The Wellington Appeal Fiat 500 Christmas Raffle
Saturday 3rd December 2011

Wellington Charity Christmas Party in aid of £1 Million Wellington Appeal
Saturday 3rd December 2011
A wonderful evening was had by all in the fabulous Long Room overlooking Lords Cricket Ground.
Guests were treated to a delicious three course meal and entertained with performances from the Voce choir and violinist, Paula Muldoon.
Over £50,000 was raised for the Wellington Appeal.
The Ben Nevis Challenge
Friday 20th May – Sunday 22nd May COMPLETED!
On Friday 20th May a group of would-be climbers met at London Heathrow ready to embark on the first leg of our journey that would see us conquer Britain’s highest peak. After a relaxing day of food and whiskey tasting, we retired to bed early in preparation for the challenge which lay ahead.
We rose early on Saturday morning, being sure to have a hearty breakfast in anticipation of the 3,000 calories we were soon to burn. The forecast looked grim: the rain was pouring; there was talk of hail and temperatures of minus 15 degrees. But spirits were not to be dampened. We boarded the buses and set off to the foot of Ben Nevis where we were greeted by our guides.
After a group photo we commenced our challenge. It really was a journey through the harshest of the elements. To start with there was reasonable visibility, and as we hiked we had views over Loch Lomond. Nonetheless, the drizzle was relentless. The higher we got, the stronger the gusts of wind, the colder the air, and the more our faces burned. The terrain was varied – from gradual inclines to steep parts; loose rocks and smooth paths; the most gruelling, a punishing zigzag. As we neared the summit, visibility closed, the winds were wild and we ploughed through deep snow.
Mars Bars, Jelly Babies and the will to succeed spurred us on, and we finally arrived at the summit. Exhausted and elated, we got the all important photographic evidence of our achievement, and made attempts at eating our packed lunches (a real challenge in gloves and below freezing temperatures). As we perched under a ruined building, we reflected that we had all indeed made it.
Our ascent had been tough on the lungs and legs but our descent was to be harshest on the knees. Piercing painful sleet on our faces, we were utterly drenched.
We arrived back at the foot of the Ben all of us making it between 6 and 8 hours (now that we have conquered it our guides tell us we can call it the Ben!). We made our way in to the pub for a very well-earned pint and the comfort of armchairs.
After showers, massages, and a rest, we all met for a celebratory meal, wearily, but happily sharing stories, comparing blisters and broken phones. After an award ceremony, which included certificates for ‘A Touch of Class’ and ‘Best Fundraiser’, we danced the night away to a Ceilidh, bringing our aching limbs back to life to the dulcet sounds of the bagpipes. It really was a truly Scottish weekend.
Thank you to all the climbers who took part, not only for braving the elements, but for raising over £50,000 for the Wellington Appeal.
The 100 Cyclists
Friday 24th September – Sunday 26th September COMPLETED!!!
On Friday 24th September 100 intrepid cyclists set forth from the outskirts of London to cycle through the pouring rain to Harwich, a distance of nearly 60miles. Spirits were high as our legs warmed up and the regular food and water stops were much appreciated. The passing wildlife greeted us with interest and drivers were surprisingly friendly towards the cyclists strung out across Britains B roads. The first night saw plenty of aching limbs, a lovely meal at The Pier and then an overnight ferry trip to the Hook of Holland.
As we sleepily departed our comfy cabins for the blustery but bright morning that awaited us in Holland we were reacquainted with our bikes and set out on the cycle paths amongst the dunes keen to reach Amsterdam in record time. We very soon realised the truth in the phrase ‘headwinds are the hills of Holland’ and discovered, to many cyclists detriment, the perils of tram lines. Several crashes later, but luckily no serious injuries, we took the wind face on, lowered our gears and pedalled like our lives depended on it. A long and very tiring day the beauty of the dunes did not escape us and we compared war wounds and photos in the luxurious surroundings of the Hotel Okura that evening. Dinner was an entertaining affair with speeches a plenty, beautiful food and the auctioning off of two signed but used cycling socks for £2,000! People’s commitment to the causes shone through and their strength in overcoming injury, sore legs and adverse winds was truly inspiring.
