."

Full House offers a bicycle workshop and recycling centre.

Barbara Frankham, manager of Full House, said: "So far Shaw Trust has placed three clients with us. We are really grateful for the support and help Shaw Trust has given."

Worker John Hoyes, from Bosbury, who has a physical disability, benefited from the partnership with Shaw Trust. The charity helped to get John a specialised bicycle repair stand so he could do his job easier.

John's Shaw Trust adviser Nick Gray said: "This is an excellent example of how funding via the Work Choice programme can help people. John is a very good worker and deserved this additional support. We are dependent on local employers for the jobs our clients can work in, and we're extremely grateful for the support the local business community gives us."

Across the UK, the Shaw Trust helps about 70,000 people a year gain new skills and enter work.

The event is aimed at families and individuals with an interest in bats, geology and caves in and around Buckfastleigh.

It has been organised by The William Pengelly Cave Studies Trust (WPCST), Devon Wildlife Trust, Dartmoor National Park and the Devon Bat Group.

Jackie Gage, Devon Wildlife Trust's nature reserve officer, said: "This should be a great event for local people to learn more about these amazing flying mammals that live and breed on our doorstep. Buckfastleigh is known to be one of the best places in the country for the rare greater-horseshoe bat which has declined over the past few decades due to habitat loss and changes in farming practices."

The free event is on May 19 and runs from 10am to 3pm at the WPCST Centre, Russets Lane, Buckfastleigh. Activities will include bat box making, bug box making, guided walks of the quarry and Joint Mitnor cave, bat arts and crafts and the chance to see some live bats.

Booking is essential. To reserve a place call 01392 279244 or email contactus@devonwildlifetrust.org.

The State Of The Environment Report For Wiltshire And Swindon shows that changes in the county are threatening rivers, plants, and wildlife.

The report, published by Wiltshire Wildlife Trust (WWT) in partnership with Wiltshire Council, compares figures and facts for the county with the wider South West region and the rest of the UK.

It found that, although 44% of Wiltshire and Swindon is an area of outstanding natural beauty, with 14% recognised as a site of special scientific interest or a local wildlife site including Stonehenge and Salisbury Plain, the environment is under threat.

Dr Gary Mantle, WWT director, said: "When we're surrounded by such beautiful countryside, it's easy to think that all is well. Yet each of us depends on the environment and has an impact upon it. The long-term trends highlighted in this report show that we can't afford to take anything for granted."

The report, commissioned by NHS Wiltshire as part of the Joint Strategic Assessment, looked at issues such as the number of new homes being built, carbon emissions, air quality and biodiversity.

It found that in Wiltshire and Swindon in 2009 carbon emissions were 18% higher per person than the English average.

Figures showed 70% of rivers were over-abstracted, where too much water is removed and none is available, or over-licensed, causing an unacceptable environmental impact when rivers are low.

It also showed that 278 wild plant and animal species in Wiltshire are in need of conservation action.

The report will be launched at the trust's Langford Lakes nature reserve on May 4.

Margins To Mainstream: The Story Of Black Theatre In Britain, produced by 20 youngsters from London and Birmingham, examines the history of black British theatre through interviews and unseen footage.

The hour-long documentary film features black actors, producers and playwrights who have contributed to the British theatre tradition, including playwright Courttia Newland, actor Javone Prince, actor playwright and broadcaster Kwame Kwei-Armah and director Patricia Cumper.

The film looks at landmark performances and highlights the struggles and triumphs faced by black actors in British theatre.

It has been produced as part of a youth project helping participants to develop skills in media and film-making and funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, and Notting Hill Methodist Church, and led by the Octavia Foundation, in London, and Nu Century Arts, in Birmingham.

Gabrielle Tierney, head of community initiatives at the Octavia Foundation, said: "Our young film-makers are always looking for new opportunities to train and flex their media muscles. We have a history of supporting talented young people to tell untold stories, and the story of black theatre in Britain is most certainly a hidden gem."

Margins To Mainstream will be premiered at the Royal Court Theatre, in London, on May 11 followed by a question and answer session with some of the young film-makers and contributors.

It will then be screened in London and Birmingham, where the young film-makers are from.

To watch the film's trailer and to learn more about the Octavia Foundation's projects visit www.octaviafoundation.org.uk.

Research on behalf of charity Living Streets shows that one third of British adults admitted that they would walk more if the streets were kept in better condition.

The survey conducted by YouGov revealed that 46% of 18 to 24-year-olds and 51% of 25 to 34-year-olds would walk more if the streets were safer and more attractive.

Feeling unsafe is also preventing 30% of 18 to 24-year-olds from keeping active, a recent ICM poll shows.

According to Living Streets the biggest deterrent for walkers of all ages was litter and dog fouling at 66%; followed by bad parking or broken or cracked pavements, both 60%.

A lack of street lighting stopped 27% of people from walking, while fly-tipping, graffiti and abandoned cars prevented 31%.

Living Streets' chief executive Tony Armstrong said: "It's shocking that the state of our streets, the one public service we all use everyday is a major barrier to walking, when it's one of the cheapest, greenest and easiest ways to get fit and healthy and one of the easiest ways of easing congestion.

"These results should be a wake-up call to both national and local Government that the physical state of our streets needs to be vastly improved to encourage people to get more active on foot."

In a bid to boost walking the charity, which stands up for pedestrians, is calling on people to take part in its Great British Walking Challenge in May.

Participants log all their walking miles during the month on the charity's website with photos and stories shared to encourage more people to get active.

For more information or to sign up visit www.livingstreets.org.uk/gbwc.

HorseWorld's Trail Of Painted Ponies will be displayed this summer to mark the 60th anniversary of the animal charity, which is based in Whitchurch, near Bristol.

Shoppers will be encouraged to follow the trail of ponies which will be hidden in public spaces and shops around Bristol, including Harvey Nichols, throughout Cabot Circus and Quakers Friars.

The figurines will be painted from designs submitted by celebrities, local businesses and sports clubs.

Members of the public are also getting the chance to enter a competition to design a figurine which could feature in the public art event.

HorseWorld's managing director Mark Owen said: "It's easy to get involved, and you don't need to be an artist to submit your idea.

"All you need is a creative idea or two about ways a model pony can be painted for decorative purposes. You could have your design painted by an artist and displayed in a prestigious store for thousands of people to see."

Kevin Duffy, centre director Cabot Circus said: "We are delighted to be involved with this innovative public art trail and are looking forward to the arrival of the painted model ponies throughout Cabot Circus and Quakers Friars."

The trail, organised in association with USA-based fine collectible company The Trail of Painted Ponies, will run in the city from mid-July through to early September.

Artists who wish to take part will use a template that can be printed from HorseWorld's website to create their design.

Winners could see their designs painted by a professional artist and featured in the public art exhibition this summer.

Entries must be made by May 18. To enter or print a template visit www.horseworld.org.uk/paintedponies.

