CARDIFF HALF MARATHON IS BACK ON IN OCTOBER 18TH 2009.

So you ask yourself, why would I be spending a perfectly good Sunday running, when I could be lounging on the sofa or at the pub with a great big Sunday roast as my best friend?

Well apart from getting healthier you would be doing it for a worthy and wounderful cause.

Location : Cardiff City Centre

24 for runners affiliated with a running club.

£26 for non affiliated runners.

Mininum sponsorship to the Sparkle Appeal is £100.00 per person.

Register early and join the fun with the Sparkle Runners.

We will provide you with fundraising support and advice, your very own justgiving web page and your name and picture in the local press to highlight how wounderful you are.

For further details call 01633 656212

or

email: althea.cyrille@gwent.wales.nhs.uk

website: www.sparkleappeal.org and click on news.

 Considering a charity TREK?

Mount Kilimanjaro

for Sparkle... Summer 2010

Register, raise money and have an experience of a lifetime!

For further information or to book your place call faith Husband or Althea Cyrille on 01633 656212 or email faith at faith.husband@gwent.wales.nhs.uk

We are grateful for all your support.

2009 Events List

April

Saturday 4th & 5th - Character Weekend Tredegar House.

24th - Free Lunch Friday, Holiday Inn, Newport.

May

Sunday 24th - Newport Scouts Gang Show - Dolman Theater.

June

Monday 1st - Jane Ridley - Cycle from Lands End to John O'Groats.

July

Friday 3rd - FBE Black Tie Summer Ball

Saturday 11th - Torfaen For You Craft fair.

Thursday 16th - Sytner Mini Fashion Show.

August

Saturday 15th - Bryher Hill's Parachute Jump from Swansea Airport.

September

Sunday 27th - Sytner Mini Treasure Hunt

Sunday 27th - It's a Knock Out, Tredegar Park, Newport.

October

Saturday 3rd - Just Bike Wiltshire, Berkshire.

Sunday 18th - Cardiff Half Marathon.

Friday 30th - Free Lunch Friday.

November

Friday 20th - Black Tie White Collar Boxing Event.

December

Friday 4th - Sparkle for Sparkle Day.

Tuesday 15th - Christmas Carol Concert.

TBC - Lottery Launch (Super Draw)

2010 events list

TBC - White Collar Boxing

TBC - Film Premier's

April

TBC - Free Launch Friday

TBC - Dance Katz Production

June

Wednesday 16th - Trek to Mount Kilimanjaro.

September

TBC - It's a Knock Out.

October

TBC - Free Lunch Friday.

My name is Jane Ridley

I was born with Congenital Hypoplasia of the right Fibula which meant that I do not have a fibula (the outer and narrower of the two bones in the lower leg between the knee and ankle) because of this I do not have a fifth toe with various ligaments and muscles missing in my right leg.

As a child I underwent many surgeries and it was difficult for my parents who had to take me to regular outpatient treatments in between surgeries. 

This is what families with disabled children still have to do today just to get their needs met.  I would like to help make life easier for them by doing a fundraising cycle event from Lands End to John O’Groats to raise money for The Sparkle Appeal.  I will be cycling for 21 days to complete 60-71 miles per day with the hope of raising £3,000.00 for the Appeal.

The Sparkle Appeal will enable children with disabilities in South Gwent to access their treatments under one roof, so please donate to this cause and spread the word to all of your friends. 

To donate go to: www.justgiving.com/janeridley. It’s the most efficient way to sponsor me as it is quick, easy and totally secure.  Also, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

So please sponsor me now!

SPARKLE APPEAL - SAVINGS ACCOUNT

BY THE MONMOUTHSHIRE BUILDING SOCIETY

For more information go to www.monbs.com/sparkleappeal

Please refer to the product leaflet for full terms and conditions.

Are you part of a running club?

Are you thinking of running the Cardiff Half Marathon?

Do you know anyone who is?

Then why not compete and raise money for The Sparkle Appeal?

Entry fee is £24.00 for club runners and £26.00 for non-club runners.  Minimum sponsorship of £100.00

For more information or to book your place: call Althea Cyrille on  

01633 656212 or email us at sparkleappeal@gwent.wales.nhs.uk   If you need further information please visit : www.cardiffhalfmarathon.co.uk/

 We are grateful for all your support.

 The “Sparkle Appeal” is an appeal on behalf of the South Gwent Children’s Foundation, Registered Charity No. 1093690

The South Gwent Children’s Foundation, Sparkle Appeal invites all families to a Characters Fun Fair Weekend at the Tredegar House in Newport on the 4^th and 5^th April from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

It will be two days of fun filled rides and activity for children and adults of all ages. (some age and height restrictions apply) 

Programmed as follows:

SATURDAY 04^TH APRIL, 2009

                   FACE PAINTING

                   EASTER BUNNY APPEARANCES

                   SUNDAY 05^TH, APRIL, 2009

BART SIMPSON – MEET AND GREET APPEARANCES

ENTRANCE FEE: £1.00 PER PERSON

EXCLUSIVE OF THE FEE FOR THE RIDES AND GAMES

Half the proceeds from entry will go to the Sparkle Appeal

Large Rides include Dodgems, Sizzler Twist, Dance Zone Miami, Speed, Orbiter, Rock “n” Roll, Waltzer and The Roller.

