Star Throwers in 2013

On behalf of Star Throwers cancer support charity, from staff, volunteers, patients and their families, I would like to send our most heartfelt thank you to every person and organisation who has supported our charity in 2013.

Each year we are saddened by the heartbreaking stories of those we have lost and we hope that their families are comforted by wonderful memories of their loved ones over the Christmas holiday. We have also had some uplifting success stories this year which makes it all worthwhile. Here are some of the comments we have received from patients and carers:

“Star Throwers has enabled me to take better control of my situation and given me hope.”

“I feel my wife has benefitted from Star Throwers at a time when life was getting hard for us. Dr Henry has a wonderful team. What a lifeline and a light at the end of the tunnel.”

“Really helped us to take control of this very difficult diagnosis & understanding more of what is happening & what we can do for ourselves.”

“ I was completely lost after my radio therapy & Star Throwers helped me tremendously. I feel I have made many friends here, both patients and volunteers. Many thanks to everyone.”

“The whole experience is like being folded into an extra family. Support and understanding is the most necessary ingredient at this time.”

“As a carer I find the care and support has made an enormous difference to our lives as a family.  Just to feel that someone else really cares and offers emotional positive support has helped so much.”


Thank you for helping to make these stories possible. Wishing everyone a beautiful Christmas with your family and friends and the best of health in 2014.


Star Throwers will be closed from Mon Dec 23rd and will reopen as normal from Jan 6th 2014. 

Eric Bristow to Headline Charity Darts Night in May 2014

Eric Bristow, 5 times World Darts Champion. picture from www.ericbristowexhibition.co.uk

We are very excited to announce Eric Bristow, 5 times World Darts Champion, will be headlining Lord Russell Baker's Charity Darts Night on Sat 24th May 2014 at the Wymondham Rugby Club.

The evening will be raising money in aid of Star Throwers cancer support charity. Guests will be treated to a Darts Spectacular with Eric giving an exhibition and a speech and guests will also have the opportunity to test their skills against him! 

There will also be fantastic raffle prizes to win, live music, and a 7 day luxury villa for up to 4 people at the acclaimed Kololi Beach Resort in Gambia, worth £1,000, will be up for auction on the night.

Tickets priced at £15. More details to follow in the New Year. To register your interest, please email info@starthrowers.org.uk

Raising Festive Funds At Our Christmas Coffee Morning

A huge THANK YOU to all the volunteers, crafters, prize donors, bakers and all the guests who came to support our coffee morning today. It was a nice atmosphere and great to see some familiar faces but also meet and show some new people around Star Throwers.

In total, I am delighted to say you all helped to raise £520!

Star Throwers Christmas Coffee Morning Open Day

A chance to meet staff and volunteers, as well as to enjoy delicious cakes, coffee and stalls. Not forgetting live music and magic. Not to be missed!

Date: Saturday 7th December

Time: 10:30am - 2pm

Location: Star Throwers care centre, 30 Melton Road, Wymondham, Norfolk, NR18 0DB

Admission: £2 entry (includes a free drink and a slice of cake)

Losing Locks to Support Cancer Patients

A big thanks to Emma Eadle, after she bravely shaved all her hair off in memory of her friend Jayne to raise money for Norfolk & Norwich Hospital's Coronary Care Unit and Star Throwers.

(Emma, left, Barbara, a close friend)

Before and after!

Emma, from Attleborough, raised a fantastic £1626.20 for Star Throwers through sponsorship and funds raised at her fun day on October 27th. The Fun Day was held in Connaught Hall, Attleborough, and with the help of her family and friends organised various activities including a bouncy castle, raffle, face painting, craft stalls, bar and karaoke. 

Thank you from everyone at Star Throwers, Emma! 

For more details, visit and like our facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/StarThrowers

Star Throwers supports cancer patients and their loved ones who are suffering from cancer or its after effects. Every donation raised goes towards funding the important services we provide include patient & carer consultations, complementary therapies, healthy eating classes, and exercise groups.

Volunteers Needed for Christmas Gift Wrapping at Castle Mall

Do you love wrapping Christmas presents? If so, we need you!

The Castle Mall shopping centre are looking for volunteers to provide the its seasonal gift wrapping service which will raise money for Star Throwers in the run up to Christmas.