The Prince's Initiative For Mature Enterprise (Prime) is running a business course in Newcastle after a record number of over 50s were found to be claiming job seekers allowance.

In March, figures showed the number of over 50s in the region claiming the allowance had jumped to the highest figure in 12 years at 13,890.

Prime is now holding its Preparing To Run Your Own Business Course, which takes mature entrepreneurs through the process of planning to start a business.

The eight-week course will cover researching your market, making a marketing plan, thinking about money and the practical day-to-day side of running a business.

Participants will receive support from an approved Small Firms Enterprise Development Initiative (SFEDI) business trainer, three days of training and workbooks.

To take part in the course email info@prime.org.uk with your full name and postcode or call 0845 8622023.

Charity AbilityNet is reminding organisations to enter its second Technology4Good Awards, which recognise ways that technology benefits society.

The e-accessibility charity and BT, which are hosting the awards, are urging businesses and other organisations to get their entries in to one of the eight categories before May 18.

Winners will be chosen by a panel of judges from the business and charity world and attend an awards ceremony compered by presenter Mariella Frostrup in July.

Last year the awards attracted 250 entries, including Lifelites, a charity which takes digital fun and learning to 5,000 children in hospices nationwide, also Vintage Radio for the over 50s on Merseyside, and a community learning centre and cyber cafe which grew out of a fish and chip shop in Stockport.

The competition is free to enter and can be followed on Twitter via #t4gawards. Entries must be submitted before midnight on May 18. For more information or to enter visit www.technology4goodawards.org.uk.

Spark And Mettle, based in Brighton, supports young people across the country to fulfil their potential and learn by using time spent online in a productive way.

The charity's pilot project Star Track works with young people from less privileged backgrounds to help them map and launch their career using resources such as Google+, Skype, Facebook and Tumblr.

It follows the structure of a regular academic year, but the weekly sessions and follow-up tasks are all done online. Participants also receive support with research from volunteers, or agents.

Founder Eugenie Teasley said: "We started with no money and at the worst time in economic history. Youth unemployment and disengagement is a nationwide problem and I didn't want to limit the programme to just one locality.

"I thought it would be great if we created a space for young people nationwide to connect and interact with each other."

During its first year the charity has also run a crowdfunding campaign through Buzzbnk to generate an online community of supporters using Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Tumblr and Storify.

On joining Twitter Eugenie said: "It felt a bit like going back to the playground and learning what was socially acceptable and what wasn't. But we've now got 1,000 followers, so we must be doing something right."

A social return on investment (SROI) survey conducted by MA students at Goldsmiths University also found that Spark And Mettle is now generating £1.50 in social return for every £1 spent.

Fledglings is calling on parents in Essex, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire and Suffolk, to attend a series of meetings to help influence the services and products the charity delivers.

The Where Were You When My Child Was Three? project will also help Fledglings, which supports families affected by disabilities, to provide support in more schools and groups.

Ruth Lingard, Fledglings' founder and trustee, said: "Until they discovered Fledglings many parents have struggled for years to find answers to problems which we could have solved.

"The name of the project, Where Were You When My Child Was Three? was suggested by a parent who did not discover Fledglings until her son was 10 years old. She felt that she had struggled unnecessarily because she was unaware of our service.

"We are inviting the parents of disabled children from Essex, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire and Suffolk to attend a series of parent group meetings at which they will have the opportunity to influence our service and the development of our products.

"In my experience, when parents can feel and touch the products and discuss them with other parents, they have more of an opportunity to suggest improvements and advise us on new developments."

The project has received funding through the Big Lottery's Awards For All programme to equip a new meeting room at the charity's centre in Saffron Walden, in Essex.

Parents who wish to take part in the project could get their parking costs refunded and may get financial help with travel costs.

To take part call Ruth Lingard on 0845 4581124 or email ruth@fledglings.org.uk.

The Prince's Natural House garden in Watford was opened by former Home Front presenter and Prince's Foundation ambassador Diarmuid on May 2.

The new green space situated at the charity's eco house features edible, medicinal and biodiverse sections, which demonstrate a balance between protecting and enhancing biodiversity and meeting human needs.

The charity, which highlights the importance of green urban spaces in homes and communities, will also use the garden to encourage the growth of wildlife such as bees and other pollinators.

Prince's Foundation chief executive Hank Dittmar said: "We have long promoted the idea that green spaces are vital to the health and well-being of communities.

"The garden at the Prince's Natural House has enabled us to showcase our ideas around ecological and human harmony and we are delighted that our ambassador Diarmuid Gavin was able to officially open our design to the public."

The former Strictly Come Dancing judge is four days into her Live Below The Line Challenge, a campaign highlighting extreme poverty and raising funds for charities including Malaria No More UK.

Live Below The Line encourages people to live on £1 a day for five days for all their food and drink spending from May 7 to 11. It aims to highlight the reality faced by 1.4 billion people across the world.

So far the choreographer has raised £2,500 to support the work of Malaria No More UK, which helps to tackle the disease in Africa and save lives.

Arlene, from London, said: "I think Malaria No More UK's mission to end deaths once and for all is incredibly inspiring and something we can all get behind. I've learned a lot during the challenge and have a real sense of achievement, although I have to admit, I'm looking forward to an espresso.

"I hope people across the country will join me and support this important cause by signing up to Live Below The Line next week and help save lives from malaria."

Helen Mabberley, Malaria No More UK's fundraising manager said: "One of the great things about Live Below The Line is that anyone can do it with no training required, just some careful planning.

"What's more taking part in the challenge is an unforgettable experience, and an empowering way to make a real difference in the fight against poverty-linked diseases like malaria."

To sponsor Arlene visit www.livebelowtheline.com/me/arlenephillips.

Welsh springer spaniel Jasper, from Church Lawton, South Cheshire, will front the campaign for the Canal And River Trust, the charity due to take over management of canals and rivers from British Waterways.

Jasper's picture was selected from more than 1,000 photographs submitted by dog owners of their pets enjoying canal life.

It was taken on the Avon Ring during a family boating holiday in 2011. Judges felt it was a bright, well composed photograph and Jasper looked happy and alert and clearly enjoying himself on the water.

His owners Ray and Sue Hasmall will also enjoy a 12-month subscription to a leading dog magazine, also Usborne children's book Barney The Boat Dog, a range of toys and treats and a bumper supply of dog waste bags.

Sue said: "We were surprised and delighted to win this competition; it will be great to see Jasper fronting the campaign for the new waterways charity. We all love going for our daily walks by the Trent and Mersey Canal, it's so relaxing and we all get some valuable exercise."

Jasper, now the official canine face of the Canal And River Trust, will be treated to a professional photo shoot at a classic canal-side location to capture his enthusiasm for waterway walkies.

Tony Hales, who will chair the Canal And River Trust, said: "This has been a fun and interactive competition which captured the enthusiasm of the many thousands of dog walkers who use their local canals and rivers every day."