Children’s Ride include Tea cups, Chairoplanes, Toy Ride, Monte Carlo Car Rally, Train Ride, Inflatable Slide, Inflatable and Helter Skelter                         

Various stalls available including games and refreshments.

Pay and display parking available. For more information contact us on 01633 656212 or email us on equiries@sparkleapppeal.org

Calling all Volunteers

If you have thought about volunteering before give us a call at Sparkle.  We are looking for volunteers to help the South Gwent Children Foundation on 2nd and 3rd February, 2009 at Tesco Extra in Cardiff  and Newport.  Address for Cardiff is Cardiff Extra, Excelsior Estate, Exclesior Road Cardiff CF14 3AT.

You can do it as a group, gathering your friends and have some fun.  T-Shirts and Caps available for volunteers, (not a huge incentive but we promise it will be fun) We will post all your wonderful photos on our website.

For more information on the Charity or if you have any questions contact us on 01633 656212 or email us on enquiries@sparkleappeal.org

Congratulations to the Parish of St. John Baptist on the successful Charity Bridge evening.  We hope you had a fantastic time.

You raised £600.00 for the Sparkle Appeal and we are very grateful.

Well done everyone and hope to hear from you soon.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL

WOW !!! Words cannot express.

The Parc Y Prior Pub in Malpas Newport raised a fantastic £1755.50 on our behalf. They held some wonderful seasonal activities which was a great succes.

Sparkle Appeal wants to thank everyone who participated in these activities and we hope you will continue to support the Parc Y Prior Pub in the future. 

Well done guys and a HAPPY NEW YEAR .

South Gwent Children's Foundation Sparkle Appeal Notice of Meeting

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the 6th Annual General Meeting of the Sparkle Appeal will be held at South Wales Argus, Cardiff Road Newport NP20 at 11.30 am on Tuesday 27th, 2009.

1.  Agenda

• Minutes of the Previous meeting to be agreed and matters arising

2.  Update of Centre

• Karen Jones - Project Manager  

3.  Reports and Accounts 

• To receive and consider the accounts for the year ended June 2008 and the reports of the charity trustees and auditors.

 4.  Appointment of members

• Special resolution as agreed at AGM in 2004 as set out in memorandum and articles of association Rotation of Directors "33a" one third of directors shall retire from office at the first AGM and at each subsequent AGM. It was agreed that directors should be asked to serve a term of 3 years to ensure continuity and stability. Re election and appointment of members.

5.  Appointment of Satff

• To discuss new roles and appointment of fundraising staff

6.  Any other Business

• Details will be given once proposed resolutions are received.  Proposed resolution should be sent to the Secretary by noon 19th January, 2009.

By order of the Board of Charity Trustees [Dr S Maguire]Chairperson [30th December 2008]

Sparkle Appeal's patron, Joe Calzaghe, kindly took time out of his busy schedule in October to visit the new centre, which is being built at High Cross. Joe and his partner, Miss Jo-Emma Levin, met some of the children who will benefit when the centre finally opens and was shown around the building by our Fundraising Manager, Helen Lloyd.

The kids, and their parents, were really excited to be given the opportunity to meet their hero. Brodie Hiscock 11, James Allen 16 and Daniel May really enjoyed spending a bit of time and chatting to the world champion boxer. Calzaghe later said: "I'm really happy to help with something like this. If I can use my profile to help with a local charity, then of course, that's something I want to do."

Sparkle Appeal still needs to raise £1.25 million before the centre is ready to open. We hope that with Joe now firmly on board, more people will be encouraged to get involved and help us raise the much needed funds.

Newport Gwent Dragons, Richard Parks and Ashley Smith joined the Sparkle crew and their guests at the recent James Bond Quantum of Solace Charity Gala preview at Cineworld in Newport.

The Cineworld staff helped us create a fantastic atmosphere at the pre and after parties, where our guests were invited to enjoy a complimentary Vodka Martini, while listening to some groovy tunes from Groovestone Jazz trio.

The fundraising evening proved a great success, raising over £2,500 for Sparkle Appeal. Many thanks to all our guests, sponsors and the Dance Katz group, who entertained our guests with a fascinating, Bond themed choreography.

The South Gwent Children's Foundation "Sparkle Appeal" announces our Christmas schedule of events which we cordially invite you to attend.

"Sparkle Day" on the 5th of December 2008.

Dazzle your friends and colleagues with your favourite costume or your best "bling" to show them how much of a star you really are. However, if bling is not your thing use some tinsel instead for a day at your office and help raise funds for a worthy cause.

Saturday 6th December 2008.

Come along to the Sytner Mini new showroom launch at The Old Town Dock, Newport, NP20 2DS and enjoy some mulled wine and mince pies between 5pm and 6pm. To make your time more festive the Torfaen Coral Society will be there performing some wonderful Christmas Carols for your seasonal musical entertainment. Everyone Welcome!

And the Grand Finale...Thursday 11th December 2008.

