Help knockout cancer this summer!

Most of my blog readers know that I am an avid fundraiser for local cancer charity Friends of ANCHOR.  Friends of ANCHOR is a Scottish registered charity that was formed in 1997 to raise funds on behalf of the ANCHOR unit in Aberdeen, and has a support area extending throughout the north east of Scotland including Orkney and Shetland. The Aberdeen and North Centre for Haematology, Oncology and Radiography (ANCHOR) unit is a fully funded NHS department at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Foresterhill that brings together experts and specialist nursing support to coordinate the care of patients with all forms of cancer, leukaemia and benign blood disorders such as haemophilia.

Friends of ANCHOR funds the purchase of non-NHS provided equipment for the ANCHOR unit and aims to provide additional care, comfort and support for ANCHOR patients. The charity also funds vital groundbreaking cancer research projects at the University of Aberdeen Institute of Medical Science, Foresterhill.

So the latest fundraising effort comes in the form of ANCHOR Wipeout!

The event will see over 350 participants battle it out at Hazlehead Park, Aberdeen on Saturday, 24th August 2013 as they take on challenges to raise money for Friends of ANCHOR in a bid to help knockout cancer. The games consist of 12 individual stations using a combination of inflatables, wet/dry games, team-together and relay games, suitable for all levels of ability.

Teams of up to 10 people cost £200 and we’re asking each team to collectively raise a minimum of £100 in sponsorship for Friends of ANCHOR. For every additional £100 raised by the team a bonus point will be awarded up to the maximum of 10.

There are sponsorship opportunities available for the event. For £500 an organisation will be given sole branding exposure at one of the 12 games areas. As a sponsor you get the exclusive and sole branding of one of the 12 game stations in Hazlehead Park as well as your logo on all the communications material for the event and social media activity in the lead up to 24th August, as well as 50% off team entry fee.

Spectators and supporters will be welcome to watch ANCHOR Wipeout and there will be children’s entertainment, stalls, a raffle and face painting on the day to make it a memorable day out for everyone involved.

Importantly, every penny raised from the event will go directly to the ANCHOR Unit as all of our running and administration costs are covered by Balmoral Group.

So what you waiting for?  Request your entry form today by emailing info@anchorwipeout.co.uk

Find Friends of ANCHOR on Facebook or visit their website by clicking here.

ANCHOR Wipeout activity course is being supplied by It's A Knockout - Knockout Challenge

Recipe: Skinny Coconut Meringues

Ok so this week at slimming club is a taster session.  Everyone brings in something they have made from slimming world's website or recipe books.  Having a really big sweet tooth I decided to attempt a pudding/treat.  I came across Coconut Macaroons - which I have aptly renamed skinny coconut meringues, as in fact they are nothing like macaroons :)

The recipe uses hardly any ingrediants, super quick to make and best bit of all they taste really good, with a chewy inside layer!  (for anyone following slimming world plan, each meringue equates to 2 syns)

Ingredients:

4 egg whites

198g sugar

71g coconut

Method:

1. Beat the egg whites until frothy (Make sure no yolk whatsoever has contaminated the egg whites, otherwise you could be whisking for ever!)
2. Add the sugar and beat until stiff. 
3. Fold in the coconut, put mixture into a piping bag with a star nozzle and pipe 30 macaroons onto a parchment covered baking sheet.
4. Bake for 30 minutes in a preheated oven (170ºC/325ºF/Gas Mark 3).
5. Remove from oven, and allow to cool for a few minutes before removing them from the baking sheet.

My finished attempt :)

Recipe from Slimming World website 

Review: Edinburgh Bicycle Cooperative - Aberdeen

So as part of my loose weight and get fit plan I decided to pull out my bike from the shed and get pedalling.  Ok so its been in there for about 10 years and to say it was bit worse for wear is an understatement!!!

The hubby suggested going for a look at some new mountain bikes.  We have a few options in Aberdeen but we took a trip to Edinburgh Bicycle Cooperative on George Street, Aberdeen.  Upon entering I was faced with a huge selection of bikes.  So where to start??  Thankfully their helpful staff could see I was in a dilemma on what to look at!  Who knew there were so many different types of bikes!!