The Castle Mall raised over £6,000 last year so by getting into the festive spirit and donating a couple of hours of your time, you will be helping raise money which will be used to provide care and support to people affected by cancer throughout Norfolk.

Star Throwers has just passed its fourth year of supporting cancer patients and their families. We provides a haven for those who have been diagnosed with cancer and those closest to them, when they are at their most vulnerable. In a welcoming, homely environment, those who attend are able to receive medical advice to help them understand all aspects of cancer treatment and options. Practical and emotional support is available whether it is for someone living with cancer, or caring for someone close to them. Complementary therapies are also provided, including yoga, massage, Reflexology, counselling and arts and crafts to promote wellbeing.

Vicky Merrison, marketing manager at Castle Mall said, "We are very grateful to those who give up their time at this busy time of year to join our charity gift wrapping service and help raise a considerable amount of money for a fantastic cause. You don't need to be an 'expert gift wrapper', just have plenty of enthusiasm and a festive smile!"

If you are not able to volunteer, why not support Star Throwers by using the service and having your gifts wrapped. All donations will go directly to the charity.

The gift wrapping service will be available from 9th December right up until Christmas Eve, outside the Norwich City football club shop on the first floor of the shopping centre.

To volunteer for a gift wrapping shift:

call The Mall on 01603 766430 and ask for Thea

OR

contact Star Throwers on 01953 423304 or info@starthrowers.org.uk

Shifts lengths vary from two hours to a full day.

A huge thank you in advance to every person who kindly donates their time to be a gift wrapper and all those who use the service.

Have a good evening AND support Star Throwers!

Bingo Evening

Date: Saturday 28th September

Time: 7:30pm for 8pm start

Location: Wymondham & District Ex-Services Social Club

Admission: £4 per adult and £2 per child. Game Cards for sale on entry £1 per game.

Tickets are available from:

Rosedale Funeral Home, 16 Middleton St, Wymondham, NR18 0AD   Tel: 01953 601103

Ward-Robes, 20 Fairland St, Wymondham, NR18 0AW    Tel: 01953 607831

One Stop Shop, 39 Market St, Town Centre, Wymondham   Tel: 01953 603589

One Stop Shop, 26-28 Town Green, Wymondham   Tel 01953 607733

Adult's ticket includes a ploughman's. Children's ticket includes a hot dog. Bar will be open. Children are welcome.

* * *

Beccles Friends in Harmony Choir

Songs for Star Throwers

Date: Saturday 28th September

Time: 7:30pm

Location: St John's Church Harleston

Admission: Standard ticket £5    Concessions £3. 

Tickets are available from Ulric Computers Ltd 18, The Thoroughfare, Harleston or call 01379 854720

Beccle's Friends in Harmony Choir will be returning to Harleston for a concert in St John's Church. The 30-strong choir, joined by instrumental soloists  will be performing a wide variety of songs, from West End shows to John Rutter, to raise money for Star Throwers cancer support charity. 

A great month in August

Wow, hard to believe that September is nearly here - August has flown by!  Here are just a few things that we've been occupied with lately....

On August 14th, it was one year since we officially opened Star Throwers' first ever Charity Shop. The charity shop has been crucial in supporting the charity's work, in both raising awareness and funds. As it was such a momentum occasion we celebrated by having a week long half price sale for all our customers and giving away free Star Throwers trolley coins! We cannot say a big enough thanks to all of our supporters and volunteers who have made the shop as successful as it is. Thank you!!

(above: last year's grand opening with staff and supporters. Can't believe it's been a year already!)

Our Castle Mall partnership also got off to a flying start with The Mall holding an array of Summer Family Fun activities, including Cupcake Decoration, GoGo Gorillas Workshop, Flower Pot Decorating and Jurassic Encounters! For those of you who missed them and are reading this blog today, you still have a few hours left to attend their Beach Party outside Boots on Level 1. You need to hurry though! A big thank you to Castle Mall and also the wonderful people there.

Our gratitude extends too to all the volunteers who raised awareness of Star Throwers in the Castle Mall through holding a stall there at the beginning of August. It was a great opportunity to get the name of Star Throwers out and inform the public of how we help people affected by cancer. We hope to return soon so keep an eye out for us!