Enjoy the wonderful songs performed by Cwm Male Choir and Gaer Junoir Choir at the St. Marks Church, Gold Tops, Newport.     Starting: 7.00pm which is sure to help you get into the Christmas spirit and bring great merriness to your holidays. Tickets: Adults £3.00 Children free.

Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year from all of us at Sparkle. See you there! 

Sparkle Appeal are very pleased to support a current campaign headed by the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) - "Pants Presents - Just say NO!"

The campaign asks public to make a stand and say no to pants (unwanted) presents this Christmas. We need your help more than ever so please ask your friends and family to support South Gwent Children's Foundation Sparkle Appeal instead!

For further information on the campaign, please see www.pantspresents.org and search for south gwent childrens foundation.

Many thanks!

It is with pleasure that we invite all our supporters, as well as general public, to a Carol Service at St Marks Church, Gold Tops, Newport on Thursday 11th December at 7pm.

The service is presented by Cwm Male Choir and Gaer Junior Choir and all proceed will be in aid of the Sparkle Appeal.

Tickets cost £3 per adult, children can enjoy the service for free.

For further information and to purchase tickets, please call the Sparkle office on 01633 656212.

We look forward to seeing you there.

The Parc Y Prior Pub would like to invite everyone to a Christmas Quizz on  December 1st, 2008 from 8:30pm.  It promises to be loads of fun and great prizes to be won.

but there's more..

The Pub is also hosting a fun fill Charity Events on December 5th, 2008 from 7:00 pm.

Free entry, live band, aution, raffle and much more

COME AND ENJOY A WONDERFUL FUN EVENING  and help raise much needed funds for the South Gwent Children's Foundation "Sparkle Appeal"

"SEE YOU THERE"

Congratulations to Christine Hill of Newport  who just won 2 tickets in our Raffle Prize Draw for our  James Bond Quantum of Solace Gala Screening event.

We look forward to seeing you at the event Christine and hope you have an enjoyable evening.

Thanks from all of us at Sparkle Appeal

The South Gwent Childrens Foundation together with the Parc - Y Prior Pub would like to invite everyone to the Holloween Events at the PARC - Y- PRIOR Pub, Almond Drive in Malpas starting Monday October 27th, 2008.

On Monday 27th we will have a Fright Night Quiz from 8:30 pm. Come and put all that useless information in your head to good use and win prizes.

Wednesday 29th from 12 - 5 pm. Its the kids turn to have fun with their Kids Fancy Dress Party. Free ice- cream and sweets for all kids

Also on Friday the 31st, be creative and come dressed in your favourite frock for our  Fancy Dress Disco at 7:00 pm for adults only.  Tickets cost £3.00

The proceeds of all the events go to the Sparkle Appeal.

For further information please call 01633 855881 or email us at enquiries@sparkleappeal.org

It is with pleasure that we invite all our supporters, as well as general public, to be part of a spectacular black tie event , the James Bond Quantum of Solace Charity Gala Preview on Thursday 30th October 2008 at Cineworld in Newport.

Let us treat you to a unique 007 experience, with Bond Girls, Vodka Martinis, top of the range motors and you may even spot some local sporting heros.

Come and be dazzled by the glow of Golden Eye, let our Bond Girls show you to our Martini Bar for a complimentary Vodka Martini - shaken or stirred? and take part in our James Bond charity quiz and raffle with fantastic prizes.

Enjoy the complimentary Ben & Jerry's ice cream and soft drink whilst being the first to watch Quantun of Solace.

And to ease off the exhiliration of the movie, why not join us for an After Party for an hour of magical music of Groovestone Jazz trio and games of Partini at the Martini Bar.

VIP tickets £20 to include 007 themed before & after party with a live Jazz band, complimentary drink, raffle and entertainment.

Also available are standard tickets @ £12 to include Ben & Jerry's ice cream and a soft drink.

For further information and to book tickets, please contact the Sparkle Office on 01633 656212.

VIP tickets are limited, so please book early to avoid disappointment.

Dress Code: Black tie/ Evening dress.

The World is Not Enough to thank all our sponsors:

Monmouthshire Building Society, Cineworld, Sytner Newport, Stratstone Cardiff, Elephant.co.uk, Ideal Lights, South Wales Print, Hasbro, Alcatel Lucent, Celtic Manor, Ben & Jerry's, Coca Cola, Gorgeous Health & Beauty, Adorn Hair Studio, Carlsberg, Boyz 2 Menz, Glampuss Hair & Beauty, Henry Cordy.

Please Note: NO MOBILE PHONES (or any other recording or photographic device) will be permitted in the theatre. ALL MOBILE PHONES WILL BE REQUIRED TO BE CHECKED IN!

The St. John's Bridge Club is hosting a Charity Prize Bridge events on Friday 21st November, 2008, at  7 pm at the St. John's Hall, Bryngwyn Road.

Cost : £7.00 including refreshments

All proceeds are in aid of the South Gwent Children's Foundation "Spakle Appeal" 

For tickets please call: 01633 265581 or email the Sparkle office on enquiries@sparkleappeal.org  for any enquiries

The South Gwent Childrens' Foundation "Sparkle Appeal" would like to invite participants to our upcoming Kids Charity Challenge on November 23rd 2008 at the Ezeeeplay in Newport.

