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Leigh On Sea News. Charity Turns 5 – A LEIGH charity that supports local families affected by childhood cancer, is celebrating its fifth birthday.
Charity Turns 5 - A LEIGH charity that supports local families affected by childhood cancer, is celebrating its fifth birthday.
A LEIGH charity that supports local families affected by childhood cancer, is celebrating its fifth birthday.
Since its launch in 2018, Gold Geese has helped 100 families affected by childhood cancer.
Their work includes promoting increased awareness of signs and symptoms of childhood cancer and the boosting of local blood donation and stem cell registrations.
Katie Southgate, Founder and CEO of Gold Geese, said: “We originally started out as Hattie’s Heroes, which was a community rallying to support our own family’s childhood cancer journey.
“Five years ago we took flight as Gold Geese with the aim of supporting every local child affected by cancer and encouraging more people to recognise the signs and symptoms, as they can be similar to other childhood illnesses.
“We’ve grown from strength to strength because of the incredible support of our local community, so we want to say a huge thank you to all our supporters and volunteers.
“A special thank you to the Paediatric Community Nurse team, especially Connie for her referrals and support, and Neptune Ward’s Play Specialist, Clare Gentry, for maintaining contact between us and the families that need us.
“You power us so we can be there for families and we’re so grateful.”
The charity relies on community support and fundraising, and will be sharing some highlights on their social media pages this month, with events over the last five years.
One event being highlighted is Charlie’s Gig, which was held in 2018 in honour of a local teenager who needed a bone marrow transplant.
Gold Geese worked with Charlie Reed, a keen musician, to encourage local people to register as potential bone marrow donors while he was waiting for his own transplant.
Just days before Charlie headed into hospital for weeks of isolation, to endure huge doses of chemotherapy and then a bone marrow transplant, he headlined his own gig, organised by the charity.
Ms Southgate explained: “Charlie played like a rock star to his fans in Leigh.
“We produced printed memorabilia with Charlie’s slogan, festival wristbands for all the fans, some of which are still worn, and confetti cannons to top off the lasers and smoke machines.
“Charlie sadly passed away and is sorely missed by so many, every day. His family will always have our love and support.”
You can donate to Gold Geese via its website www.goldgeese.org or via text. Text GOLD followed by the amount you wish to donate to 70580 (for example, GOLD 5 to donate £5).
Texts cost the donation amount plus the cost of one standard network rate message.
Picture: Katie Southgate with gold train – Picture by Mia Davies Photography
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