King of Sport and King of Kindness

Sometimes there are people in this world who really make a difference and Les King was one of them.
A man who dedicated so much of his life not only to sport but to those who were disabled or suffering through no fault of their own. His tireless efforts to raise money for causes he believed in cannot be underestimated and his kindness to those around him touched many people’s hearts.
The King has gone but will never be forgotten especially by the Star Throwers charity which will always be indebted to him.

Dr. Henry Mannings on behalf of everyone at Star Throwers.

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Charity Shop Special

Post by Star Throwers.

Three Peaks

Had a really pleasant visit from Jez Calaby and Kaori King who were two of the 30(!) amazing people from Imagine It and Agile Marketing that did the Three Peaks in 24 hours challenge last year to raise money for Adrenal Cancer research and Star Throwers. Their fundraising enabled us to purchase two recliners for our welcoming lounge. Thank you so much!

Cabbell's Summer Ceilidh

Banham Primary School's Science Week

A big thank you to Banham Community Primary School for holding a non-uniform day recently in aid of Star Throwers.

Pupils are the school dressed up in science themed clothes on Friday 21st March to celebrate National Science Week, which ran from March 17th to 21st. 

So far this academic year, the school has raised more than £200 for our charity. Previous fund raising events include a star theme cake sale, an art competition, and a dress-up day held in the autumn term.

Thanks you so much guys - and you all look very cool

Pictured above, with a number of children from different classes, is head teacher Paul Seeman, Dr Ken, and teacher Mrs Claire Stanley.

Thank you Norwich Sunblinds!

Norwich Sunblinds donated a generous £613 to Star Throwers this month, raised through pledging to donate £1 for every blind and curtain sold in the month of February.

We were grateful to meet Fiona and Lesley and Norwich Sunblinds and to explain more about what we do at Star Throwers.

Thank you Norwich Sunblinds!

Lesley and Fiona from Norwich Sunblinds (second and third from left) with Dr Henry Mannings, Tina Martins and Maureen Walters from Star Throwers

A tribute to Wendy Winterbottom

Wendy, 2nd from right, at the opening of
the Star Throwers Charity Shop which she was
instrumental in establishing

Wendy Winterbottom was the fundraising coordinator and a volunteer at Star Throwers. She sadly passed away earlier this year on January 25th 2014 from cancer.

Many people who visited Star Throwers will have met Wendy. She was a wonderful person with a kind and infectious smile that could not easily be forgotten and was caring beyond measure. Wendy helped Star Throwers from the very beginning through organising many fundraising events in the community, which has been written about on this blog. But as well as raising money to support our work she also provided warmth and positivity to so many of our visitors and was an inspiration to so many others. 

Although she is no longer with us, her impact will continue indefinitely in all of the people affected by cancer that walk through our doors in the future. Thank you Wendy. We miss you dearly but will never forget you.

A month on from her celebration of life, we'd like to share a brief tribute from a dear friend of Wendy's and fellow volunteer at Star Throwers, Nicki Daws:

My friend, our friend, will be deeply missed at Star Throwers. Everybody knew her and when somebody new came through the door they invariable recognised Wendy from somewhere in their past.

As Events Organiser for Star Throwers she was a whizz: organised, creative, extremely hard working and a poster/flyer making genius!

Wendy was a lady of many talents.  Her jams and chutneys were delicious and always disappeared very quickly.  She would often show us the wonderfully decorated birthday cakes she had made for family, of which the Dr Who themed ones were my favourite.   

One of these people who was always doing something, Wendy was never still for very long.  She was a keen gardener, grew veggies, swam, played tennis, watched tennis, and knew a lot about tennis (always helpful when trying to follow Wimbledon!). I still remember every Wednesday we also used to discuss which book she was reading for her book club, of which she was an active member.  Wendy was just so interesting and a great pleasure to spend time with.

My friend was kind, funny, clever, thoughtful, helpful, always upbeat, generous and of course brave.  Although she is no longer with us she continues to inspire me.

I will miss her dearly.  May she rest in peace but still keep an eye on us.

A Charity Dance for Star Throwers

A charity dance is being held in Attleborough to benefit Star Throwers. Come join us for an evening of fantastic live music and a chance to win fantastic prizes in our raffle which includes a signed N.C.F.C shirt, and 2 tickets for British Super Bikes at Snetterton!

The event is being organised by Vanessa Beales, in memory of her dad Derek Barnard whom Star Throwers supported.

Tickets are available to purchase from:

Cranks/Cyclelife 

19 The Drift

Attleborough

Norfolk

NR17 2FB

or call 01953 453737

Date: Saturday 12th April

Time: 7:30pm to Midnight

Location: Attleborough Town Hall

Admission: only £5!

Thank you No.5 Hair Salon!

No.5 Hair Studio, based in Wymondham Market St Car Park, recently made a donation to star Throwers after they organised a raffle which raised a brilliant £88.

The lucky winner was one of No.5's clients, Georgina Frosdick, who won the top raffle prize of a wonderful hamper containing hair straighteners, Paul Mitchell hair products, champagne, and chocolates.

Raffle Prize presented to winner.
(left to right) Jill Chapman of Star Throwers, Georgina Frosdick, Mel Storer of No.5

Salon owner Mel Storer said, "We make a point of supporting local charities as often as possible so I was very happy to present the donation to Star Throwers, a very worthy local charity and one which No.5 has supported several times and will continue to support."

A big thanks to No.5 for their support once again in raising both funds and awareness of Star Throwers's work. All money raised goes towards providing advice and support for people affected by cancer in a positive and supportive environment away from the hospital. 

If you are affected by cancer or know of someone affected by cancer please contact Star Throwers on 01953 423304 to find out about how we can support you.

Pictures from Patron Les King's Book Launch

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)