Caribbean Evening

Sophie's Appeal held it's first Caribbean Evening at Fleming Park Bowling Club on 28th September 2012.

The room was decorated with palm trees, beach mats, flower garlands and brightly coloured cloths, with the centre piece being a stunning giant balloon palm tree kindly made by Jennie at Fleming Park Bowling Club.

The authentic steel drum music was provided by Harbour Lights. Guests enjoyed a Caribbean Cocktail and Hog Roast, and some guests participated in the Limbo and Hula Hoop Challenge.

Thanks to all those who attended and made this an enjoyable evening!

Gala Evening at the Bowl

Following the announcement of Smith Brothers Stores Ltd to nominate Sophie's Appeal as their local Charity they set about organising a Dinner and Casino evening to help raise funds of the Appeal.

The Gala Evening gave SBS and their business partners and customers the chance to meet each other followed by an evening of entertainment including comedians, table magicians and a casino.

During the evening a table raffle was held which raised over £1000.00 for Sophie's Appeal.

Donna LeMay, manager of the Eastleigh branch, said 

‘I hoped to raise £1000.00 on our first fundraising event and stopped counting when we reached that! Our business partners and customers have shown what a fantastic cause Sophie's Appeal is.'

What a Reception!

Following a donation of £80,000, Sophie's Appeal is proud to have been invited to the opening of the new Reception Area on Northbrook Children's Ward at the Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester.

The tremendous success of Sophie's Place, the Children's Assessment and Treatment area on Northbrook Ward, funded by Sophie's Appeal, inspired the Hospital to launch the Magic Wand Appeal to regenerate the entire children's ward and provide modern childcare facilities befitting of the ethos of the dedicated consultants and staff on the ward.

The reception area was officially opened by The Worshipful the Mayor of Winchester, Councillor Frank Pearson and attended by MP Steve Brine, young patients, their parents, staff from the ward as well as the fundraising committee from Sophie's Appeal.

This new area provides a bright, friendly and secure welcome to all visitors to the ward and provides a tantalising insight into the future development of the ward.

Consultant paediatrician Ian Rodd said: "Today is the end of the beginning. Inspired by Sophie's Place, we have started the regeneration of the children's ward which will provide a bright, welcoming facility for childcare in Winchester.

Sophie's Appeal's relationship with Northbrook Ward was started with a conversation between Dr Ian and Sophie's dad in the small hours of one dark February morning in 2004 when both shared their ideas about transforming the childcare facilities whilst Sophie was being treated on the ward.

Sophie's Appeal would like to thank both the local community and businesses that have supported our fundraising aims. Without you none of this would have been possible. Thank you.

As Ian said, 'This is the end of the beginning'. Please keep checking back to see how you can help us to continue to support this project.

SBS supports Sophie's Appeal

To mark the opening of its latest store in Eastleigh,Smith Brothers Stores Ltd has chosen to support Sophie's Appeal this coming year.

SBS Eastleigh is the newest store to open and supplies industrial pipe work and valves to the industrial mechanical sector.

Donna Le May, store Manager for Eastleigh said, ‘We are really excited to be supporting Sophie's Appeal and look forward to helping this wonderful local charity look after sick children and continue to search for a cure for childhood cancers.'

Bishopstoke Carnival

Sophie's Appeal attended the Bishopstoke Carnival with a tombola stall. Unlike last year, the weather was dry and bright, helping us to raise £80 for the charity!

The event was very well attended and the atmosphere was great. Many thanks to all that supported the charity on the day.