Looking forward to September the Wymondham Rugby Football Club on Tuttles Lane, NR18 0EN are holding their Festival weekend from Friday 6th to Sunday 8th September. On Friday there'll be live music, Saturday wll be Touch Rugby and Tug of War, and Sunday is going to be a family fun day. In other words lots to see and do! 20% of the profit will be going to Star Throwers, which is very generous of WRFC. We will also be holding a stall there on the Sunday, so again keep an eye out for us!

Later in September Beccles' Friends in Harmony choir are holding a concert for Star Throwers. This will be held at St John's Church Harleston, tickets are only £5. More details on the poster below:

Lastly, here is some feedback from some cancer patients and carers we have supported in August:

"Having everything explained to us with reference to my husband's cancer is such a help.  I certainly have a much more positive attitude and hopefully he will go forward for a long while."

"The time and understanding given by the Doctor was outstanding."

'The treatment has been helpful to me.  The information I have received has also clarified things for me. Thank you."

"I feel that the conversation with Doctor has encouraged and empowered me to take control of my situation and to become more pro-active in my attitude to possible treatment required.  THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!"

Partnership Ends with Sainsburys Attleborough

Sadly a year has passed and our partnership as Sainsburys Attleborough Charity of the Year is now over. We'd like to say a big thank you to all the staff and customers at Sainsburys Attleborough for your kindness in fundraising and raising awareness of our work over the last 12 months.

We were also lucky to meet some members of the Sainsburys team in person recently, when they came to present a cheque of £2500, raised from their recent sponsored walk and also merchandise sales throughout the year.

A massive thank you once again for all your support and hope that your partnership with new Charity of the Year is as positive as ours was!

(Above: members of the Sainsburys and Star Throwers team outside our charity shop in Middleton Street)

Thank You John

(John Soanes, top, with tandem instructor at Beccles airfield)

A big thank you to John Soanes for raising £890 plus GiftAid by doing a sponsored skydive at Beccles airfield in May. John said he always wanted to do a skydive and finally decided to do so on his 50th Birthday. He also said he chose Star Throwers as we helped a member of his family recently.  

We were glad to show John around our care centre when he came to visit us to present his sponsorship money, so he could see what his fundraising was supporting. 

A big thank you John! Hope you had a great time!

More Great News

In this era of austerity, we feel very fortunate at Star Throwers to have received support over the last 3 years from our local community, both individuals and organisations. Without this support, Star Throwers would simply not be possible and where it is today, having helped over 500 people affected by cancer since its inception through complementary advice and therapies.

On that note, we're absolutely delighted to confirm that over the last few weeks we have been chosen by The Castle Mall in Norwich, John Lewis in Norwich and Wymondham Rugby Club as their Charity of the Year (we are one of two chosen charities for Wymondham Rugby Club).

All three organisations were impressed with the work being done at Star Throwers and will be

supporting the charity through raising awareness of our services and fundraising through various events. We're very proud to be working together with these partners to further our cause.

Please check back regularly on our blog and facebook, more details on events to follow!

Garden Party a Resounding Success

Last Saturday we held our afternoon Garden Party at our care centre on Melton Road.

Initially the weather didn't look very promising as the morning brought rain, hail and thunder but fortunately as guests started to arrive they brought the sunshine along with them, which remained with us for majority of the afternoon.

With the help and support of wonderful volunteers a wide array of stalls were on offer including strawberry cream teas, a cake stall, garden stall, pimms and lemonade, garden games, and a jewellery stall, as well entertainment from djembe drummers, a guitarist and a magician. Guests also had a chance to play our raffle and tombola, thanks to kind donations from various donors.

Over 200 people attended the day and in total everyone helped to raised an amazing £1835 to support our work. I would just like to publicly thank all of those people for coming, as well our volunteers who always give their time so tirelessly and all the donors who helped make the day possible.

