Enfields supports Sophie's Appeal

Sophie’s Appeal is proud to announce that local estate agents Enfields has become one of our corporate sponsors.

Enfields has announced that they will donate £50 to Sophie’s Appeal from every house sale or letting.

Huge thanks to Nikki Chapman and the team at Eastleigh for your support.

Foggy Pulls Out The 'Stops' to Raise Over £3500

Local lad Chris 'Foggy' Curtis has raised an astonishing £3,639 for Sophie’s Appeal in a special ‘Stoptober Challenge’ - to give up alcohol for one whole month.  Chris Curtis (36) used to drink 10 pints a day, every day, for the last 19 years, usually at his regular watering hole – The Grantham Arms in Eastleigh.  His partner did not believe he could abstain from his favourite tipple, so Chris was determined to prove her wrong.

Over the coming weeks, 165 of his friends and family supported the challenge, which lasted the entire month of October.

Chris commented: “I decided to take part in the challenge to prove to my partner Natalie that I could do it.  She told me categorically that I wouldn't be able to, and now she’s so proud.  I chose to raise money for Sophie’s Appeal because it’s a charity that is close to my heart.  I have known the Barringer family for a long time and regularly go to their fundraising events.  It was really tough, especially the first couple of weeks, and I absolutely loved my first pint after completing the challenge. Without a doubt I have exceeded my expectations, I never dreamt I would raise that amount of money and I have to admit I do feel healthier.”

Chris presented the enormous donation to Sophie’s Appeal Patron and ex-Southampton footballer James Beattie, at The Grantham Arms his local watering hole.  The monies will go towards families and their sick children having some much needed family time together, visiting Marwell and enjoying the Santa experience, along with trips to see Cinderella and Shrek the Musical at the Mayflower Theatre.

Lin added: “What Chris has achieved is amazing, and he will be putting a smile on so many children’s faces over this festive season and beyond.  10 years ago today Sophie lost her battle to Wilm’s Disease and to receive this money from Chris today on the anniversary of Sophie's passing is a fitting tribute to her lasting memory.”

Eastleigh Christmas Lights up Appeal!

A huge thankyou to Lin Barringer, Julie and Bethany Armstrong.

Having put up with a wet start they were soon making new friends and bumping into old at the Christmas Lights switch on street market in Eastleigh.

The girls promoted the charity whilst helping raise £211.71 on their stall. With donations from Sophie's supporters the tombola was a huge success!

Thanks to fabulous support from the community and the generous donors, you know who you are!

Masonic Support from the Mayflower Lodge

Mike was pleased to represent Sophie's Appeal at a presentation ceremony by the Freemasons of Eastleigh and Chandlers Ford.

Freemasonry is second only to the National Lottery in the amount of money donated to charity. Their valued support was on show today for over a dozen local charities.

Sophie's Appeal was the grateful beneficiary of a cheque for £600 donated by the members of Mayflower Lodge.

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