Reality stars face UK’s biggest charity plunge

The UK’s highest bungee jump awaits a group of reality TV stars as they join a national campaign which will see them risk their lives to help raise vital funds for sick and disabled children in the UK.

 

Frances Wood, who shot to fame on ITV’s ‘The Voice’ and X Factor duo, Poisonous Twin, are the latest to join Reality Relief, a campaign supported by an ever growing list of celebrities from hit reality TV shows which has already raised over £10,000 to help provide life-changing support for disabled youngsters.

 

The fearless celebrities will be plunging 300ft towards the ground at Tatton Park, Greater Manchester on Saturday November 24th, as the latest in a series of sponsored challenges which have tested the nerve of contestants from hit TV shows such as Big Brother, The X Factor, The Voice and The Only Way is Essex.

 

Launched by national charity, Caudwell Children, in 2011 Reality Relief aims to help new found stars thrust into the media spotlight use their fan base to help raise funds and make a real difference to the lives of others.

 

Frances said: “Reality Relief is a fantastic opportunity to help raise the profile of Caudwell Children, the charity behind the campaign, and their crucial work helping change and save the lives of disabled children.

 

When I heard about their Reality Relief bungee challenge I jumped at the chance to get on board and take part.

 

I hope people will really get behind the bungee jump and help us make it as successful as possible.”

 

Poisonous Twin member Stephanie added, “We have never done anything like this before but this is a really fantastic opportunity to help raise vital funds that will help change the lives of disabled children.”

 

Trudi Beswick, Chief Executive of Caudwell Children, said “These new stars are not only taking on an incredibly brave challenge, they are putting themselves forward to help raise awareness about the additional support desperately needed in the UK for those with disabilities or life threatening conditions.

 

Sadly it’s a common misconception that specialist equipment such as powered wheelchairs for disabled children are available on the NHS, when in fact families are expected to pay up to £20,000 for the additional support they need.

 

There are also a number of treatments that save lives, but come at an incredibly high price for families already facing the trauma of their child’s illness. We help these families get the treatment they need to keep their child alive.

 

Reality Relief aims to help new found stars make a real difference and we are thrilled to have them join the campaign.

 

We would really like to take this opportunity to wish them the very best of luck and ask that people honour their bravery by supporting their fundraising.”

 

To support Frances visit http://www.justgiving.com/FrancesW or text FRAN49 £(amount) to 70070.

To Support Poisonous Twin visit www.justgiving.com/Poisonoustwin or text TWIN73 £(AMOUNT) to 70070.

 

More sparkle for this year’s prestigious Butterfly Ball

One of the UK’s most exclusive charity balls has re-named its annual fundraiser in honour of the Queen’s Jubilee Celebrations.

The re-branded “Diamond” Butterfly Ball is an annual fundraiser, staged by national charity Caudwell Children, which attracts worldwide media attention and a host of A List stars; and will take place on Thursday, May 31st.

Each year the event raises millions of pounds to help change the lives of sick and disabled children living in the UK. In 2011 alone the Butterfly Ball raised £2.2million, which has helped change the lives of hundreds of disabled children in desperate need.

In previous year’s the prestigious evening staged at Battersea Evolution has included live performances from an array of world famous artists, including Tina Turner, Rod Stewart, Sir Elton John and the late Whitney Houston.

This year’s live act is still a closely guarded secret.

The 2012 event will be hosted by West End star Jonathan Wilkes and the fundraising auction will be led by former politician and best-selling author, Jeffrey Archer.

Trudi Beswick, Chief Executive of Caudwell Children, said “Since launching our flagship fundraiser in London during 2007, the event has gone from strength to strength.

The charity is truly privileged to receive the support we do year on year and in 2012 we hope to build on this success.

We have named this year’s event the Diamond Butterfly Ball to celebrate the festivities taking place on Jubilee weekend.

The success of the ball is crucial in our bid to provide a lifeline to disabled children and their families by providing vital donations of treatment, therapy, equipment and family support services.”

To date Caudwell Children has provided services worth over £17 million to thousands of children with over 350 different medical conditions.

The Caudwell Children Diamond Butterfly Ball will take place at Battersea Evolution, Battersea Park, London, on Thursday, May 31st from 6.30pm.

Anyone interesting in attending the event or receiving more information should contact the Caudwell Children events team on 01782 600611 or email events@caudwellchildren.com