Doing Good on Fridays

The First Friday Lunch runs regularly at the Community Centre, but I wonder how many of us know what this actually is, and that everyone is welcome.  At each lunch a local charity or good cause is invited to be the hosts and beneficiaries, and over the years many thousands of pounds have been raised.

 

Milford on Sea is of course as good a place as you can get to live, but sadly this does not make people immune for personal tragedy.

 

In September, a lunch was hosted by Sonia Sewell, a stalwart volunteer for several causes and events in Milford on Sea.  The lunch was in aid of The Pink Palace, a Hampshire based breast cancer charity set up by her daughter, Julia Dingwall.  Tragically Julia was taken by this awful condition, but thankfully the good work of her charity carries on.  Sonia and her guests raised over £460 to give support to breast cancer patients.

 

The next First Friday Lunch on the 5^th October, is being organised by Christine Quinn in aid of The MJP Cancer Care Trust.  Christine & Kevin are the delightful couple who run Inger Lises Café in the High Street.  Everyone is always guaranteed a warm welcome when they visit, not to mention hearty food and plenty of tempting treats.

 

The MJP Cancer Care Trust is a charity set up by a small group of parents who have all lost teenagers to a rare bone cancer, Ewings Sarcoma. The condition mainly affects children and young people.

 

Christine & Kevin lost their beautiful daughter, Ali to Ewings Sarcoma.  She was only 17 when she was diagnosed, and after just 6 months of gruelling treatment she tragically lost her life. Ali was a talented Art Student studying fashion design, and planning to go to University, and the Charity is in loving memory of her and all the fine young people and children who have lost their lives.

 

The aim of the charity is to fund research into this form of dreadful disease, as due to the rarity of the cancer there is no government funding for vital research. The charity aim to raise £10,000 per year to support research at Leeds University which is a big ask as it is such a small charity. All monies go directly to this research, no monies are taken for running costs or admin.  Survival rate is less than 40% for the young people diagnosed with this cancer, so on-going research is vital so as to help survival rates improve. Christine & Kevin are determined that one day there will be a more positive outlook for others.

 

Although the reason for the lunches are charity based, and with sad stories, the day itself is fun and full of laughter, and also a great opportunity to meet new people whilst doing something for a good cause.

 

The next First Friday Lunch starts at 1pm on 5^th October, and costs just £4.50 on the door, which includes a 2 course meal.  There will also be a raffle and a Table Top Sale. If anyone is interested in going along there is no need to book but if you are not a regular to the lunch it may be useful to drop an e mail to Chris or Kev at:  quinns.ck@hotmail.co.uk  just to let them know numbers for catering purposes.

 

Go on, give it a try, eating and doing good is just my type of charity work!