Computer Aid International signed a memorandum of understanding with iLabAfrica, an ICT research and entrepreneurship hub within Strathmore University in Nairobi.

A Computer Aid International spokesman said: "This fantastic new partnership is the start of a collaboration on a variety of ventures such as institutional capacity building, ICT courses and seminars, and entrepreneurial training.

"The partnership will serve to greatly increase ICT services in communities, as well as helping to train the next generation of ICT entrepreneurs in Kenya."

Computer Aid International, based in Brunswick Way, north London, aims to reduce poverty through practical ICT solutions.

It professionally refurbishes donated computers, monitors and laptops. The charity also works on numerous initiatives designed to further increase access to ICT among poor and disadvantaged communities including the provision of e-training programmes for nurses and low-cost software for partially sighted individuals.

Richard House Children's Hospice, in Beckton, in east London, wants to look at people's lifetime goals during Dying Matters Awareness Week.

The charity, London's oldest children's hospice, wants people to think about positives rather than negatives during the week which runs from May 14 to 18.

People can write down their ultimate dream and pin it on a board at any Richard House charity shop.

Peter Ellis, chief executive of Richard House, said: "People find it hard to talk about death and dying but as a children's hospice, we know it is something we all have to think about.

"We would love people to join us in this discussion. We don't want people to be sad; we just want them to think about what they really, really want to do before they run out of time.

"Simply write it on a post-it note available in any of our shops and stick it to the noticeboards. Let's get people thinking about their lives today."

The shops are based in Station Parade, in Dagenham Heathway; Green Lane, in Dagenham; Victoria Road, in Romford; Longbridge Road, in Barking; The Broadway, in Elm Park; Station Road, in Hornchuch; and Corbets Tey Road, in Upminster.

Dying Matters Awareness Week is run by the Dying Matters Coalition to promote public awareness of dying, death and bereavement.

Employees voted for the organisation they would most like to raise money for with the children's charity a clear winner.

Network Rail will now help to raise the profile and work of Action For Children as well as encouraging employees to raise money through donations and sponsored events and to volunteer their time to help the charity.

The company will match funds raised by staff meaning every pound raised is doubled for the charity.

Martin Arter, chairman of Network Rail's charities panel, said: "Action For Children works with and supports over 50,000 children and families across the country. It tackles some very difficult issues so every pound we raise and every hour we give in support will be for a very worthwhile cause.

"We look forward to developing the relationship and providing as much help and support as possible over the next two years."

Action For Children chief executive Dame Clare Tickell said: "Action For Children is absolutely thrilled to be chosen as Network Rail's Charity of Choice 2012 to 2014. The funds raised throughout the partnership will enable us to create brighter futures for some of the most vulnerable and neglected children and young people across Britain.

"We have some really exciting plans for the next two years and I know that together we will make this partnership a huge success."

The Old Friends Unite To Climb Kilimanjaro team will split funds between Oxford-based Helen And Douglas House and Iain Rennie Hospice At Home, which works in Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire.

Organiser John Taylor, who will celebrate his 50th birthday on the trek, was inspired to set up the fundraising adventure after both charities helped to care for his children Jack and Jordie until their deaths, four years apart, from degenerative illnesses.

He will be joined on the trek by his daughter Annaliese.

He said: "Anni lost her brother and sister to long term degenerative conditions at the ages of 12 and 18 respectively. We aim to celebrate their lives by making this trek with a dozen or so great friends and colleagues.

"During those years, two organisations in particular were consistently a support to our family and to Jack and Jordie themselves. They are Iain Rennie, and Helen And Douglas House, which provided respite care, either in the home or to give the family an occasional break.

"Typically, the amount of care that can be provided is directly attributable to funds available to these organisations, and for this reason we will be taking on the challenge."

The team will begin their climb on May 23 and hope to reach the summit on John's 50th birthday, a week later.

Joanna Mitchell, head of fundraising at Helen And Douglas House, said: "It is wonderful that they are doing it in memory of Jordie and Jack and also raising vital funds to make a difference to the other children, young adults and their families who use, or have used, the two hospice houses."

To sponsor the team visit www.justgiving.com/johntaylor1962.

Shoppers at the Children's Hospice Association of Scotland (Chas) Bazaar stores in High Street, Kinross, will receive 20% off wedding items including wedding dresses, outfits, hats and select accessories from May 4 to 7.

One lucky shopper can also win a pampering pack in a wedding-themed quiz. Entry costs £1 and the winner will be drawn on May 25.

All the money raised will support Chas, which helps children and young people with life-shortening conditions and their families.

Chas retail manager Pauline Tanbini said: "Buying a new wedding outfit everytime is expensive and we're offering a great alternative. Whether you're after a full outfit or some accessories to brighten up your look, we've got a great range to choose from and at a great price."

One hundred prisons are being invited to come up with inventive ways of using the works in activities that take place on prison visit days.

The Booktrust are providing prison staff with a free pack of resources to help develop their ideas. There will also be seven prizes awarded to the prisons which use the packs in the most creative and engaging ways.

Each prison which takes part in the Rhyme Challenge will receive a small collection of children's books for use in family visits.

The initiative is the result of a partnership between Booktrust and Pact's Kids VIP programme.

Andy Keen-Downs, chief executive officer of Pact, said: "Using books, stories, poems, and child-centred activities during prison visits encourages positive family relationships, is good for children, and helps improve educational outcomes both for prisoners and their children.

"Over half of the people in prison have children, and most will be released and be expected to be good parents and role models. Sadly, many prisoners have poor parenting skills, and poor literacy, and loss of family contact contributes to the risk that they will commit further crime on release."

Viv Bird, chief executive officer of Booktrust, said: "Booktrust developed the Rhyme Challenge to encourage a love of rhymes and songs in children and help children and families to enjoy learning together.

"I am delighted that our partnership with Pact will enable parents in prison to develop stronger positive relationships with their children as a result of having fun together through rhymes, games and stories."

The medals will be presented to people who complete either a 10 kilometre or five kilometre run in aid of The Donna Louise Children's Hospice in Stoke-on-Trent.

Charity supporter Andrea Brain, whose daughter Esther used the hospice before she died in 2008, arranged the donation of all the medals and trophies with help from a team at Longton Trophy Centre, also in Stoke-on-Trent.

Owners Steve and Linda Wright, along with Janet Wilshaw, contacted suppliers on behalf of Andrea, to ask for their support. Now, the event has been backed by Dec Tek, based in Wales, which has provided the centres for the medals, Leicester-based Glenway, provided the trophies and the medals, with ribbons donated from Oldbury company, Goodwill.

The runs take place on May 6 at Trentham Gardens. It is the eighth year the charity has held such an event and this year it is sponsored by bet365bingo.com. Places are still available by calling 01782 654444.

Safestore hopes to collect as much stock as possible for the charity which will then be considered for sale in its charity shops.

It is the second year that Safestore, the UK's largest self storage company, has partnered Scope for the community initiative. Donations are being accepted at all 98 Safestore branches from May 7 to 13.

