Charities

In this section you can read about the charities I'm involved with and how I've helped them over the past few years. Please do take the time to have a look at the fabulous work they do for so many people.

The Vision Charity

Katie is one of the main Patrons of The Vision Charity. Her patronage has provided a real boost for the Charity, whose aim is to raise money through a series of fun-based fundraising events for the benefit of blind and visually impaired children and those suffering from dyslexia. The money raised is used exclusively to buy equipment, goods and specialist services to help these children, focusing primarily on kids in the UK.

Since Katie became involved a few years ago she has attended the charity's annual Christmas Balls, donating not only her time but also prizes for fundraising auctions.

Katies Playground

At the Vision Ball 2004 a challenge was issued to the assembled guests to contribute money to provide a new playground at Dorton House School for Blind Children, to be named after Katie, replacing an existing playground that had fallen into disrepair, no longer complying with health and safety regulations. The initial budget for new equipment and surfacing was 12,000 and Vision wanted to raise 12 individual donations of 1,000 on the night. With Katies presence at the Ball 25 generous people came forward, pledging 25,000! A quick call to Dorton House revealed that a larger more comprehensive playground could be constructed with the increased funding. The playground was completed and the children now enjoy wonderful enhanced facilities, carefully supervised by staff at the school.

Katie attended the formal opening of the playground which is now in good use, as the Dorton House picture shows.

Vision is delighted to have Katie as a Patron and looks forward to her involvement with other fundraising events and projects over the coming years.

For further information about The Vision Charity and the work it does please go to www.visioncharity.co.uk.

Other charities that I've helped raise funds for:

The Disability Foundation

The Disability Foundation is a registered charity that promotes the lives of disabled people, their families and carers, by supporting them in their desire to live an independent and dignified lifestyle, making their own choices.

For further information about The Disability Foundation please visit www.the-disability-foundation.org.uk

Norwood

Norwood is the safety net of the community, tackling issues which hit at the very heart of Anglo-Jewry and threaten its future: abuse, addiction, family breakdown, financial hardship, special education and disabilities.

Norma Brier, Norwood's Chief Executive, said, Were delighted that Katie and Peter are supporting our work. We know that, as the parents of a child with a learning disability, Katie and Peter understand only too well the challenges as well as the pleasures that this can bring and how vital it is to have people to turn to for support when the going gets tough.

For further information about Norwood please visit www.norwood.org.uk

Moorfields Eye Hospital

Moorfields was founded in 1804 and opened in 1805. It is the oldest and one of the largest centres for ophthalmic treatment, teaching and research in the world.

Their mission is to continue as a centre of international excellence for the treatment of eye disease and to be a leader in research and teaching.

Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is building the largest hospital anywhere in the world solely dedicated to the prevention, treatment and cure of childrens eye disease. Construction of the new facility, to be called the Richard Desmond Childrens Eye Centre, is nearly complete. The centre will provide world-class treatment, from the routine to the most rare and complex conditions, to the 20,000 plus paediatric patient attendees each year, together with appropriate support and high quality, flexible accommodation for their families.

For further information about Moorfiellds Eye Hospital please visit www.moorfields.nhs.uk

The London Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children

The London Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children was founded in 1884 and changed its name to The National Society of Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) in 1889 .

Its aim then was to protect children from cruelty, support vulnerable families, campaign for changes to the law and raise awareness about abuse.

Today, the NSPCC looks very different but its purpose remains the same: to end cruelty to children.

For further information about the NSPCC please visit www.nspcc.org.uk