In no particular order, thank you to:

Justin and his team from the Green Dragon, Magic Dave, James Summerhill, Jeanette and Neil Holland, Alan and Joan Garnham, Ann Milner, Roz Revell and John, Myschell and Yasmine Lyndle, Robin Elvin, Jackie and Ralph Turner, Jo and Brian Hilton, Wymondham Bridewell W.I, Waitrose Wymondham, Jo Ford, Yvonne Flegg, Jan Goodchild, Maureen and Richard Walters, Rod and Jan Webster, Caitlin Moore, Lesley Allen, Elaina and Lisa Cullings, Tina Wilkins, Elaine Smith, Rosa Musgrave, Shelly Coles, DGAS Djembe group, Caroline Pocock, Victoria Cartwright, Maria Hewkin, Maria Whetton and Louise Mickleborough, Rosedale Funeral Home, Amanda Lansom, Nick Lane, Patricia Lane, Tim Martins, Wendy Winterbottom, Pat Wooster, Jemma Ng-Ho, Kate Harrison, Vonnie Bloom, Hazel Izarra, Jill Lamb, Pauline Chamberlain, Jill Chapman, Delphine Brown, Mary Atkinson, Carol Fairhurst, Alison Simpson, Ros Cogman, Sadie Wells. Sincere apologies to anyone who I've left out, we appreciate everyone who helps or supports us.

Garden Party Fundraiser this Saturday - Are You Coming?

Join us this Saturday from 2pm - 4:30pm for Star Throwers Garden Party.

There will be Strawberry Cream Teas, Raffles, Tombola, Psychic Readings, Fun and Games, Music, Entertainment, Homemade Cakes and more!

Hope to see you all there and let's hope for some sun!

Star Throwers Patron Les King - A Big Personality With An Even Bigger Heart

Since last August we have been lucky and proud to have Les King as a patron of Star Throwers. Known as Norfolk's 'King of Sport', back from his days as a boxing manager and owner of Olympic Removals, Les is a local celebrity in Wymondham with an indomitable enthusiasm for the community.

He is currently the chairman of the Friends of Chapel Road handicapped school in Attleborough and also the life president of Wymondham Town and Wroxham FC, as well as life patron of Norwich Lads' Club, where he boxed aged 17, and chairman of Norwich and District ex-boxers' association.

Knowing all this, it makes it all the more humbling for us to read in his recent interview in the local paper that Les considers being Patron of Star Throwers his biggest honour!

We feel very fortunate to have such a wonderful Patron. In the past year Les has helped Star Throwers immensely through his fundraising, particularly through enabling us to have our first ever charity shop last August and his successful charity cricket match last month. As well as this, though, Les has constantly spread the word about Star Throwers' work and next month on the 29th June he will be hosting a Regal Cinema 20th anniversary reunion to further raise awareness and funds for Star Throwers.

Even before he was a patron, almost from our beginnings as a charity, Les has been a fantastic supporter of our work. We're so proud to have him as our Patron and through his continual support we have been able to support more people affected by cancer.

Thank you Les, you're a star.

Two Star Star Throwers

Above: (Front, left to right) Erin and Leah with our lovely Wednesday afternoon volunteers 

(Back, left to right) Alma and Nicki

On this beautiful sunny day we had the pleasure of meeting Erin (aged 6) and Leah (aged 9) McGrotty, from Wymondham, who came in today to tell us all about their recent fundraising efforts for Star Throwers.

Instead of giving up something for Lent, the two girls decided to do something different and committed to doing different sports or exercises every day. And with family and friends sponsoring them they raised an amazing £57!

Their mother, Nicola, said that two of their friends' parents at school had been helped by Star Throwers.

Thank you Leah and Erin and a massive WELL DONE!

Brother Pit 'Brings It Home' at the Green Dragon

Folk Band Brother Pit

A big thank you to our new favourite folk band Brother Pit gig at the Green Dragon recently, raising a brilliant £138.12 on the night!

It continued the band's series of annual performances in support of local cancer charities, which Star Throwers are grateful to be the beneficiaries of this year.  Accordion and percussion player Matt Wood said:

"It was a great night. We played a number of new songs which went down really well, and Norfolk Harmony did a short set in the middle of the evening which added even more variety that usual.

"Cancer has touched the lives of a number of band-members, so each year we try to do at least one fund-raiser for a relevant charity. This year we wanted to put on a show in Wymondham, so Star Throwers was the obvious choice."

The Green Dragon

Guitarist and song‐writer Simon Bowles, who grew up in Wymondham, added: "In recent years we have staged our charity concerts at the Puppet Theatre in Norwich, but it was great to ‘bring it all home’ to Wymondham this year for Star Throwers!"