On the final day the slightly battered group rode triumphantly into Brussels, having only lost one brave member to the perils of the road after a nasty crash that cracked three ribs. Beer and frites were used by all to toast an incredible 3 days and 180 miles and then raised in celebration of the amazing money raised by all for two fantastic charities!
Thank you to all the riders who took part, especially the organiser Charles Rifkind and Wellington Hospital CEO Keith Hague, who all braved the elements and their saddles on the behalf of the Appeal and have raised nearly £300,000 to date alone!
The Wellington Challenge
Did you take part in the Wellington Challenge? Visit http://www.chipresults.co.uk to get your results!
Saturday 2nd October, Greenwich Park COMPLETED!!!
Saturday saw over 200 participants join us on a beautiful morning in Greenwich Park to undertake the challenge of running either 10kms or walking 6kms. Friends and family were all welcome and enjoyed the beautiful surroundings of the park whilst the more competitive runners set out at a breathtaking pace to tackle the famous Greenwich Hill. 40 minutes later our first runners returned tired but elated and wore their tshirt and medal with pride before tucking into a delicious hot lunch.
All involved had a fantastic day with the brilliant music of the PanNation steel band to accompany lunch and all our activities. Thank you to everyone who came and helped raise money for the Appeal taking us to over £500,000 in total!
Wellington Golf Day
Friday 24th September, Hendon Golf Club
As the cyclists set forth in to the pouring rain, the Hendon golfers teed off after the rain had passed. A total of 24 teams competed, with Kelly 2 reigning triumphant, closely followed by Cafferty Construction in 2nd place and Clipfine in 3rd.
Golfers relaxed with a dinner and silent auction. With prizes such as a guided tour of the crown jewels, and tickets to the Ryder cup, the generous diners helped bring in an incredible £65,000 for the Wellington Appeal. They then danced the night away to Mary O’Rourke & The Breeze.
If our range of fantastic events doesn’t whet your appetite or maybe you have an idea for your own fundraising activity then we can’t wait to hear from you! Visit our Fundraising Ideas page to see how we can help and please let us know that you’re interested in organising something different by registering your interest online
Register your interest now
However if nothing springs to mind but you would still like to support the Wellington Appeal, please donate.
Past Events
The Wellington Appeal Fiat 500 Christmas Raffle
Saturday 3rd December 2011
Wellington Charity Christmas Party in aid of £1 Million Wellington Appeal
Saturday 3rd December 2011
A wonderful evening was had by all in the fabulous Long Room overlooking Lords Cricket Ground.
Guests were treated to a delicious three course meal and entertained with performances from the Voce choir and violinist, Paula Muldoon.
Over £50,000 was raised for the Wellington Appeal.
The Ben Nevis Challenge
Friday 20th May – Sunday 22nd May COMPLETED!
On Friday 20th May a group of would-be climbers met at London Heathrow ready to embark on the first leg of our journey that would see us conquer Britain’s highest peak. After a relaxing day of food and whiskey tasting, we retired to bed early in preparation for the challenge which lay ahead.
We rose early on Saturday morning, being sure to have a hearty breakfast in anticipation of the 3,000 calories we were soon to burn. The forecast looked grim: the rain was pouring; there was talk of hail and temperatures of minus 15 degrees. But spirits were not to be dampened. We boarded the buses and set off to the foot of Ben Nevis where we were greeted by our guides.
After a group photo we commenced our challenge. It really was a journey through the harshest of the elements. To start with there was reasonable visibility, and as we hiked we had views over Loch Lomond. Nonetheless, the drizzle was relentless. The higher we got, the stronger the gusts of wind, the colder the air, and the more our faces burned. The terrain was varied – from gradual inclines to steep parts; loose rocks and smooth paths; the most gruelling, a punishing zigzag. As we neared the summit, visibility closed, the winds were wild and we ploughed through deep snow.
Mars Bars, Jelly Babies and the will to succeed spurred us on, and we finally arrived at the summit. Exhausted and elated, we got the all important photographic evidence of our achievement, and made attempts at eating our packed lunches (a real challenge in gloves and below freezing temperatures). As we perched under a ruined building, we reflected that we had all indeed made it.
Our ascent had been tough on the lungs and legs but our descent was to be harshest on the knees. Piercing painful sleet on our faces, we were utterly drenched.