After a bit of questioning  it was decided that a mountain bike would suit my needs - don't plan on doing too much road cycling, prefer tracks, forest runs and so on.  The choice was getting easier I was down to two bikes.  Being a girl I was going on looks and colour :)

So we found my new bike; an Revolution Ascent XC Disc '13 - yeah I know how technical do I sound!

How pretty!!!!  The Revolution Ascent XC Disc '13

Revolution is Edinburgh Bicycle Coop's own brand and ticks every box for my biking needs and best of all the shop currently has 15% off everything - meaning the bike is budget realistic and affordable.

Bad news I now have to wait until Friday to get my hands on my beautiful new bike.

As well as over 100 bikes, the shop also provides a good selection of cycle clothing and accessories.  They also have a instore workshop for repairs and servicing.

Can't recommend the shop and helpful staff enough, and look forward to going out for my first ride on my beautiful bike.

Check out the shop or visit www.edinburghbicycle.com

Special Birthday at Muckrach Castle

Been a lovely month with lots of birthdays and celebrations.  Lots of parties and weekends away that have made the month fly by!

With my mum turning 50 I knew we had to pull out all the stops to make it a birthday she wouldn't forget!  I was under strict instructions there was to be no big party!  Which left me kind of limited.  Then a friend told me about Muckrach Castle, an amazing self-catering castle in the beautiful Scottish highlands not far from Aviemore.

Straight away I went to look at their website and instantly knew that this was going to be the perfect venue.  I made contact with their estate management and the lovely Christina made the whole booking process easy and straightforward.

Muckrach Castle is steeped in history (a helpful printed guide was available) and has an undescribable charm and warmth about it.

From the website:

Standing on the top of a steep bank in the valley of the River Dulnain, Muckrach Castle is a typical Scottish tower house built to a very simple L-plan, with a main block of four storeys, a garret and a circular stairway.  It is ideally suited for family holidays, those looking to relax and enjoy the tranquillity of the Cairngorms or those looking for a thrill from the wide range of activities also available in the area.  

The castle itself can sleep 10, which a beautiful four-poster double room, two modern twin rooms and two cute bunk rooms (these were my favourite!  Lots of character and love anything with tartan!).  There is a large sitting room with open fire, vaulted kitchen and lovely glass conservatory which was warm all day round.  It has everything you would expect of a self-catering hire, all kitchenware, linen and bath towels were provided.

Needless to say the weekend flew in, and no one wanted to leave!  Especially me, I think I could be a full-time princess and live in the castle all year round :)

Review: Fountain Court Apartments - Edinburgh

Nothing beats a weekend away, shopping and a few drinkies...  The city of Edinburgh has something for everyone, from museums to nightclubs - making it a very popular destination for weekend breaks and Hen and Stag parties.

Accommodation can always be a hit or a miss.  Edinburgh has lots to offer, but for groups travelling together hotels are not always the best fit.

Last weekend we decided to visit Edinburgh with a few friends and booked into Fountain Court Apartments on Grove Street, Edinburgh.  The company has many sites, but Grove Street is nice and central walking distance to popular areas such as Princes Street, The Royal Mile and Grassmarket.  It also offers secure parking for an additional fee.

We booked into one of Fountain Courts executive 2 bedroom apartments.  The apartment was stunning, brilliant size and offered everything we needed for our break.  The two double bedrooms were spacious, modern and well presented.  Two bathrooms which was fantastic for four of us sharing, and a bright modern lounge/kitchen complete with washing machine, cooker and fridge.

Personally I have never stayed in a self-serviced apartment before when away, but will definitely be staying in one again, the stay was much more sociable for our group; having a living area to share rather than hotel bedrooms.

From Fountain Courts Website:

Grove is an impressive collection of forty-three spacious 1 and 2 bedroom 4 star serviced apartments. Ideally suited for groups or families of up to four, this beautifully appointed Edinburgh accommodation is well-placed for those visiting the city on either business or pleasure. 

Guests can choose from a 1 or 2 bedroom apartment. In the 2 bedroom apartments, you have a choice of bed configuration and all apartments come with a fully equipped kitchen and a spacious lounge with satellite TV, CD player and complimentary Wi-Fi internet access. Everything you could need for an enjoyable, stress-free visit to one of Europe's most beautiful cities.

http://www.fountaincourtapartments.com/Apartments/Grove/index.aspx

Childrens Wedding Entertainment - Bosie Buddies

For anyone who is already married, we can appreciate how difficult it can be to keep children

entertained at a wedding!  Bosie Buddies can help :)

Bosie Buddies were founded in 2012 and offer a home-based build a bear style party.  For a set price per head, the team at Bosie Buddies will come to your venue and guide the children in making their own cuddly toys safely with no sewing.