Scope works with disabled people, of all ages, and their families, across England and Wales.

Best mates Grant Borthwick and Ben Marvin have set off from Land's End destined for John O'Groats to raise £2,000 and awareness for Cyclists Fighting Cancer.

The challenge will be made trickier because the bikes are designed for stunts, have small wheels and only one gear.

Cyclists Fighting Cancer donates bikes, specially adapted trikes and tandems, to children and young people affected by cancer to encourage them to get active again.

Grant, 24, from West Wittering, Hampshire, is a yacht broker and keen athlete. Over the past few years he has been pushing himself in adventure races such as Spartan and Hell Runner, yacht races and completed the London Marathon in 2011.

Grant said: "We decided to do the classic Land's End to John O'Groats bike ride, but with a little twist. Both of us ride BMX, so the twist being that we intend covering the 950+ miles on these tiny bikes. One gear, one brake and small wheels."

Ben, 24, from Petersfield, Hampshire, will be on hand for any mechanical problems. He works for BMX company IMG Distribution as a technical consultant and at weekends works in bike shop Owens Cycles as a mechanic.

Mike Grisenthwaite, founder of Cyclists Fighting Cancer established the charity in 2005, five years after he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

He said: "It never ceases to amaze me what people are prepared to do for our charity, the BMX End To End is probably the most extreme to date, not just in terms of 960 mile route, but the pure physical punishment of riding without gears in such an awkward position for hours day after day is unimaginable, we are very grateful to Ben and Grant for their titanic effort."

To donate visit www.justgiving.com/BMXend2end.

Gunner arrived at Battersea Dogs And Cats Home Brands Hatch in January and loves to play football.

He is aged between three and five years old and was brought to the charity's centre in Kent after his owner was unable to keep him.

Battersea Brands Hatch's rehoming and welfare assistant Tanya Madden said: "Gunner would love to live with a family of football fans, especially if he could chill out with them and watch the big games on TV.

"As he's a Gunner we can imagine him suiting Arsenal fans, but he's a bit of a fair weather fan and would happily switch his allegiance to another team.

"He can live with teenage children, so I'm sure he'd enjoy going along to watch them have a kick-about or cheer on the local team on a Saturday."

He is currently being looked after at a foster home to give him some time away from life in kennels.

Tanya said: "Gunner does have a bit of a worried side to him but he is a real champion and he's very popular here at Battersea."

To house Gunner call the charity on 01474 875106 or email bbh.rehomers@battersea.org.uk.

Dan is playing keepy uppy as he walks from London to Manchester to fund Unicef's life-saving work for children around the world.

Dan will attempt to keep the ball off the ground using his head, body and feet as he travels for 10 days as part of the Keep It Up For Soccer Aid challenge.

He began his challenge at London's Wembley Stadium on May 1 and is en route to Manchester United's Old Trafford ground, 200 miles away.

To break the record he needs to travel a minimum of 186 miles with the ball.

During the challenge Dan will walk for 11 hours a day, take an estimated 400,000 steps, and travel through St Albans, Milton Keynes, Daventry, Coventry, Birmingham, Stoke-on-Trent and Macclesfield.

Dan said: "This is without a doubt the craziest, most exciting and most challenging thing I have ever done.

"I'm hoping that my challenge raises loads of money for Unicef's vital work saving children's lives, and inspires other people to take up a Keep It Up For Soccer Aid challenge."

Talented Dan already holds the Guinness World Record for the longest time juggling a football, 26 hours with out dropping it, and the longest distance travelled juggling a football non-stop, 30 miles.

Keep It Up For Soccer Aid, which was launched by pop star and Unicef ambassador Robbie Williams in 2010, calls on the public to keep something up and get sponsored for doing so in the run up to the Soccer Aid celebrity football match at Old Trafford on May 27.

To sponsor Dan visit www.unicef.org.uk/support-dan.

The youth and sustainable development charity is inviting 300 alumni from 94 countries to attend its From Boats To Bio-Gas. Raleigh's Journey, Your Story conference in London.

The event aims to celebrate the achievements of volunteers who have taken part in a Raleigh expedition, which include overseas projects, working to improve infrastructure, and installing water systems in communities.

Raleigh International founder and explorer John Blashford-Snell will also be attending the event alongside government youth policy adviser Paul Oginsky and executive director of the United Nations Association Phil Mulligan.

Workshops will be delivered by past participants including Nick Johnson, from Surrey, who volunteered with Raleigh International in Uganda in 1996.

He said: "Raleigh life affects people in many different ways but hopefully inspires many to undertake new challenges and leadership roles on return from abroad.

"For me, an event whilst helping build a school in Uganda inspired me some years later to set up the Pelican Post; a website which enables people to pledge to post children's story books direct to participating schools throughout Africa. Rediscovering the Raleigh spirit of adventure and commitment to a cause, now as a social entrepreneur has been an amazing and incredibly rewarding experience."

Stacey Adams, Raleigh International's chief executive officer, said: "When communities come together around a shared goal, they can be a powerful force. The Raleigh global community is no exception. By bringing them together in this way, we hope to harness this force for even greater good."

Raleigh aims to increase the leadership and employability skills of young people and boost their awareness of their role as active global citizens.

The alumni-only event takes place at Mary Ward House in London on May 12. Registration costs £25 and to book a place visit http://conference.raleighinternational.org.

People who had planned to attend the 2012 Badminton Horse Trials in Gloucestershire can now get buy-one-get-one-free (Bogof) entry to HorseWorld in Whitchurch, near Bristol.

The charity, which rescues, rehabilitates, and rehomes horses, ponies and donkeys, is running the offer from May 3 to 7, the same dates Badminton was scheduled. It has been cancelled due to poor weather.

People can take advantage of the offer by showing their Badminton tickets at the admissions desk at the charity's visitor centre.

HorseWorld's director of equine welfare Jerry Watkins, said: "The cancellation of this year's Badminton has created trials of a very different kind for people who had bought tickets for the flagship event.

"For every adult paying day admission to see our rescued horses, ponies and donkeys, another will be admitted free of charge when showing their Badminton ticket."

More than 6,400 runners have so far signed up to take part in the event at Don Valley Stadium with more expected to register.

Now organisers are calling on people to give up their time to help at the event. Volunteers will help with charity bucket collections, time zone and route marshalling, and giving out goody bags, medals and T-shirt distribution.

Margaret Lilley, chairman of the Sheffield Half Marathon organising committee, said: "The race is always such a huge event in Sheffield and this year it will be even bigger after the slight change to the route allowed us to take more entries.

"On the day there are tasks from packing lunches to escorting the winning runners to the prize presentations, so we are encouraging people to sign up and be a part of a tremendous event to help raise money for the marathon's chosen charities."

Runners will be raising money for charities including the British Heart Foundation, Myasthenia Gravis Association, St Luke's Hospice, Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre South Yorkshire, Sheffield Wildlife Trust, and Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice.