The challenge is for toddlers to 11 year olds and will include soft play, walk the plank, cannonball, and many other challenging activities.

The event will be great fun for the kids and prizes will be awarded. The deadline date for submission of registration forms is Friday, November 7th 2008.

The event will be twofold, creating a fun filled and possibly therapeutic, social activities for the children and bringing joy to the parents.

For registration forms and further information, please contact the Sparkle office on 01633 656212 or email us on enguiries@sparkleappeal.org

Julie has yet again proven that she is a true champion by successfully completing the last of the 3 half marathons she ran in support of Sparkle!!!

Although Julie is now enjoying some well deserved rest from training, her fundraising campaign is still going strongly. Julie is keeping her fundraising page open for a few months to ensure people are still able to donate.

So, if you haven't had a chance to support Julie's fantastic efforts yet, please visit her fundraising page www.justgiving.com/julieknight3

Many congratulations to Julie and thank you to all her supportors for their kind donations!

Julie Knight is organising a coffee morning to raise funds for Sparkle.

Everyone is invited to join Julie on Wednesday 22nd October 2008, 10:30 - 11:30am at Work Well Enterprise, 41 Springvale Industrial Estate, Cwmbran, Torfaen, NP44 5BD. Tel. 01633 863957

Coffee and cakes. Raffle.

All funds raised will be donated to the Sparkle Appeal.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Our champion fundraiser Julie Knight completed her second half marathon on Sunday 5th October in the Great North Run.

The run, held in Newcastle, was very well organised says Julie.." the atmosphere was really good with different bands on the route of 13.1 miles"  . Julie completed the run in 2hours 23 minutes - shaving 5 seconds off her Bristol half marathon time. She has been putting in months of training in order to undertake her challenge by running locally in Cwmbran.

Julie is now  looking forward to a home territory challenge with the Cardiff half marathon on the 19th October 2008. Please support Julie through sponsorship  by logging on to   www.justgiving.com/julieknight3 .

Well done Julie

It's a knockout is taking place this weekend, Sunday 28th September at 11.30am at Tredegar Park (the sporting grounds, not the house) Newport.

Teams will participate in unique games and challenges, offering funtastic day filled with fun and excitement for participants and spectators alike.

Even the weather is on our side! So come along, bring the family, get involved or just enjoy a fun day out whilst helping special children shine.

Craft stalls, funfair rides and refreshments will also be on offer.

Entry: £1 Adults, Children free

Congratulations to Julie Knight for successfully completing her first of three half marathons she is running in support of the Sparkle Appeal!!! Julie ran the Bristol marathon last Sunday 14th September and achieved a fantastic time 2.28 hrs.!

After completing the first run, Julie said: "I cannot believe it, I have done my first one of three today... It was hard, very well organised, loads of people supporting, but it still hurt! Bristol is a nice place to run. The only thing that kept me going was knowing how generous everyone has been."

Julie has so far raised terrific £1300 pounds in sponsorship for Sparkle. Should you wish to support Julie in her amazing efforts, please donate through justgiving fundraising page: www.justgiving.com/julieknight3

Julie is now preparing for the next Great North Run in Newcastle on 5th October.

Sparkle would like to thank Julie for her continued support and wish her the best of luck with her training and the forthcoming Great North Run.

A big THANK YOU to all volunteers who helped out at our bucket collection at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday 6th September at the Wales v Azerbaijan match.

Despite the rain, we raised a terrific £1,200 in one hour before the match!

Many thanks again for your support and we hope you all enjoyed watching Wales beat Azerbaijan 1-0.

Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer with Sparkle, please contact us on 01633 656212. Together, we can make a difference!

Calling all football fans........The Sparkle Appeal has been given the fantastic opportunity to fundraise at the Millenium Stadium for the International match of Wales v Azerbaijan on Saturday 6th September 2008

We are in need of around 30 people to fundraise before the match begins. The game will commence at 3.00pm and we will need volunteers from 2.00pm

- ALL VOLUNTEERS STAY TO WATCH THE INTERNATIONAL FOR FREE-

Football fans out there take advantage of this great footie opportunity!

A fantastic fun filled day out is scheduled for Newport in the form of  the 1970's favourite TV programme "Its a Knockout".

The event is being held at Tredegar Park, Newport on Sunday 28 September and is open to teams of 8-10 enthusiasts who thrive on a challenge.The entry fee is £150.00, plus a suggested sponsorship of £500.00 to support the development of the family facilities at the South Gwent Children's Centre.

Knockout is a fantastic way to raise funds for the charity whilst having great fun. Rally around, get your work colleagues, families or friends and be prepared to get wet! Craft stalls, funfair rides and refreshments will also be on offer.

For further information call the Sparkle Office on 01633 656212.

Cwmbran resident Julie Knight  is competing in 3 half marathons over six weeks to raise money for Sparkle- an amazing challenge. We wish Julie all the best in her training.