We arrived back at the foot of the Ben all of us making it between 6 and 8 hours (now that we have conquered it our guides tell us we can call it the Ben!). We made our way in to the pub for a very well-earned pint and the comfort of armchairs.
After showers, massages, and a rest, we all met for a celebratory meal, wearily, but happily sharing stories, comparing blisters and broken phones. After an award ceremony, which included certificates for ‘A Touch of Class’ and ‘Best Fundraiser’, we danced the night away to a Ceilidh, bringing our aching limbs back to life to the dulcet sounds of the bagpipes. It really was a truly Scottish weekend.
Thank you to all the climbers who took part, not only for braving the elements, but for raising over £50,000 for the Wellington Appeal.
The 100 Cyclists
Friday 24th September – Sunday 26th September COMPLETED!!!
On Friday 24th September 100 intrepid cyclists set forth from the outskirts of London to cycle through the pouring rain to Harwich, a distance of nearly 60miles. Spirits were high as our legs warmed up and the regular food and water stops were much appreciated. The passing wildlife greeted us with interest and drivers were surprisingly friendly towards the cyclists strung out across Britains B roads. The first night saw plenty of aching limbs, a lovely meal at The Pier and then an overnight ferry trip to the Hook of Holland.
As we sleepily departed our comfy cabins for the blustery but bright morning that awaited us in Holland we were reacquainted with our bikes and set out on the cycle paths amongst the dunes keen to reach Amsterdam in record time. We very soon realised the truth in the phrase ‘headwinds are the hills of Holland’ and discovered, to many cyclists detriment, the perils of tram lines. Several crashes later, but luckily no serious injuries, we took the wind face on, lowered our gears and pedalled like our lives depended on it. A long and very tiring day the beauty of the dunes did not escape us and we compared war wounds and photos in the luxurious surroundings of the Hotel Okura that evening. Dinner was an entertaining affair with speeches a plenty, beautiful food and the auctioning off of two signed but used cycling socks for £2,000! People’s commitment to the causes shone through and their strength in overcoming injury, sore legs and adverse winds was truly inspiring.
On the final day the slightly battered group rode triumphantly into Brussels, having only lost one brave member to the perils of the road after a nasty crash that cracked three ribs. Beer and frites were used by all to toast an incredible 3 days and 180 miles and then raised in celebration of the amazing money raised by all for two fantastic charities!
Thank you to all the riders who took part, especially the organiser Charles Rifkind and Wellington Hospital CEO Keith Hague, who all braved the elements and their saddles on the behalf of the Appeal and have raised nearly £300,000 to date alone!
The Wellington Challenge
Did you take part in the Wellington Challenge? Visit http://www.chipresults.co.uk to get your results!
Saturday 2nd October, Greenwich Park COMPLETED!!!
Saturday saw over 200 participants join us on a beautiful morning in Greenwich Park to undertake the challenge of running either 10kms or walking 6kms. Friends and family were all welcome and enjoyed the beautiful surroundings of the park whilst the more competitive runners set out at a breathtaking pace to tackle the famous Greenwich Hill. 40 minutes later our first runners returned tired but elated and wore their tshirt and medal with pride before tucking into a delicious hot lunch.
All involved had a fantastic day with the brilliant music of the PanNation steel band to accompany lunch and all our activities. Thank you to everyone who came and helped raise money for the Appeal taking us to over £500,000 in total!
Wellington Golf Day
Friday 24th September, Hendon Golf Club
As the cyclists set forth in to the pouring rain, the Hendon golfers teed off after the rain had passed. A total of 24 teams competed, with Kelly 2 reigning triumphant, closely followed by Cafferty Construction in 2nd place and Clipfine in 3rd.
Golfers relaxed with a dinner and silent auction. With prizes such as a guided tour of the crown jewels, and tickets to the Ryder cup, the generous diners helped bring in an incredible £65,000 for the Wellington Appeal. They then danced the night away to Mary O’Rourke & The Breeze.
If our range of fantastic events doesn’t whet your appetite or maybe you have an idea for your own fundraising activity then we can’t wait to hear from you! Visit our Fundraising Ideas page to see how we can help and please let us know that you’re interested in organising something different by registering your interest online
Register your interest now
However if nothing springs to mind but you would still like to support the Wellington Appeal, please donate.