The half marathon and 3k Fun Run starts at 9am on May 27. To volunteer call 0114 2308429, email info@sheffieldmarathon.com or visit www.sheffieldmarathon.com.

Young Devon has been awarded the funding over three years from the Government's Youth In Focus programme to help support care leavers in the area.

The charity will help more than 300 youngsters with emotional and behavioural issues or special educational needs through its Dreamcatchers programme.

Dreamcatchers will offer participants one-to-one mentoring, group activities, peer support opportunities, skills workshops, advice and counselling to help them take control of their own employability, education, training, housing or well-being needs and reach their goals.

Tim Tod, chief executive of Young Devon, said: "Young Devon is delighted to have secured the funding from Youth In Focus to launch Dreamcatchers. We are looking forward to working with our charity partners to really help some of the county's most marginalised young people.

"Over the three years we will build on the strong foundations that are already in place across Devon with some new and innovative ideas that will ensure that each and every young person has the same rights to dream and support to achieve them."

The scheme will be delivered with support from partner organisations Devon County Council, Young People Of Devon, Lifechange UK, Centre For Human Rights And Social Equality, Barnstaple Poverty Action Group and Torridge Training Services.

Maggie's Centre is holding the garden party at its Nottingham base.

The event will raise funds for the charity, which provides a programme of support to help people live with, through and beyond cancer.

The day will feature demonstrations of gardening, vegetable-potting and flower arranging, followed by refreshments, a raffle, and tours of the centre.

Maggie's has also joined forces with House And Garden Magazine to encourage people to open up their gardens to raise funds for the charity this year.

The charity's garden party will take place from 1.30pm to 5pm on May 13 at the centre in Nottingham City Hospital Campus, Hucknall Road.

Entry is a suggested donation of £5 in advance, or £6 on the day.

The Misfits Theatre Company will be performing the play at the Colston Hall theatre foyer, in Bristol, to enable the charity to continue providing arts workshops.

Actors with learning difficulties will be taking part in the 30-minute play, which is not set at Christmas, about a horrible man with lots of money.

An invited audience, including the Lord Mayor Geoffrey Gollop and Lady Mayoress Bernice Gollop, will enjoy the performance ahead of the Bristol Ensemble's Beethoven and Cello Concerto in the auditorium.

Misfits is a theatre and social group led by people with learning difficulties, which aims to enable people to be creative, have fun and reach their potential through participation, performance, volunteering and employment.

The free performance will take place at 6.30pm on May 3.

The comedian will be performing at the Eden Sessions at the Cornwall-based centre as part of his Force Majeure world tour which takes in 25 countries.

Martin Williams, Eden's marketing director, said: "We are immensely excited to be able to announce Eddie Izzard as our first Session of 2013.

"We are building a strong tradition of comedy at the Eden Sessions, with the likes of Bill Bailey and this year's headliner Tim Minchin, and Eddie is no exception. The beautiful landscape of Eden is a wonderful setting in which to experience Eddie's fantastical flights of comedy."

Eddie, who is known for his improvised, observational humour, will be taking to the stage on June 3, 2013. Tickets cost £35 plus a booking fee and go on general sale at 5pm on May 4, 2012. To book call the Eden Box Office on 01726 811972 or visit www.edensessions.com.

Diabetes UK, will visit Ashington, in Northumberland, to offer risk assessments which show if people are likely to develop the condition because of their lifestyle and diet.

The charity estimates that 4,300 people in Northumberland have undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes. The roadshow aims to tackle this by highlighting the risk factors and encouraging members of the public to make lifestyle changes.

Linda Wood, Diabetes UK Northern and Yorkshire regional manager, said: "Diabetes is one of the biggest health challenges facing us today. There are 850,000 people at risk of developing the condition in England, but what is more frightening is that there are about 4,300 people in Northumberland alone that have Type 2 diabetes but have no idea they do."

Diabetes UK's Healthy Lifestyle Roadshow will visit the Asda car park in Ashington on May 9 and May 10 from 9am to 5pm.

Diabetes UK was awarded £413,722 from the Big Lottery Fund to support 70 roadshows in England during 2011 and 2012. Anyone unable to attend the roadshow can assess their risk of diabetes online at www.diabetes.org.uk/roadshow/riskscore1.

Observers watching the charity-built platform on a webcam spotted fragments of egg shell as the first sign of the arrival.

It hatched on the Hawk And Owl Trust platform on Norwich Cathedral's spire in the early hours of May 2.

A trust spokesman said: "The hatching has come as a great relief to the conservation team at the Hawk And Owl Trust, who erected the platform in time for the breeding season last year. Last season their hopes were dashed when the single egg laid proved unsuccessful.

"The first egg this year was laid on March 22, the second on March 24, the third on the 27 and the fourth on the 30. The female did not start to incubate the eggs fully until after the third egg had been laid so the eggs should all hatch at about the same time."

The platform was created in 2011 by volunteers from Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service who worked with the cathedral's works foreman to install the platform through a window in the spire. The platform had to be painted to match the cathedral's stone.

View the webcam at http://www.hawkandowl.org/TrustAtWork/Conservation/Urbanperegrines/norwichperegrineplatformLive12.htm.

Fledglings, which strives to improve the lives of disabled children and give relief to their families, secured a two-year grant of £25,000 from the Lloyds TSB Foundation for England and Wales to appoint Gerry Reilly.

The charity, based in Saffron Walden, in Essex, helps families and carers by providing advice, and sourcing and supplying products and services to meet individual needs. Last year the charity received more than 8,400 requests for help and information.

Ruth Lingard, founder of the charity, said: "We are absolutely delighted that Gerry has joined us as director. His commercial and fundraising experience will bring considerable benefit to Fledglings as we develop and grow. This grant from the Lloyds TSB Foundation towards funding the director's position is a huge boost."

Fledglings received the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service in 2004 and Mrs Lingard was awarded an MBE in 2005 for her services to the charitable sector.

The university will be an official Bronze Partner of the games, which take place in Medway, in Kent.

The Medway campus, which opened in 2004, offers classes in health and social education care.

Peter Milburn, Medway campus director and academic lead for postgraduate medical education, said: "Canterbury Christ Church University is proud to be a sponsor of the Westfield Health British Transplant Games, an important occasion for both the Medway towns and the university.

"Being part of the games gives us an exciting opportunity to celebrate our history of working with the health sector in our jubilee year, as well as supporting the campaign for organ donation."

It will be the first time the games have been held in the county.

John Spence, chairman of the local organising committee for the games, said: "Getting organisations like Canterbury Christ Church University involved is tremendously helpful for us to raise awareness of the games, and, ultimately, the benefits of becoming an organ donor."

Staff at Marks & Spencer's Butcher Row store in Beverley chose Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) as their Charity Of The Year and have raised enough to cover two life-saving missions.

In the last 12 months, staff have carried out raffles, tombolas and auctions as well as undertaking a sponsored slim and a bike ride along the Hudson Way to Market Weighton and back.