For further information and to sponsor her log on to www.justgiving.com/julieknight3

Sparkle Appeal supporters old and new pledged further backing to the appeal at the Holiday Inn, Newport on 21st June 2008.

Established backers like Hasbro, the Newport toy distribution giant and Gwent Foresters have declared their continuing support for the appeal, which they have backed for four and three years respectively.

John Letts showed the Foresters ongoing support by handing over a cheque for £1,265. New backers include the Caldicot and Risca Lodges of Moose International, a fraternal service organisation. Camelot the Cardiff based lottery prize payment office,  Holiday Inn and Mayor of Blackwood, Andrew Farina-Childs.

Mr Farina-Childs said " I'm completely sold on the Sparkle Appeal...I  am organising lots of events to raise money this year" 

Many thanks to all local businesses who have shown fantastic support over the past years.

On Friday 9th May 2008 the Sparkle Appeal learned the long awaited news that Assembly Health Minister Edwina Hart had approved funds for the Sparkle Centre. The Appeal was launched in 2003 and has had much support from the parents and families of the 1200 children with disabilities living in the south Gwent area.  Jayne Jones'  seven year old son Jonathan suffers from cerebral palsy and has appeared on several sparkle posters campaigns. She is full of praise for the centre.

"This is tremendous news ...because services are far too disjointed, but the centre should help everyone".

Likewise the decision has been warmly received by Ian Hennah, whose daughter Sophie, who died last year, was one of the faces of the appeal. He  said that the family had struggled for years with appointments such as at the Eveswell clinic that were not adequate for the task.

They had mammoth difficulties involving  "... no parking, struggling  up a steep road with a wheelchair and  buildings that are badly designed or were not designed in the first places for the services they provided"

The appeal has so far raised over £250,000.00 and now needs to raise approximately £1.25m to equip the Family Unit. We hope that you will continue to support us so that this can be achieved.

Dare to care supporters of the appeal came out in their droves at the recent Sparkle Abseil.

Almost a hundred people took to the abseil ropes. Adrenalin levels rose to the max as supporters young and old lowered themselves  tentatively over the edge of the roof of the Royal Gwent Hospital  - an act of pure bravery!

Abseilers have been furiously collecting sponsorship in the run up to the event - Infact one anonymous abseiler has raised over £1000.  We are absolutely thrilled to announce that at this moment the current total stands at over £13,000.00!

The Gwent Foresters Musical evening proved to be a fantastic fundraiser and organisers, Valerie and John Letts have reported that a good time was had by all. The evening raised over £1500.00 for the appeal.

The organisers would like to thank all those who supported the event including the Dolman Theatre, Floralia and Sainsburys.

Come join us for a game of Golf, to raise much needed funds.

Llanwern Golf club, Llanwern village, Newport , South Wales, NP18 2DW.

 25th June 2008,  Tee off  09:00 am and the presentation is at 19:00.

Entry is only £240 per team of 4 which includes a two course buffet, and a great game of Golf. And the knowledge that its for a great cause. Green fees are inclusive of the fee.

Corporate and local business support is required and we are offering the opportunity to sponsor prizes and individual holes.

Which will allow your to place your companies promotional materials around the holes you sponsor. As well as  the inclusion of your corporate logo on the programme.

For further information contact us at 01633 656212.

There will be plenty of music to be heared at The Angel, Baneswell on Friday 11th  to Sunday 13th April 2008.

Organisers Fenella and Barry Hurley are promising live music on Friday 11th with Stevie Solo who fronts the renowned 1970\'s band MUD ! Stevie was not in the original MUD line up but has a fantastic reputation. This should prove to be a truly interesting evening.

On Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th April Fenella and Barry have arranged a karaoke and disco ( provided by Steve Francis).

The fun begins at 7am and ends at midnight. Raffle to be drawn each night. Entry is only £1. 

On Saturday 19th April 2008 the Gwent Foresters will be holding a Charity Dance & Buffet in aid of the Sparkle Appeal at St Patrick's Church, Conway Road, Newport.

Entertainment will be provided by well known local musicians "The James Boys" who have a fantastic reputation. A delicious buffet will also be included.

Tickets for the evening are selling really well - so buy now to avoid disappointment. Tickets are £8 and available from John Letts at Gwent Foresters on 01633 255774

Sparkle supporter Mary Davies of Newport held a packed coffee morning in aid of the appeal recently at St Mary's chuch hall, Malpas.

Coffee and cakes were obviously on sale as well as a range of stalls chocoholocs, raffle and also quality bric a brac goods stalls.

Mary and her supporters had a fantastic day and raised over £1350.00.

We are pleased to announce that Carcraft have decided to adopt Sparkle as their "Charity of the Year".

On Saturday 2nd February staff held a Sparkle Awareness Day at their site on Spytty Road. Staff dressed up in fancy dress costumes and handed out Sparkle literature to customers as well as providing free teas and coffees.

They managed to raise over £100 and combined with their £500 launch donation generated a fantastic start to a year of fundraising.

Do you want to abseil 100ft down the Royal Gwent Hospital for the Sparkle Appeal?

Participants must be 12 years old or above and all we ask is that you raise a minimum of £100 in sponsorship.