They offer 2 different packages; baby buddies (8 inch bears), and big buddies (16 inch bears)

As well as birthdays, Bosie Buddies can also provide a wedding package.  Each child gets to build their buddy, but also receives a lovely wedding outfit - making the perfect keepsake for the children to remember your special day.

For more information on Bosie Buddies - check them out at www.bosiebuddies.co.uk, or find them on facebook.

Its been a while!

Wow - I can't believe how long it has been since I blogged, time flies!!  This year I intend to really be good, and not neglect my blushing blogger duties!

I am already in the planning stages of my biggest fundraiser ever for Friends of ANCHOR.  Going to be so much fun!  And a perfect way to share what this amazing cancer charity does.

Santa very kindly brought me a sewing machine for Christmas  just adore it!  Been making and creating ever since....  from bags to pillows and tiebacks :)  Found a new love, and can't wait to finish off my sewing room at home!

Bought gorgeous material today, so away to plan what to make!!

Love, Gilly

The ladies event you won't want to miss!

Anyone who knows me knows that I am an avid fundraiser.  I love nothing better than organising an event and helping charities.  This year my focus is on Friends of ANCHOR, an Aberdeen based cancer charity that raises funds for the the Aberdeen and North Centre for haematology, oncology and Radiotherapy (ANCHOR) unit at Aberdeen's Royal Infirmary.

Friends of ANCHOR
Helping make cancer and haematology care in the North-East of Scotland the best it can be

Friends of ANCHOR is a Scottish registered charity that was formed in 1997 to raise funds on behalf of the ANCHOR unit in Aberdeen, and has a support area extending throughout the north east of Scotland including Orkney and Shetland. The Aberdeen and North Centre for Haematology, Oncology and Radiography (ANCHOR) unit is a fully funded NHS department at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Foresterhill that brings together experts and specialist nursing support to coordinate the care of patients with all forms of cancer, leukaemia and benign blood disorders such as haemophilia.

Friends of ANCHOR funds the purchase of non-NHS provided equipment for the ANCHOR unit and aims to provide additional care, comfort and support for ANCHOR patients. The charity also funds vital groundbreaking cancer research projects at the University of Aberdeen Institute of Medical Science, Foresterhill.

The charity is unique in that every penny donated goes to the cause as all administration costs are covered by sponsorship from Balmoral Group. With this at the forefront of the charitys ethical code of conduct they are committed to ensuring that the charitys funds are always utilised in the most appropriate and effective way.

The vision for the charitys future is to continue their commitment of support and cancer research funding. They will strive to ensure every patient has access to high quality information, support and the best possible treatment. With the continued support of the north east public we are dedicated to achieving our goals.

Find out more about Friends of ANCHOR bu visiting their website www.friendsofanchor.org

So we come to the exciting bit - the latest fundraiser!!  Boogie With Buble

What better way to treat your Mums on the weekend of Mother’s Day than tickets to a night with Michael Bublé tribute act, Totally Bublé. As the winner of the 2011 Scottish New Music Award Winner, it’s sure to be the perfect excuse for a girls’ night out! Taking place on Saturday, 17th March at the Hilton Treetops Hotel, guests will be treated to live renditions of their favourite Bublé songs, followed by a disco which is sure to keep guests entertained well into the night. A champagne reception, lavish three-course meal and night-long entertainment are all included in the £35 ticket price. All profits will go to Friends of ANCHOR.

Tickets can be bought individually or as a table. As an incentive to buy a table, you will receive a free bottle of bubbly to enjoy with your guests on the night.  Tickets can be purchased through the event website www.boogiewithbuble.co.uk or by contacting me at gillian@krcinternational.co.uk

We also have sponsorship opportunities to help with the cost of the event.  Details available here.

Also for the event we are having a Money Can't Buy auction - if you think you could help and donate something please contact me and support this fantastic cause!

Tickets are selling fast, so don't miss your chance at THE ladies event in Aberdeen :)

Gilly x