In store, Scouts and students from East Riding College helped with customer bag packs in return for donations.

Store manager Emma Morris has now presented a cheque for £5,359.77 to YAA's community fundraiser David Hebden.

David said: "I would like to thank everyone at the store for their hard work and enthusiasm in helping to raise such a fantastic sum of money for the YAA. Donations such as these are the life blood of the charity and all the staff should be proud of their achievement."

Secondary-aged students at Doncaster School For The Deaf will be joined by staff as they attempt to each walk 50 miles, the equivalent of walking to Derby.

The project is part of the Healthy Schools campaign, which encourages schools and colleges to improve the health and well-being of children and young people.

Jane Goodman, deputy headteacher of the school, said: "This is a fantastic way for us to encourage healthy behaviour amongst our pupils. Many of them live a long way away from the school and therefore can't make the healthy choice to walk to school.

"Using pedometers lets them stretch their legs and do some exercise in a fun and interesting way. Our pupils can relate to the distance from our campus to Derby, so it made sense for us to choose it as our destination."

The distance from Doncaster School For The Deaf, on Leger Way, to Derby is about 44 miles as the crow flies, or 51.5 miles by road.

It would take the average person more than 16 hours to walk 50 miles and they would burn off between 4,000 and 5,000 calories in the process.

The group from the Royal Blackburn Hospital will do tandem parachute jumps from 14,000 feet in aid of MedEquip4Kids.

The nurses will experience about 9,000 feet of freefall before the parachute opens.

Nurse Jenny Grindrod, from Royal Blackburn Hospital, said: "We're really looking forward to the event, and to raise money for such a worthy cause. After seeing what MedEquip4Kids have done for our hospital we believe it's now time to give something back "

Joining Jenny will be Jodie Fraser, Rebecca German, Cheryl Hope and Victoria Ketland.

MedEquip4Kids raises funds to provide medical equipment for children who are sick or injured. Money raised from the skydive will be used to provide equipment in children's units at various hospitals throughout the North of England.

Sarah Suthers, appeals fundraiser for MedEquip4Kids, said: "We're so grateful for the support we are getting from Royal Blackburn Hospital for taking on the challenge. A charity tandem parachute jump is a fantastic way for anyone with nerves of steel to get out and raise funds. This is without a doubt one of the most exhilarating events you could ever do."

To complete a skydive for the charity visit www.medequip4kids.org.uk or call 0161 7981600.

Charles Foster was a well-known voice on Granada TV with his continuity links before giving up the microphone in the early 1990s.

He has decided to mark his 75th birthday, which he celebrated on May 1, by taking part in the Bupa Great Manchester Run on May 20. He will be joined by nine family members, spanning three generations.

Together they are raising money for Greater Manchester's St Ann's Hospice, which cared for his son Nic, from Sale, who lost his fight with cancer in January 2010 at the age of 48.

Charles, from Whitworth, near Rochdale, said: "I've never done a race like this before and none of us will be breaking any records but I'm told I've been doing more training than the others.

"St Ann's Hospice was amazing during Nic's illness and we can't speak highly enough of the staff there."

Charles' son Simon, daughters Stephanie Montague and Julie Fordham and her partner Jeremy Oddie, along with four grandchildren will all be in the race which is expected to attract up to 40,000 runners.

To donate to the hospice visit www.sah.org.uk/donate.

A Question Of Taste will be held in Chester on May 31 to raise money for the Empowering Youth Foundation (EYF).

The charity teaches valuable life skills to vulnerable young people through sport, specifically golf, via its First Tee programme.

The event has been set up by Chester-based wine merchant Cantina Caputo and Zebra Marketing And Communications to host the second Big Chester Wine Quiz. It follows on from a successful event last year.

Clara Hughes, director at Zebra Marketing and Communications, said: "After the success of last year's event we are really looking forward to hosting the second Big Chester Wine Quiz. It is a great opportunity for local businesses to meet up, have fun and raise money for a very worthwhile charity."

Teams of up to six people are welcome to enter and the evening costs £20 per person. Defending champions Walker Smith Way will be taking part.

The evening starts at 6.30pm and includes a welcome drink, licensed bar, supper, guess the wine and a general knowledge quiz.

For more details and booking forms call Clara on 07702 736763 or email clara@zebra-comms.co.uk.

The residencies are open to professional artists, classical composers, contemporary dancers, poets, musicians or visual artists, and not just those working within folk arts.

Neil Pearson, EFDSS' artist development and programming manager, said: "We hope to attract applications from artists working within all art forms who wish to explore the creative potential of the English folk arts.

"Our funding decision will focus on the quality of the application and how well it meets our main criteria, which are strength of the artistic vision, impact on the artists' professional development and the potential for future performances and development.

"We know that there is a wealth of talent out there and sometimes artists need the support of a scheme like this to bring their ideas to life. We would be interested in hearing from both emerging and established artists."

The society will award three residencies which will run from September 2012 to March 2013.

EFDSS wants to hear from artists who are interested in exploring the potential of working cross-genre, cross-arts, or cross-culture to create work that has the potential to go on tour.

Successful applicants will be offered bursaries in the region of £2,000 to cover fees and expenses, together with rehearsal space and the opportunity to share the outcome of their work at Cecil Sharp House, as well as support and guidance for the future development of their work.

Applications must be submitted by June 30. To apply visit www.efdss.org.

Animal charity Blue Cross wants owners to think ahead about how they would protect their pets should they have to evacuate their homes.

During floods, pets rely on their owners for protection and rescue.

Claire Stallard, Blue Cross animal behaviourist, said: "When floods strike, please think of your pets who can become easily lost, trapped or disorientated in extreme conditions. While you should never put your own life in danger to save an animal, they rely on their owners for their welfare and a little preparation can spare a lot of pain and trauma."

The charity suggests keeping portable pet carriers close to hand, small animals indoors and, if possible, upstairs; and consider moving animals to a friend or family member who lives outside the flood-risk area.

A Blue Cross spokesman said: "Ensuring your cat or dog is wearing proper identification or has been microchipped, working out an escape route and leaving notices on the doors of your house if you have to leave a pet behind are all ways of giving your pet the best chance of rescue, survival and being reunited with you."

More advice can be found at www.bluecross.org.uk/flooding.

More than 70 people have already signed up for the June 22 event which attracts walkers from across the country.

The route will see participants starting from Bewdley at 6am and walking until they reach Malvern.

Last year, walkers raised about £25,000 to support St Richard's Hospice, a Worcestershire hospice, which cares for patients with life-threatening illnesses and their families.

Malvern businessman Eugenio Grandi is among those who have registered. Eugenio and his eight-strong team are raising money in memory of his late wife Marilyn, a yoga teacher, who died a year ago.

He said: "We all realise just how much St Richard's relies on donations and will do all we can to try and continue to support their wonderful work.