All money raised from this event will go to build the South Gwent Children's Centre. The abseil is supported by Newport scaffolding company Rushar Ltd.

Please call 01633 656212 for an application form

Marks and Spencers in Newport kindly agreed for Sparkle volunteers to charity bag pack in store over the Christmas period. Fantastically, we collected over over £780.00 over two days. We would like to say many thanks to all volunteers and also staff and customers at M &S.

The appeal has had a significant boost to its fundraising totals due to the generosity of the local community. Funds were raised through through individual fundraising / donations and Sparkle Christmas events.

The Sparkle Christmas Carol at St Woolos Cathedral on December 13th proved to be a truly festive evening. The Dorothy Adams Singers and Bassaleg Comprehensive Junior Chior seranaded the audience with a memorable range of classical and traditional performances. They certainly put everyone in the festive mood and the appeal raised over £2040.00 in ticket sales and donations.

In a similar vein, we have have been heartened by the support of local church groups who have been sending in thier carol concert donations since Christmas.  Penhow Baptist Church in Risca, Tabernacle United Reform Church in Llanfair Discoed, Moriah Baptist Church in Risca and Cwmbran United Reformed Church Ladies Guild were a few of many local church groups who have collectively supported us. Many thanks.

On a corporate level we have had fabulous continued support from Alcatel Lucent who raised over £1300 from their Christmas party and again Hasbro UK who donated over £1100 from their Christmas . The Newport shipping company, WE Dowds, traditionally make a Christmas donation to a local charity. Fantastically, Sparkle were chosen as the fortunate recipients of £5000 this year. Many thanks to all who have supported us.

Sparkle staff and volunteers had a fun packed day at the Royal Gwent Hospital and Barclays, Newport on  the annual "Sparkle for Sparkle Day" on 7th December 2007.

Fundraising Manager, Helen Lloyd was at Barclays with pupil volunteers from Hartridge Comprehensive School. Barclays customers were invited to hang a bauble on the Sparkle Christmas tree for £1.  Assistant, Vanessa Garland set up shop at the RGH with volunteers from Lliswerry High School, selling bric a brac and raffle tickets. The day was supported by Barclays staff,  Eveswell Children's Clinic and also Maindee Active Children's club who all dressed up in Sparkly costumes.

Pupils from Lliswerry High School recently helped the appeal through a community project at their school.  Chelsea Crook, Lauren Mitchell, Bethan Knight, Jamila Achaoui, Victoria Andrews and Kimberley Biddle bag packed at Tesco's, Spytty and raised a fantastic £270.71.

Chelsea, Jamila,Victoria and Kimberley along with Hartridge High School pupils Danielle Martin and Jessica Woodruff also helped us Fundraise at the Royal Gwent Hospital and "Dress the Tree" at Barclays on "Sparkle for Sparkle" Day on 7th December 2007. They were a great asset to our fundraising. Well done

A group of trainee solicitors from Berry Smith in Cardiff have pledged to raise £20,000 for the appeal.

Members of staff hope to organise cake stalls, dress down days and a masked ball to raise cash. Enthusiastically, they have already fundraised at the Christmas Light  ceremony in Cardiff in November.

"Carols at the Cathedral" Presented by: The Dorothy Adams Singers and accompanied by  David Owen

Accompanists: Philip Watson with Bassaleg Comprehensive Junior Choir.

Start your Christmas festivities with a heart warming evening of carol singing whilst supporting children with disabilities in this area.

Tickets adults £5/children free

tickets from the Sparkle office 01633 656212 & South Wales Argus 810000

Make your party special for Christmas 2007.

Give the best present ever to the disabled children of south Gwent.

South Gwent Children's Foundation can supply you with disposable cameras*, balloons, posters and banners for your party.

Please call to register your support.Tel 01633 656212

* limited availabilty

We desperately need volunteers to help  at fundraising events.

Please help us reach our goal so that we can help children like rebecca and James

Sat and Sun 10th &11th November   -  ASDA, Caerphilly

Sunday 18th November - Newport City Centre. Christmas lights turn on.

Friday 7th December - "Sparkle for Sparkle Day" . Organise a dress up day at your office, school or community event

Thursday 13th December- St Woolos Cathedral. Christmas Carol Concert

Monday 17th December- Marks & Spencer Bag Packing

Wednesday 19th December - Marks & Spencer Bag Packing

If you can spare an hour or two at the following events please contact us asap.

There has been some very positive news received in the form of a letter published in the South Wales Argus on Tuesday 23rd October 2007. The letter (printed below) from Edwina Hart, AM was sent to Argus reporter Andy Rutherford.

"My attention has been drawn to your recently published open letter in relation to the proposed South Gwent Children's Centre.

I want your readers to know that the Assembly Government is well aware of the Sparkle Appeal and the excellent objectives which it seeks to promote.

I congratulate you and your readers for the magnificant work of fundraising already undertaken.

You are right that money is always tight in the NHS

However, I am confident that once the NHS Trust conclude their negotiations - which they hope to bring to a swift conclusion - the necessary funding package will be put in place.