Thank you so much to everyone involved on the evening, from the Brother Pit band - Simon Bowles (guitar, vocals, song-writing), Theresa Bowles (vocals),

 Rick Lee (mandolin, vocals, harmonica), Pete Lee (guitar, vocals), Michael Arnander (guitar, vocals), Jez Johns (banjo), and Matt Wood (accordion, percussion) - to the Norfolk Harmony and to everyone at the Green Dragon for hosting the evening and raffling off a hamper!

Thank You Wymondham Golf Society

A very big thank you to the Wymondham Golf Society after they visited Star Throwers on 13th March to present us a cheque for their very kind donation of £250!

Support Elvis Running the London Marathon

Elvis needs your help! 

On March 16th, join Mark Fitch (Elvis) and friends - Boggie Fever, The Blue Sueders, and Olly Day - for a night of music, comedy and dancing to raise money to support Mark when he runs the London Marathon on the 21st April! 

The money will be raised for The Rachel Lane Fund and Breakthrough Breast Cancer, and a portion of the funds will go to Star Throwers.

Date: Saturday, March 16th

Time: Doors Open 8pm, Music from 8:30pm

Location: The Talk, Oak Street, Norwich

LOCAL BAND ‘BRINGING IT HOME’ IN 2013

Wymondham and Norwich-based folk band Brother Pit have announced dates for two gigs at the Green Dragon pub in Wymondham. On Thursday March 14th the acoustic 7-piece group will deliver two sets of ‘Americana from the East’, mixing traditional songs with their own compositions. And on Friday May 24th Brother Pit will open the first of the Green Dragon’s two beer-festivals for 2013.

Admission for the March gig is free, but optional donations for Star Throwers will be gratefully received on the night, continuing the band’s series of annual performances in support of local cancer charities. Guitarist and song-writer Simon Bowles, who grew up in Wymondham, said:

‘In recent years we have staged our charity concerts at the Puppet Theatre in Norwich, but it will be great to ‘bring it all home’ to Wymondham this year for Star Throwers!’

For more information about the two gigs visit Brother Pit’s Facebook page.

The full Brother Pit line up is:
• Simon Bowles: Guitar, vocals, song-writing
• Theresa Bowles: Vocals
• Rick Lee: Mandolin, vocals, harmonica
• Pete Lee: Guitar, vocals
• Michael Arnander: Guitar, vocals
• Jez Johns: Banjo
• Matt Wood: Accordion, percussion.

Brother Pit plays smaller venues, pubs and private parties in and around Norwich, with an up-beat and eclectic mix of traditional American, Irish and South-American songs, more recent folk/rock classics and original songs in a similar vein, mostly written by founder member Simon Bowles. Brother Pit played in Wymondham Market Place last summer as part of Wymondham Music Festival.

On Facebook:
On YouTube:

Don't Suffer Alone - Support Is Available

A report highlighted this week in the EDP revealed that

"nearly a third of newly diagnosed cancer patients a year in Norfolk and Suffolk lack sufficient support during their fight against cancer".

Macmillan Cancer Support surveyed 1,700 cancer patients and over 150 healthcare professionals to produce their Facing the Fight Alone report. They estimate that 1,350 out of 4,450 newly diagnosed cancer patients a year in Norfolk lack support during their cancer treatment and recovery. Very sadly, an estimated 550 people of those will receive "no help whatsoever, facing cancer completely alone."

Star Throwers helps cancer patients through advice and support from knowledgeable professionals and friendly volunteers throughout all stages of their cancer. Although we are proud to have supported over 500 patients this report highlights that there are still many who are struggling to live with their cancer and have not received further support.

Living with cancer often leaves one feeling frightened, stressed and drained. This is amplified even more so when someone goes through it alone. As well as the physical trauma of some cancer treatments the emotional impact is often just as devastating, on both the patient and their family and friends.

But support is available. The EDP produced a supplemental list with their article including the more well known Big C centre in Norwich and Macmillan Cancer Support as well several others across Norfolk and Suffolk.

At Star Throwers many patients have found it beneficial to come to a place of understanding away from a hospital environment.

The most important thing is to seek out support, wherever that may be. 