"My feelings, and that of my children, towards St Richard's, even with our terrible loss, is nothing but complete gratitude for the loving care that Marilyn and our whole family received. We are just happy to be putting something back after having received so much."

Event organiser Rachel Jones, from St Richard's, said: "Although not for the faint hearted, keen walkers will revel in this opportunity to explore one of the best routes in Britain."

There is no registration fee, but walkers are asked to raise as much sponsorship as possible. For more information email rjones@strichards.org.uk.

Staff at Diverse Abilities Plus, in Dorset, walked from Swanage to Hengistbury Head as part of the Gold Challenge, which asks people to complete distances of either 201.2km or 2,012km however they choose.

Each member of the team walked 26km, totalling just over 201.2km, in seven hours.

Chief executive Mark Powell was part of the eight-strong team. He said: "All of the money we raise will be going to Diverse Abilities Plus - a charity which we are all incredibly passionate about as it provides such vital support for hundreds of children and adults, and their families, in Dorset. Our target is to raise £1,000 by doing this challenge and we thank those that have sponsored us already."

Other members were retired chief executive officer Paul Barnard, Charlotte Curtis, head of business resources; Nick Bold, head of adult services; Mark Freer, finance manager, Helen Alexander, fundraising manager, Steph Vaughn, trainer, and graduate trainee Hugh Felstead.

To support the team visit www.justgiving.com/outofourleague.

Train-mad Ernie Brown, from Saffron Walden, in Essex, told Make-A-Wish Foundation UK that he wanted to drive the Tornado steam train which he had seen on an episode of BBC's Top Gear.

In the programme, the presenters race the Tornado against a Jaguar and a motorbike. Ernie loved the episode so much he watched it over and over again while he was ill.

After being diagnosed with bilateral retinoblastoma, Ernie endured six cycles of chemotherapy and underwent operations every three weeks for the first three years of his life. After his second birthday his condition seriously deteriorated and he had to have a further five cycles of chemotherapy.

He is now in remission, but is severely visually impaired and continues to be closely monitored.

Make-A-Wish arranged for Ernie and his family to travel to Barrow Hill Roundhouse, in Chesterfield, to see the Tornado and other trains.

Ernie and his brother Stanley, six, spent hours driving up and down the track, shovelling coal into the firebox, and pulling the whistle while wearing the train driver's hat. Ernie was then taken on a tour of some of the other trains before jumping aboard a high-speed train for a tour around the cab and power compartment. The brothers were able to press the horn and start the engine.

Ernie's mum, Lisa, said: "I asked Ernie if he felt special on his trip and he said 'No, I just felt like an ordinary train driver'. I think that says it all.

"The best part for me was seeing Ernie well enough to really enjoy his wish. It was also magical to see the boys, and their dad, enjoying themselves."

People will find out about life-saving missions that crews are called to attend and gain an insight into the day-to-day running of the service, which has bases at Blackpool Airport and City Airport, Manchester.

It is the first time the charity has held such an event, known as a tweet day.

Lynda Brislin, chief executive of NWAA, said: "As a charity which relies so heavily on the generosity of the public, we wanted to give our supporters the chance to see what is achieved through their kind donations.

"The North West Air Ambulance flies seven days a week, 365 days a year throughout five counties in the North West, a region which covers vast terrain, mountain peaks and a complex motorway network.

"This wouldn't be possible without the public's support, and it will be great to give everyone an insight into how our life-saving charity operates."

Comments will be posted on Twitter between 7am and 6.30pm on tweet day, May 4. To follow the tweets visit www.twitter.com/NWAirAmbulance.

The Lesbian And Gay Foundation (LGF) is holding eight free weekly sessions at its Resource Centre, in Richmond Street, Manchester.

The sessions will explore themes such as childhood influences, gender and sexuality, experiences of coming out, and love and loss.

The sessions take place on Mondays from June 11 between 2pm and 4pm. Booking is advised. To book call 0161 306325 or email chris.murchison@lgf.org.uk.

The charity which saves lives at sea is calling on swimmers to take part in the Great East Swim.

The RNLI has 25 places on offer in a one-mile swim at Alton Water reservoir near Ipswich. Thirty people who have secured their own places have also chosen to raise funds for the RNLI.

Rachel Clarke, RNLI events manager, said: "Every penny raised will help ensure our volunteer lifeboat crew members have the right kit and equipment they need in order to launch on those important lifesaving missions."

Participants will be supported during the challenge by kayakers and safety boats in case they get into difficulty. There are also options to swim, a half-mile, or two-mile route.

The event will also feature a festival atmosphere with a farmers' market and taster sessions for other sports.

Entry costs £30 with participants asked to raise a minimum of £150 for the June 16 challenge.

Entrants will receive a fundraising support pack including sponsor forms, an RNLI T-shirt and support and refreshments on the day.

To register for an RNLI place visit www.rnli.org.uk/greateastswim or call Rachel on 01473 325961.

Carla Stent, Neeta Patel, and Kayleigh Devlin, have been appointed as trustees of Oxford-based Platform 51 which provides services for vulnerable girls and women to help them take control of their lives.

Kayleigh Devlin, a former Platform 51 client and graduate of the University of Northampton, said: "I am excited at the opportunity to help steer an organisation that can be such a catalyst for change; taking women from one place and completely transforming the way they feel about themselves and their lives.

"I've seen through my own experiences over the last three years the impact a stable and safe space can have in helping women to grow."

Trustee Carla Stent, chief operating officer at Virgin Group, with experience in banking retail and travel, said: "The charity's objective to support women and girls take control of their lives by building their self-esteem and confidence, is vitally important."

Trustee Neeta Pate, a senior associate at private equity firm Psion Partners and author of Creative Business - The Making of Addictive Stories, said: "The work that the organisation does has such a tremendous and positive impact on the lives of so many girls and women. I am honoured to be invited to become a trustee."

Platform 51 chief executive Penny Newman said: "We are currently at a turning point in our history and we are really excited to be joined on the next part of our journey by three accomplished and passionate women. Between them they bring a varied range of skills and experience that we are keen to capitalise on as we take this next big step."

The mill in Hawes, North Yorkshire, is holding an open morning to teach children more about the role it played making gates for local farmers during lambing season.

Young visitors can also enjoy arts and crafts, including making wooden plant pot holders and lamb-shaped wool pom pom key rings.

Samantha Belcher, education co-ordinator at the mill, said: "Our family events are always great fun and we hope some young people will be inspired to be craftspeople and work with wood in the future."

The event takes place on May 5 from 10am to 12pm, entry costs £2 and under fives go free. Entry includes a hot drink and pom pom activity. Wood working activities are £3.

For more details on the mill call 01969 667320 or visit www.gaylemill.org.uk.

Bespoke clothing company Stedman Corporate Clothing has donated more than 1,050 items and accessories to Hope And Aid Direct, which supports people from former Yugoslavian countries.

The Essex-based organisation takes convoys of supplies to Kosovo twice a year, with the latest donation included in the spring convoy.

