The Weasel Escapes

Dan Robinson and Rebecca Taylor from Pontefract Paranormal

Escape artist and supporter of Sophie's Appeal, Dan 'Weasel Dandaw' Robinson has managed a feat that even the Great Houdini refused to attempt. Dan was challenged by Pontefract Paranormal to escape from the condemned cell at York Castle prison, the same cell that the notorious highway man Dick Turpin spent his final days.

Dan was searched by a paramedic before the attempt to ensure that he was not concealing anything to aid his escape.  He was then shackled and chained to the wall of the cell of York Castle Prison.  The solid oak door was then closed and locked from the outside and Dan was left to try and escape.

In less than 17 minutes on Halloween, The Weasel burst from the cell to the amazement of the gathered crowd...and to the amazement of himself!

You can still show your support for this fantastic feat by texting 'SOPH31 £3' or however much you think Dan deserves to 70070.

For photo's and more news on Dan's escape, click here.

Can the Weasel Escape?

Mike's Great South Run 2014

Airport Support - from left John Foskett, Hayley Richardson,

Mike Barringer and Jim McIntosh

Earlier this year, Mike was challenged to take part in the Bupa Great South Run in Portsmouth.

With the help of friend, Hayley Richardson, Mike pounded the streets of Eastleigh whilst shedding the pounds in preparation for the run.

Come race day, he still hadn't made the 10 mile mark but, having lost over 3.5 stone was as ready as ever.  The weather was ideal for the run and surrounded by friends and colleagues from the Southampton Airport and with the knowledge that so many supporters of Sophie's Appeal had sponsored him to complete the challenge there was just a small matter of 10 miles ahead!

He thinks it's all over...

Mike completed the run in just over 1 hour and 51 minutes and thanks to the generosity of his supporters raised over £500 for the charity.

Thanks Mike...what's next?

If you wish to support Sophie's Appeal and would like to donate, Mike's Just Giving page is still open.  Just click here 

Sun Shines on Bishopstoke Carnival 2014

The beautiful weather and the generous crowds visiting our stall at the Bishopstoke Carnival on Glebe Meadow made ourtombola a tremendous success.

Thanks go to Sue who organises our stall every year and also to Lin and Penny for helping on the day.  They raised £146 and were left with an almost empty table!

Of course none of it would have been possible without the most important ingredient...you!  Thanks to all who visited our stall and made the day such a success.

Family Fun Day

Families came together to enjoy an afternoon of fun and games at the Alma Inn public house in Upham on 9th August.

Thanks go to the Alma Inn and in particular to Carla Watson, family and friends for organising the fun packed day and raised over £400 and raise the profile of Sophie's Appeal.

Carla said, 'I remember playing with Sophie and just felt that I wanted to do something to help her fantastic Appeal.  What better way than provide a day of family fun that I know she would have loved.'

Cherbourg Football Club's 9th Charity Tournament

Cherbourg Football Club's Annual Tournament took place yesterday, on one of the hottest days of the year.  We were delighted that our patrons James and Sarah Beattie were able to attend and provide photo opportunities.

Congratulations to Cherbourg A who lifted the Winner’s  Cup for the first time since the tournament began 9 years ago. They defeated AFC Spirit 2-1 in an exciting final. Third place was contested between Stumpy FC and Shotgun Bang ,two new entries to the tournament, with Stumpy FC winning 1-0.

13 teams entered the tournament helping us to raise over £600 for Sophie's Appeal.

Thanks to all who took part, the officials of the day Steve Currie and Gary Cash.  Our sincerest gratitude also must go to Melvin Laney, Chairman and Founder of Cherbourg Football Club and to Edwina Martin, Penny Stanger and friends for their hard work in the months leading up to the event making the day such a success.

Wyndham Worldwide - J.P Morgan Corporate Challenge 2014

Our tremendous thanks go to the team from Wyndham Worldwide who completed the JP Morgan Corporate Challenge in Battersea Park on 10th July and raised a fantastic total of £1023.26 for the Appeal.

The team has requested that we use these funds to help support a very poorly child and their family to escape from the stresses and strains of hospital life and spend a break away courtesy of our partner Beyond the Moon.

Without the help of fundraisers like these, we cannot help give families precious memories that will last them a lifetime.

Thanks to the team and all who supported them!