A lovely quote from Henri J.M. Nouwen (1981), which we read often:
"Let us not underestimate how hard it is to be compassionate. Compassion is hard because it requires the inner disposition to go with others to the place where they are weak, vulnerable, lonely, and broken. But this is not our spontaneous response to suffering. What we desire most is to do away with suffering by fleeing from it or finding a quick cure for it. As busy, active, relevant ministers, we want to earn our bread by making a real contribution. This means first and foremost doing something to show that our presence makes a difference. And so we ignore our greatest gift, which is our ability to enter into solidarity with those who suffer. Those who can sit in silence with their fellowman, not knowing what to say but knowing that they should be there, can bring new life in a dying heart. Those who are not afraid to hold a hand in gratitude, to shed tears in grief and to let a sigh of distress arise straight from the heart can break through paralyzing boundaries and witness the birth of a new fellowship, the fellowship of the broken."

Star Throwers - caring for those affected by cancer

01953 423340
info@starthrowers.org.uk
www.starthrowers.org.uk

Also on: YouTube, Facebook, iPatter
Help us fundraise:
on JustGiving, eBay for Charity, Paypal
Please contact us if you are organising a fundraising event!

Thank You to the Fairland Street Fundraisers

A big thank you to Marola's Hairdressers and C.C Clements & Sons for supporting Star Throwers on the evening of last year's Wymondham Christmas Fayre.

George from Clements, and Lesley, Mary, Jacqui and Becky from Marola's (above: left to right) organised fun activities on the Christmas Fayre evening including baking cakes, 'Light for Life' and also dressing up as animals! 

Both businesses, which are located on Fairland Street in Wymondham Town Centre, raised a brilliant £685 in total.

A big thank you also to Maria from Divas, also on Fairland Street, who sold teddy bears knitted by one of our patients in aid of Star Throwers!

Good Luck Paul and Trevor

Two of Wymondham's very own local butchers Paul Collins and Trevor Jonas from Collins Butchers in Back Lane, Wymondham, are shedding the pounds in a sponsored weight loss challenge in aid of Star Throwers.

Paul, who weights 20st 13lbs, has set himself a target of five stones to lose whilst Trevor, who weighs 17st, aims to shed three to four stones.

Collins Butchers is located less than 5 minutes walk to Star Throwers and they have been in full support of Star Throwers for a long time, including being a sponsor for the opening of our charity shop. 

Paul said: "We have got several customers who go to the centre and we really support Star Throwers. I know I will stick to the diet if it's for charity. My mum had breast cancer two years ago and Star Throwers helped her."

The very best of luck Paul and Trevor from everyone at Star Throwers!

Heavyweight Supports Star Throwers on Grand Opening of Diner

Congratulations and good luck to Norwich's heavyweight boxer Sam Sexton, who held the grand opening of his new KO's Sports Diner on Hall Road a few days ago. 

 Sam has very kindly chosen to support Star Throwers through having a collecting box in the diner. 

Sam visited Star Throwers back in December after being introduced to the charity through our Patron Les King. He is also scheduled to enter the ring on March 2nd at the Norfolk Showground for his next fight. 

The best of luck with the coming year Sam!

Dr Henry Mannings Restrictions Lifted After Review Hearing

Star Throwers are delighted to declare that all restrictions placed on Dr Henry Mannings imposed after an initial Interim Orders Panel (IOP) hearing on the 27th November 2012 have been revoked.

Back in November, an Interim Orders Panel imposed an order on Dr Mannings to restrict him from prescribing any medication.

At the IOP review hearing on Monday 14th January 2013, Dr Mannings, who represented himself, produced additional scientific evidence to the panel to prove the efficacy and safety of his approach in the cases of the two patients in question. He also reiterated the testimonials from eminent specialists which disagreed with and challenged the allegations made. Furthermore, the petition which has garnered approximately 3000 signatories so far was brought to the panel's attention, along with the hundreds of letters of support written from patients and families of patients.

In their conclusion, the Interim Orders Review Panel wrote: "The scientific papers to which the Panel has been referred indicate that the treatment which you gave was minimally toxic in the dosage you prescribed.

“In light of this additional information it does not consider that you present a risk to the public which makes it necessary to impose an interim order. It considers that an interim order could have a serious impact on you and the patients in your care and the risk posed does not justify these consequences.

“In all the circumstances, the Panel has determined that it is no longer necessary for the protection of members of the public, in the public interest or in your own interests for your registration to be subject to an order. The previous interim order is therefore revoked."