Supplies are then distributed to those in greatest need with the help of non-Governmental organisations (NGOs) including the Mother Teresa Society in Kosovo.

Janet Young, Hope And Aid Direct volunteer, said: "Although the war in Kosovo was over 10 years ago, the country is still traumatised and the wounds have not yet healed. There is very high unemployment in Kosovo, very little state support and the rebuilding of homes and communities continues to be work-in-progress.

"I went to Kosovo for the first time last year and helped with deliveries to Roma areas and Serb villages, in addition to several poverty-stricken families in other areas. All donations received help the community start to rebuild its confidence, clothe families and give them more chance to find work. Thank you so much to Stedman Corporate Clothing and its clients for the generous donation. It is gratefully received."

Teresa Stedman, managing director of Stedman Corporate Clothing, said: "The essential donation will make a real impact in Kosovo and we are pleased to have been able to support Hope And Aid Direct with its spring shipment."

Two volunteers have travelled to the Indian Ocean islands to map out the needs of 46,000 affected by torrential rains since April 20.

MapAction, based near High Wycombe, supports aid agencies by creating and sharing maps of priority areas which require immediate co-ordinated relief help.

With flooding and landslides hindering the humanitarian efforts, the charity's volunteers will help to identify the best routes to help thousands of people living on the poverty-stricken Islands.

Some villages are completely flooded, causing the populations to evacuate, and in other areas, schools have been cut off and water and electricity supplies have been disrupted.

Concerns are also growing over the spread of diseases including cholera and malaria.

This is MapAction's first mission to the Comoros Islands, but volunteers deployed to neighbouring Madagascar in February.

The former Newcastle player and manager will be joined by current and past sporting stars at The Sir Bobby Robson Celebrity Golf Day to raise funds for the charity.

Ex-England striker Alan, who is a patron of the charity, will be joined by players and management from Middlesbrough FC, Newcastle United FC and Sunderland AFC including Dean Gordon, Craig Hignett, Neil Bausor, Steve Harper, John Beresford, Paul Kitson, Rob Lee, Steve Howey and Lee Cattermole.

Sir Bobby's sons Andrew and Mark will also be taking part in the golfing day.

The second annual event at Rockliffe Hall, near Darlington, will support the charity, which was set up by Sir Bobby and his wife Lady Elsie in 2008.

The foundation funds projects within the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust that benefit cancer patients and contribute significantly to research for the disease.

So far it has raised £4,095,264 to help find more effective treatments for cancer.

Lady Elsie said: "We're very grateful to everyone supporting this year's Sir Bobby Robson Celebrity Golf Day.

"Last year was a wonderful occasion and something my husband would have thoroughly enjoyed.

"There was a lovely atmosphere and it was wonderful to have so many people coming together to help raise funds for the foundation. Rockliffe Hall are fantastic hosts and I'm very much looking forward to this year's event."

Golfers who finish the 18 holes will then enjoy a dinner from Rockliffe Hall's Michelin-starred chef Kenny Atkinson, an auction and evening entertainment.

The evening, sponsored by Goldchip, will take place at the hall, near Darlington, on May 2.

Anthony Nolan is now working with Aston Villa Football Club after club captain Stiliyan Petrov was diagnosed with leukaemia.

The charity hopes to get men aged between 18 and 30 signed up to its register as they make the best donors, but only account for 12% of the current register.

Bulgarian Petrov, who joined Villa in 2006 and previously played for Celtic, was diagnosed with leukaemia, a form of blood cancer, in March.

As part of Support Stan - Register and Run, Villa will host a recruitment event at the stadium on May 6, when they face Spurs in their last game of the season. Fans can join the register by filling out a short form and providing a small saliva sample.

Ravinder Masih, community relationship manager for Aston Villa, said: "The support for Stan has been overwhelming and anyone who signs up to the register could potentially save a life. I hope that fans take advantage of this opportunity to make a difference in combating leukaemia."

Jenner Large, regional recruitment manager for Anthony Nolan, said: "We particularly need young men aged 18 to 30 to sign up. Working with Aston Villa is a great opportunity for us to reach that key demographic, and we'd like to show fans that even though they can't help Stiliyan, they could help save the life of someone like him."

Recruitment takes place at the Aston Villa Academy from 11am to 2pm. Volunteers from Moseley Round Table will man the stall. Fans who want to sign up but are unable to attend can visit www.anthonynolan.org/spit.

For the run part of the campaign, Aston Villa is working with Birmingham-based Cure Leukaemia. It is offering fans the chance to sign up for a fun run taking place at Sutton Park on May 27.

Participants can run, jog or walk the course. The target is to raise about £25,000 to help fund a nurse for a year. Application forms are available at www.cureleukaemia.co.uk or by calling 0121 3714367.

Figures from the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) show how the population began to fall in the 1990s, but now after two successive breeding years numbers are now up.

The population of rare black grouse, the tetrao tetrix, fell to below 500 males two years ago when the area witnessed the worst winter weather conditions for almost 30 years.

To boost numbers, scientists from GWCT returned 15 male black grouse to one of their former haunts in the Yorkshire Dales. The project involves moving male black grouse at night from areas where the population is stable to a new site in the Yorkshire Dales.

The relocated birds have been fitted with radio transmitters and located weekly to allow scientists from the GWCT to monitor movements, survival and lekking, the birds' mating display.

Dr Phil Warren, from the GWCT, said: "Our spring lek surveys have been very encouraging, with the core population bouncing back following two good breeding years which has provided surpluses of males for us to translocate to the new release area. The transported males have remained close to where they were released, we have observed them displaying and excitingly they have already attracted females, which is good news for this iconic species of uplands moors."

In the first winter, 15 males were released with the aim of establishing a sustainable, breeding population by the end of the three-year project. It is funded by Biffa Award, Yorkshire Water and an unnamed landowner.

Leatherhead-based The Wildlife Aid Foundation (WAF) is concerned about the problem of dogs attacking or frightening roe deer, which are seen as particularly vulnerable.

Roe deer can be found in large numbers in Richmond and Bushy Parks on the edge of London as well as in many areas of countryside and woodland throughout Surrey.

A foundation spokesman said: "At this time of year the risk of dogs interfering with deer is a particular problem as there are many hundreds of pregnant deer in Surrey. Over the next few weeks hundreds of fawns will be born. Young deer are extremely dependant on their mothers for many months.

"WAF's wildlife emergency rescue team often has to deal with deer that have been savaged by out-of-control pet dogs or have simply been scared away from the herd by the presence of a dog and have run out onto a road."

Staff at the WAF have recently treated a deer which was injured by lurchers.

Simon Cowell, founder and director of WAF, said: "This advice is as much for your dog's sake as for the deer.

"If you are out exercising your dog in the countryside or if you are visiting a park and you see deer in the distance, make sure you have your dog under control, and if you are worried then please put it on a lead immediately."

Young foals should also not be touched or approached by people.