I understand the impatience you feel about progressing the scheme and the services it will deliver but hope that, with a little more time, a successful conclusion is now within reach".

Edwina Hart AM

Minister for Health

There are more than 1200 children with disabilities living in Newport, south Monmouthshire and Torfaen. An application bid of £6m has been made to the Welsh Assembly Government.

Kamal Hussain and Fred Farley are organising a fabulous Music Night on Thursday 11th October at The Orb Club in Jenkins Street, Newport.

You may be familiar with Kamal who is father to 2 year old Myleisha who featured in the South Wales Argus in September. Myleisha has suffered a number of devastating illnesses - beginning with leukaemia and followed by internal bleeding, meningitis and brain damage and blindness. Myleisha needs regular physiotherapy, speech and language therapy and hydrotherapy.

Kamal and Fred have organised a whirlwind programme of events including a cabaret as well as at least 15 karaoke singing acts, an auction and a raffle.

The fun starts at 7.30pm and tickets cost £1.50 per person. Contact Fred on 01633 821783 or Kamal on 07506 765213 for tickets or further info.

Organisers would like to thank A1 Karaoke and Graham Virgo and John Richards from The Orb Club.

The future of the South Gwent Children's Foundation's application for funding was to be decided by the Welsh Assembly Government on September 20th.

Unfortunately, due to WAG's request for further information about the case the decision will be delayed for another month.

This delay will not affect implementation timescales as funding would not be available until 2008/2009.

Thrill seeking adults required for an exhilerating boat race

On Sunday 30th September the spectacular Dragon Boat Festival is being held again at Bristol docks - a fantastic day involving an exhilerating rowing challenge whilst raising money for a good causes.  The challenge will be to get a team of 16 paddlers together plus a drummer to race in chinese style dragon boats over a 250 metre course. Entry fee for a team is £250 (£20 each member) and each team must aim to riase at least £1750 in sponsorship money (just over £100 each). There will be a minimum of three races per team on the day.

Sparkle has arranged transportation of the teams from Cardiff or Magor services to Bristol in chauffeured limo's.  After the final race there will be wine and nibbles before heading back to Wales.

For further information please contact Vanessa Garland on 01633 656212

Local company Wilkinson, based in Llandevenny, have been one of several local companies to pledge support to Sparkle. Since our recent Awareness Campaign favourably we have had more inquiries and offers of support. The appeal office was very pleased to receive a cheque for £100.00.

We were warmly welcomed by the people of south Gwent on our recent Sparkle Awareness Campaign in early July. Dressed  in sparkly costumes, we visited around 17 communities in the area including Monmouth, Blackwood, Pontypool and Newport. The aim was to hand out appeal literature and to fundraise. Armed with a team of 6 volunteers, generously donated from local companies Alcatel Lucent and elephant.co.uk, we found a very positive response and collected almost £1600.00. Favourably, we are now seeing visible knock on effects - we have since received more inquiries, offers of support and donations

We could not have achieved our objectives without local business support. We would like to thank Alcatel Lucent, elephant.co.uk, Carcraft, Greggs the Bakers, Mr Chippy, Marigold Costumes and finally Dignity Funerals who provided a limo and driver for the duration of the campaign. Many thanks to all.

Good news. Alcatel Lucent, the Newport telecommunications company, has made Sparkle their "Charity of the Year". Since their announcement, a month ago, they have already donated over £1400.00, provided sponsorship for Sparkle leaflets, held a charity cake selling day and fantastically loaned us 6 employees for our Awareness day in Newport on July 20th. Well done and many thanks to all at Alcatel Lucent.

We continue to have great support from elephant.co.uk, the Cardiff based insurance company, and they have chosen us as their "Charity of  the Quarter".

Staff helped raise more than £500 for the appeal at a charity bag packing day at Marks and Spencer, Newport in May. Elephant loaned 18 staff members who swapped telesale calls for shopping bags and more recently loaned us 6 employees a day for  six different campaign days. They also sponsored our appeal balloons. Many thanks to elephant staff who enthusiastically distributed leaflets and collected donations.

The generous members of Parc Golf Club, Newport have made our children's centre one step closer to completion by raising an amazing £18,000 - all raised from several charity golf days. 

Molly Ireland, who helped organise the charity golf events which saw people donating cash to play a round of golf said " Sparkle is a local charity which has touched people's hearts"

The club has been a long term supporter of the Sparkle Appeal and continues to raise fantastic donations. We would like to thank Molly and all who have supported us at the club. Many thanks.

We had some lovely news recently. Jean Williams, a pensionner from Abercarn asked all her friends to donate to the Sparkle Appeal rather than buy her an 80th birthday present. Jean held her birthday celebrations in a club near Blackwood where many  friends, old and new, joined her to celebrate her 80th year - she had a fantastic time and raised an amazing £1040.00!

Jean says " I would like to thank family and friends for their very generous donations". We would like to echo this sentiment.

