Our Patrons Special Visit

Our patrons, James and Sarah Beattie rushed back from a football match at Portsmouth to bring a little sunshine to the children on Piam Brown ward. James and Sarah spent time chatting to the children and gave each of them a present from the Giving Tree Appeal. The children (and some of the parents!) were able to chat with the couple and forget, for a while, their worries. James said, ‘No matter what troubles I go through in life, this visit puts it all into perspective. I have been humbled by meeting the children and their families staying on the ward.’

The Giving Tree

The Giving Tree Appeal was started in 2004 by Sophie whilst she was being treated at Piam Brown Children’s Cancer Ward at Southampton University Hospital.  She wanted to ensure that every child in hospital over Christmas would have presents to brighten their day.

Members of the local community and children from Norwood Primary School took part in the ‘Giving Tree’ appeal by bringing a present to place under the Christmas tree. Following a special assembly at the school the presents were then taken to Southampton and Winchester hospital wards. Children from the school gave presents to children undergoing treatment in the hospital.

Ladies Pamper Evening

Our first pamper evening was held at Fleming Park Bowling Club in December 2006 with over 75 ladies enjoying an evening of pampering.  Local beauticians worked very hard to ensure that all who came had pampering from manicures and pedicures to reflexology and Indian head Massage. There were also assorted stalls selling crafts and gifts. Over £560 was raised towards the Appeal.  Our grateful thanks to all the beauticians for their hard work.

Six a Side Football Tournament

Our first Football Tournament took place on Saturday 11th November, at Crestwood College, Eastleigh, organised By Melvin Laney, Chairman, Edwina Martin – Secretary and Penny Stanger, under 15 Manager of Cherbourg F.C.

Teams of all ages took part, local companies, local football clubs and two teams from Crestwood College, who had kindly offered the use of their facilities for the event. The tournament displayed good sportsmanship and the winners of the Tournament were the Dynamo’s who are no doubt grateful to the late substitution of the young player Josh Laney, playing for the first time in goal and making a remarkable impact.
The tournament raised £1134.23.

Quiz Nite

Following on from the success of our first quiz night in March, we held another in October.  Our hosts, Jim and Jenny from the Fleming Park Bowling Club, once again provided excellent hospitality. The March champions, Lloyds Bank, Eastleigh returned to try and retain their crown to no avail. Think you can beat the current champions, Spot the Difference. Keep an eye on our events page for the next quiz evening.

Kate’s Great South Run

Kate Thompson, Editor of the Woman and Lifestyle section of the Southern Daily Echo ran the Great South Run this year in memory of Sophie.  Kate said in the lead up to the run, ‘Anyone who knows me realises I am not naturally made for running but I take part in Race for Life each year, I did a 10km run for Cancer Research last year - and somehow I will get round the 10 mile course in October.’  Complete it she did and raised funds for the appeal.  Well done Kate and thank you for your continued support through the Echo.

If you would like to support us through arranging an event or by participating in an organised event, please contact us.

Dan does BUPA for Sophie’s Appeal

Dan Philp, a manager from Nat West Bank in Southampton put on his running shoes is aid of Sophie’s Appeal. He ran the Great South Run and, with match funding from the Bank, donated over £600.

Research Funding

Sophie’s Appeal is currently sponsoring a research project at Southampton university Hospital into a specific cure for certain childhood cancers. The Trust visited the laboratories to donate the funding for the second year of the project and was able to meet the team carrying out the research.

Captain’s Charity Golf

The County Golf Club at the Rosebowl, home of Hampshire Cricket was the venue for a day of golfing fun adding much needed funds to the Trust. The senior’s section of the club held a challenging match to all-comers, one club and a putter. Each player could carry all of their clubs but had to nominate one club to play from the tee to the green finishing of with a putter. There was also a pitching competition and a ‘crazy course’ laid out on the practice putting green. An enjoyable day was rounded off with a buffet and raffle in the club house.  A big thank you to the Seniors Captain and all those who helped on the day.

Sophie’s Stars

A group of over 30 people who knew Sophie ran this years Race for Life in her memory, raising much needed funds for Cancer Research UK.

An emotional, thought provoking day enjoyed by all. You are all stars…Thank you!

Cream Teas at the Country House

Anyone for Afternoon Tea? The Country House Restaurant at Brambridge Park Garden Centre donated £1.00 from every afternoon tea sold on the day of Race for Life. Visitors to the garden centre and many of the Race for Life runners and their families enjoyed a Cream Tea in the beautiful grounds of the garden centre.

Summer Ball 2006

The Summer Ball at the Rose Bowl, Southampton, saw a host of pink ties and tiaras, this year’s theme. An Irish Dancing demonstration by the current world champions started an enjoyable evening of fundraising.

The evening raised over £15,600.

James & Sarah’s Big Day Donation

James and Sarah Beattie, the Trusts patrons, asked friends and guests to donate to Sophie’s Appeal instead of buying them Wedding gifts when they got married.  On donating £…, Sarah said, ‘Ever since we met Sophie, we have wanted to support her appeal and I am honored to be able to make this donation and proud of my family and friends whose generosity has made this possible.’

Quiz Nite

Held at Fleming Park Bowling Club, the quiz saw some most original and unusual questions. The 1st prize was lifted by the team from Lloyds Bank. The event raised over £800. Our thanks go to Quizmaster Colin and his two lovely assistants, Phil Oldham for the use of his sound equipment and Jim and his staff for keeping the beer flowing.

Southampton Airport celebrates its staff volunteering

BAA, the company that owns Southampton Airport, held its annual awards ceremony in London recently.  The awards were compered by BBC news anchorman Martyn Lewis and hosted by Mike Clasper, BAA Chief Executive.

Mike Barringer, Airside Operations Manager from Southampton Airport, entered a winning application for the ‘Best Fundraising Individual’ category. Mike has helped to raise over £41,000 over the last 2 years for the Sophie Barringer Trust and was awarded the top prize of £5000 for his commitment and personal dedication to fundraising.

Mike said “Following the loss of our daughter, Sophie to cancer in December 2004, I have been committed to raising funds for those families in a similar situation. I am thrilled that the BAA Communities Trust has recognised and rewarded those who volunteer within the local community and I look forward to putting the £5000 donation towards sending a terminally ill child and their family on a holiday of their dreams”.

Dallas Slimathon

Lots of money raised, lots of pounds lost.  Well done Dallas Laney!

Barleycorn Ladies

The ladies darts team held an evening of fun and a 24 hour dart-a-thon at the Barleycorn Inn, Hedge End, to raise over £600.

Thank you to all those who helped support this event.