GIVEAWAY - Charity Hopping Around The World

Another fabulous hop hosted by I am a Reader, Not a Writer, Reading Away The Days and Reading A Little Bit Of Everything. Check out their sites to enter more giveaways with more fabulous prizes! Here on Scattered Figments I'm offering a BOOK OF YOUR CHOICE from The Book Depository. All you have to do is fill in the Rafflecopter form at the bottom of this page (Click here if you can't see it). But first...


Today I'm handing over the metaphorical mic to Matthew, a friend of mine who has an important fundraising venture to share with you! Here's Matthew's message about Amazing Archie.

AMAZING ARCHIE

      Just prior to Christmas my sister, Lauren, and brother-in-law, Brad, were given the sort of news that any parent would have nightmares about. Their son, Archie Watson, was diagnosed with a terminal and, at the moment, incurable disease. Tay-Sachs Disease is a disease whereby relentless deterioration of mental and physical abilities that commences around six months old. It usually results in death of infants by the age of four.
    For Lauren and Brad and, indeed, their entire circle of family and friends, this news shattered Christmas but credit must be given to the strength showed by Archie's parents. To use Brad's words, they quickly vowed to make the most of life and refused to just 'pull shut the curtains' and let this beat them. Doctors had let them know that their beautiful boy wouldn't be with them for as long as they, or he, deserved but they were determined to make his time a vastly enjoyable experience.
     They felt it important to focus their energies on more positive activities. To do this, they began raising money for charities associated with raising awareness of and finding a cure for Tay-Sachs. They made contact with the people who manage the CATS (Cure and Action for Tay Sachs) charity and made arrangements to raise money for their cause. Their social circle all decided to help out too and several people, Archie's uncles, aunt, cousins, friends, all decided to run the St. David's Day 10k. This particular event raised over £3500 for CATS and also enabled many unfit young men and women run further than they've ever run before!

      The next event that they've organised is the Welsh Three Peaks Challenge. This is where many family and friends will tackle three of Wales' highest peaks. This time everyone is raising money for Enable, a chairty that runs a children's centre that Archie attends. At this centre Archie is able to observe sensory toys and playthings which is clear to see he enjoys! It's equally important, for Lauren and Brad, that money is raised for Enable as they're a magnificent charity that cater for children with experiencing all different kinds of conditions. They work really hard to ensure that every child's life is as fulfilling as it can be.
      This October will see the Men's Health Survival of the Fittest and the Half Marathon reach Cardiff, separated by only one week. Again, friends and family spotted an opportunity to raise money for Archie's causes with some people engaging in the Survival and others the Half Marathon. Some, more stupidly brave (or bravely stupid!) are going to do both events in the one week! This time the recipients of money raised will be Ty-Hafan. Ty Hafan is a charity in Wales that offers 'comfort, care and support to life-limited children and young people,' and is a charity very close to Lauren and Brad's heart.


These events need all the exposure and support they deserve so, if you've a spare minute please follow Archie on Twitter or 'like' him on Facebook 

Now for the GIVEAWAY!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good Luck!

Lx


NOTE: Some of you entered when this charity was focused on Mental Health. Your entry still stands so no worries! I'll come back to MIND at a later date.