February 2008 Update

I can't believe we are already into February! Time seems to really fly by these days.

I read an appalling statistic today. Tragically, more children and people under 40 lose their lives to a brain tumour than ANY other cancer. What's more appalling is that brain tumours aren't nearly as well publicised as other cancers such as leukemia. It is also very sad that treatments, funding for research and the standard of care received by brain tumour patients here in the UK is far lower than that experienced in other countries.

We are glad that Rose's Tribute Fund supports the work of the J K Douglas Laboratories which specialises in research into brain tumours and breast cancer and we hope that our fundraising will continue to provide much needed funds for the Laboratory to continue its vital research into treatments for brain tumours.

Now, it's about time I gave a little update on all that's been happening in the RoseBuddies / Team SMARTies corner of the world!

• Having asked for ideas on what we should wear for this years BritBallRun it's now been narrowed down to the following three...

1. Mad scientists, white lab coats and truly messed up hair.

2. Smart wear from yesteryear as in the tweed and goggles for the guy and big flowing dresses and bonnet for the lady (think chitty Chitty Bang Bang)

3. Thelma and Louise (Andi in drag?!)

We haven't had a chance to discuss the pro's and con's of each option but once we have we'll let you all know which we decide to go for!

• Work has started on sponsors for this years BritBallRun. We are hoping to get many more items for our auctions between now and the August Bank Holiday weekend. Thanks to all those who have already donated items, we are extremely grateful for all your help.
  

• Through 2008 we are hoping to use various photography projects to help raise funds for the Clatterbridge Centre for Oncology.

• This year we will be returning to Scotland to watch and photograph the Tunnocks Tour of Mull. We had a great time in 2007 and we were really pleased that our photography of the event enabaled us to help Rose's Tribute Fund. Hopefully we'll be able to have the same, if not better, success in 2008.
  

• We are working on a number of projects which, at the moment, we are keping underwraps but as soon as we have some definite news I will be sure to post it here!

• Over the next month or so there will be a few changes with our website. The main one will be the layout and content of the homepage. We have been really pleased with how our fundraising has been going and as we take on more projects we want to be able to incorporate those into our website. So, watch out for the new look!

That's about all from us for now. Once again thanks to all of you for your continued support, it's greatly appreciated.

All the best,

Natalya and Andrew
Team SMARTies
Email: fundraising@rosemcgill.co.uk
Website: www.rosemcgill.co.uk
Donate at www.justgiving.com/rosemcgill