The hearing was held in public at the request of Dr Mannings in order to have full transparency, and was attended by members of the press and supporters of Dr Mannings.

Dr Mannings said after the hearing: "I am obviously very pleased with the common sense shown by the interim panel and their realisation of all the good work that is done at Star Throwers, based on all the evidence that was shown, including the petition and letters of support."

He continued: “We are exceptionally pleased that we will now be treating patients again, but can only hope that the time lost whereby they had not received any treatments will not have any long term consequences."

The GMC will continue their investigations into the veracity of the allegations and a full hearing may still ensue. In the meantime, however, it is a very positive result for Dr Mannings and his patients.

Star Throwers manager Steven Ho said: “We are delighted at this common sense outcome as we can now go back to work giving the best service we possibly can to our patients and continue our important work looking after people affected by cancer.

Once again, we would like to thank every single person who signed our petition, wrote a letter of support or helped to spread the word through their friends, families, and the media. We did it!”

Supporters can now help Star Throwers through eBay

For those of you who are planning to have a January sale on eBay, you can now help Star Throwers in the process!

Star Throwers is now registered with eBay as a charity: 

http://ebaygivingworks.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?charity-Profile&NP_ID=58484. 

This allows sellers to nominate Star Throwers to receive a portion of the final sale. 

Save us as one of your favourites to appear in your list of charities when selling an item, or simply click 'Sell an item' on our charity page - http://ebaygivingworks.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?charity-Profile&NP_ID=58484 - to help support Star Throwers!

You can further help us by spreading the word on your facebook and twitter pages. Thank you.

Early Review Granted for Dr Henry Mannings

We have some positive news to share from Star Throwers for the start of this New Year.

Just to recap, on the 27th November 2012 the GMC's Interim Orders Panel imposed several restrictions on Dr Mannings pending a full investigation into allegations against him, with the key restriction being that he cannot prescribe any medication. More detail can be found here: http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/in-support-of-dr-henry-mannings/

After the flood of support that has come in and pressure on the GMC, Dr Henry Mannings has been granted an Early Review Hearing with the IOP (Interim Orders Panel) on Monday Jan 14th at 10:30am. This means a new panel will hear the case for and against Dr Mannings again and will decided whether to uphold, amend or revoke the current restrictions.

We obviously hope for the last outcome of the three, and that common sense will prevail in the interest of the hundreds of patients who Dr Mannings has helped.

Please help us spread the word and send positive thoughts on the day for Dr Mannings. Also, if you have an offline petition, please try send it in to 30 Melton Road, Wymondham, Norfolk, NR18 0DB. If you can't do it by next Monday please do not worry, it will still count afterwards too, but we want to get as many as we can by next Monday!

Thank you and Happy New Year to everyone.

p.s. for regular updates please visit http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/in-support-of-dr-henry-mannings/blog and www.supportdrhenry.co.uk

Currys Lowestoft Organise Fundraiser After Letter From Patient

Above (Left to Right): 

Steven from Star Throwers and the Currys PC World team.

The final total has been confirmed from two 'Fun Days' held at the end of last summer in aid of Star Throwers, raising an amazing £785!

Currys Lowestoft (now Currys PC World Lowestoft) were inspired to fundraise for Star Throwers after one of our patients wrote to them asking for their support. Gemma Biddle (far right) said: "After reading her inspiring letter all of us wanted to do everything we could to help support such a great cause."

Two fun days were subsequently organised and held at the store in Lowestoft, where passing shoppers and their families had the chance to go on bouncy castles, raffles, 'shoot out' competitions and listen to the brilliant Rock Choir Group. As well as this, children were also gleefully happy to have their pictures taken with characters from Star Wars and the Batman movies. A local car business, John Grose on Goddard Road, also attended the fun days and very kindly money towards the events.

As well as the two fun days, Gemma herself organised and completed her very own 'Rude Road Trip', inspired by the TV program 'The Inbetweeners', visiting 40 rude street names around the UK in 40 hours. She completed this in August and raised £225 through JustGiving!

Our sincere thanks to all the team at Currys PC World Lowestoft for organising such fantastic events, raising both money and awareness for Star Throwers in Lowestoft. A big thank you also to John Grose for their very kind donation.