Get Out go Country are holding an open day at Cwm hedd Lakes Basseleg.  Five months from M4 Juct. 28 on Sunday 22nd July 10am-4.pm and are looking for teams to take part in a charity raft building competition.  Get out Go Country are offering free taster sessions in canoeing, kayaking, problem solving,archery and orienteering at the open day.  For those wanting to build a raft -- all you need is 7 like minded co workers or friends willing to risk getting wet  for the glory of winning and raising money for Sparkle.  There is a £40 entry fee and this will be donated to the Sparkle Appeal.

If you would like to get involved please call Get Out  Go Country  896123 or look at at www.gogc.co.uk.

In July Sparkle will be embarking on a massive awareness campaign. We will be visiting around 12 local towns with a team of volunteers to raise the profile of the appeal and hopefully to collect lots of donations.

Look out for the sparkle team where you live. Seven sparklestars will be arriving in your are soon in a limousine.....You'll easily recognise the sparkestars - they are dressed in glitter costumes and will be carrying our sparkle buckets.

We will be visiting:

Saturday 7th July - Maindee Festival,

Monday 9th - Pontypool, Abersychan and Blaenavon,

Tuesday 10th - Cwmbran,

Wednesday 11th - Newport,

Thurs 12tth - Chepstow Caldicot and Magor 

 Friday 13th we will be bag packing at Iceland, Spytty.

Monday July 16th -

 Blackwood and Risca,

Tuesday 17th Monmouth and Abergavenny,

Wednesday 18th - Ebbw Vale and Brynmawr,

Newport town centre on July 20th

The campaign has been supported by Dignity Funerals Ltd, elephant.co.uk, Carcraft, Alcatel Lucent, Greggs Bakeries and Marigold Costumes, Tescos, Sainsbury

Look out for us in your area!

Many thanks to Hollybush RFC who will be hosting a musical evening on Friday 8th June -  all proceeds will be donated to the Sparkle Appeal. Entertainment will be provided by "Organist of the Year" Ian Griffith and a host of local singers. Ian is very well known in his field and has received much acclaim. Hollybush RFC has previously  booked him for events and say that he is very popular and they are always booked out ! It should be a great evening.

Please call Gaynor Thomas on 01495 711377 for further information or to book tickets

On 1st, 2nd and 3rd of June Carrie School of Dancing will be hosting "Happy Feet" at Hollybush Infants School, Cwmbran. Fantastically, all proceeds are to be donated to the Sparkle Appeal. The organisers aim to provide a fun packed singing and dancing extravaganza  performed by  83 children aged between 2 and 16 years. 

Please contact Sharon Samuel at Carrie School of Dancing for further information and tickets 01633 860055

The SPARKLE APPEAL has reached a crucial stage of its fundraising drive and we are asking for your assistance.

In order to raise the £3m needed to equip the interior we are organising a range of fundraising initiatives, including fundraising days at local stores. These will simply involve collecting donations from shoppers as they enter and leave store. The 2007 dates are as follows:

Friday 25th May 2007, Saturday 26th May 2007,

Friday 22nd June 2007, Saturday June 23rd,

Saturday 28th July, Sunday 29th July,

Saturday 4th August,

Saturday 15th September, Sunday 16th September,

Saturday 13th October, Sunday 14th October,

Saturday 10th November, Sunday 11th November

We are desparately looking for help for 2 hours only on any of these days .If you can help us in any way you will be doing something wonderful. 

If you are in need of further information please call Vanessa Garland on 01633 656212. 

Gwent branch of Foresters are continuing their fundraising support for the Sparkle Appeal during 2007.

Last year their efforts raised a fantastic £8,500 for charity. This sum was raised from bucket collections, raffles at branch dinners and also a Family Fun Day at Chepstow Racecourse.

Helen Lloyd at Sparkle said " We are really pleased that Foresters have chosen to support us again this year. Their support makes a real difference to us".

Gwent branch are again supporting the Family Fun Day at Chepstow Racecourse this bank holiday Monday 27th August, where donations for the children\'s entertainment and exit collection on the day will be made, all in aid of the Sparkle.

Hasbro UK has shown us fantastic support over the past year by making us their "Charity or the Year" and by raising a masive £8775.00 . Money has been raised from activities ranging from children's film shows to a charity auction dinner where bidding took place for BA tickets and signed memorabilia. Many thanks for your continued support

Our aim to build a £9m children's centre is now looking more certain.

We can reveal that the centre is now on much firmer groung after winning the backing of two local health boards (LHB's). A £6m grant from the Welsh Assembly Government looks set to be unlocked after Newport and Torfaen LHB's agreed to pick up the capital charges and running costs. Controversially, only Monmouthshire has so far declined.

Some £3m is now needed to be raised through the Sparkle Appeal over the next 18 months to ensure the centre is properly equipped - a massive fundraising task. We are looking for your support and assistance. Please contact us for further information or a fund raising pack.

A cheque for £4,500 was recently presented from Gwent Foresters. This makes a final 2006 fundraising total of £8,100  Over the past year they have been very busy collecting donations at various venues, including Magor Services on the M4 and Sainsbury's Newport and Cwmbran. In the Summer, they were active at Chepstow Racecourse Funday, where they not only collected donations but also arranged games and co-sponsored one of the races. A huge thank you to all who have made this figure a reality.