How one Buckinghamshire charity is helping those facing redundancy

Zoe Gater

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After the shock of redundancy, Bucks charity Careers Springboard could help with the next step in your career.

For many senior managers in their late 40s and 50s, being made redundant can make them feel like the rug has been pulled from under their feet.

Alongside the financial impact, losing a long-held role can very often trigger a sense of uncertainty about your career path, your professional identity, and what comes next.

IT professional Paul Christopher knows this experience all too well.

“Redundancy is no picnic,” he says. “With its financial and professional impact, it has been one of the toughest periods of my life.”

Like many experienced managers, he initially returned to familiar methods – updating an old CV and applying for roles the way he had years before. Progress was slow, and doubt began to creep in.

Living locally, Paul was aware of Careers Springboard, a Bucks-based charity supporting jobseekers across the Home Counties. Initially sceptical, he eventually attended a weekly Zoom introduction session.

“Immediately, it was helpful to speak with other people facing similar challenges,” he says. “The session gave me a clear perspective on how to present myself professionally and think strategically about my next move.”

Working one-to-one with a volunteer adviser, Paul not only refined his CV but also learned how to position himself for senior roles and focus on the kind of opportunity that would advance his career.

Beyond practical advice, Careers Springboards structured webinars and networking sessions gave him clarity and reassurance about his direction.

The results were clear. After months of slow progress, Paul landed multiple interviews and two job offers in one week.

“Careers Springboard helped me move forward and secure the role that was the next step in my career,” he says.

Careers Springboard is run by highly qualified volunteers and offers free career coaching, CV development, mock interviews, LinkedIn guidance and networking opportunities, both virtual and face-to-face.

Senior managers facing redundancy don’t have to navigate it alone.

To find out more, please visit careersspringboard.org.uk

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See legendary British sports broadcaster John Inverdale at Cranleigh Arts

Zoe Gater

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From Wimbledon and the Olympic Games to the Rugby and Football World Cups and more, don’t miss renowned sports broadcaster John Inverdale when he sits down with racing journalist Brough Scott at Cranleigh Arts this spring.

Celebrating the world of sport and broadcasting, Surrey’s Cranleigh Arts hosts a special evening with a voice familiar to millions, as legendary sports presenter John Inverdale sits down in conversation with Trustee and racing journalist Brough Scott.

Taking place on Thursday 5 March 2026 from 7.30pm, the live event explores John’s illustrious career, which spans more than four decades, exploring the moments that have shaped him into one of the most recognisable voices in British sports broadcasting.

Over the years, John has guided audiences through iconic sporting occasions across radio and television – from the Olympic Games and FIFA World Cups to Wimbledon, the Five and Six Nations Championships, the Ryder Cup, the Grand National, Cheltenham Festival, and even the World’s Strongest Man competition.

Offering rare behind-the-scenes insight into the magic of live broadcasting – along with the pressures, triumphs and unforgettable moments – audiences can expect anecdotes from John’s early days reading the news on BBC Radio Lincolnshire to interviewing some of the most prestigious figures in the sporting world.

The evening’s proceeds will be shared equally between Cranleigh Arts and The John Hunt Family Foundation, supporting the continued work of both organisations.

For more information or to book tickets, email sophie@cranleigharts.org or operations@cranleigharts.org.

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Reading Pancake Race 2026: £8,200 raised to support homelessness

Zoe Gater

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Sunshine, sizzling pancakes and fancy dress filled Broad Street as Launchpad’s 29th annual Reading Pancake Race raised £8,200 to support people facing homelessness — with one team flipping their way to victory.

Broad Street was flipping fantastic this Shrove Tuesday 2026 as Reading’s much-loved Pancake Race returned, bringing sunshine, standout costumes and a sizzling £8,200 fundraising total.

Now in its 29th year, the annual event organised by Launchpad saw 21 teams from local businesses and community groups battle it out for the coveted frying pan trophy – all while raising vital funds to support people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in Reading.

Crowds lined the town centre street to cheer on colleagues, friends and family as teams raced in a series of knock-out heats, flipping pancakes as they sprinted.

The grand finale drew plenty of excitement, with long-time Launchpad supporter Andy Briggs keeping energy levels high as compère.

The Mayor of Reading, Dr Alice Mpofu-Coles, presented the prizes to this year’s winners.

And the winners are…

Taking the 2026 crown were Air IT, whose Scooby Doo–inspired fancy dress helped secure them the title of Launchpad’s 29th champions. Alongside the iconic frying pan trophy, they won a cocktail masterclass for four at The Roseate Reading.

Second place went to Rowberry Morris, who received drinks and a day pass at Novotel Reading Centre, while Evoke Transport came third, winning afternoon tea courtesy of Crumbs.

There were plenty of additional accolades handed out on the day, too:

Top fundraisers include Abbey School, raising an impressive £874 and winning afternoon tea at Vino Vita, with second-best fundraisers, Davis Tate, winning pizza and beer from Zero Degrees Brewery.

Field Seymour Parkes won best fancy dress and were awarded a £60 voucher from Honest Burger for their Charlie and the Chocolate Factory–inspired costumes.

Evoke Transport were highly commended, scooping a £50 voucher for The Plough Shiplake thanks to their bananas-and-eggs outfits.

And best team spirit went to Field Seymour Parkes, winning cinema tickets to The Biscuit Factory.

Fiona Keyte, fundraising manager at Launchpad, said the atmosphere was better than ever.

“The Pancake Race never fails to be fantastic – especially as we managed to have a rain-free event! The costumes, laughter, crowds and community spirit were incredible this year.

We’re so grateful to the hundreds of supporters who lined the street, the generous local businesses who donated prizes, and our wonderful volunteers. This fun-filled event has a serious purpose: to raise funds and awareness for those in our community who are homeless or at risk of losing their homes.”

The £8,200 raised — and counting — will support Launchpad’s work providing advice, accommodation and tailored support to people facing housing crises in Reading.

Founded in 1979, the charity helped more than 1,800 people in housing crisis last year alone, including rough sleepers, sofa surfers and those facing eviction.

For more information about Launchpad or to donate, visit Launchpad Reading’s website.

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Breast Cancer Now Pink Ribbon Walk 2026: UK charity walks at Hampton Court, Blenheim Palace and more

Zoe Gater

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Breast Cancer Now’s annual Pink Ribbon fundraising walks are back and raising vital funds for lifesaving research and life-changing support – one step at a time.

Breast Cancer Now’s iconic Pink Ribbon Walks are returning to beauty hotspots and historic cityscapes in the UK for their 21st year in 2026 – calling outdoor lovers to step up now for a 10 or 20-mile walk to help change the future of breast cancer.

On various dates from April to June, the walks take place across four beautiful locations and are a perfect challenge for newbie walkers and seasoned hikers alike.

Walks include:

• Saturday 18 April – Hampton Court Palace and the Thames Path
• Saturday 9 May – Blenheim Palace and the Cotswolds
• Sunday 17 May – Chatsworth House and the Peak District
• Saturday 20 June – Edinburgh at Holyrood Park

Since they began, the Pink Ribbon Walks have raised over £15.5m for Breast Cancer Now and when we first walked in 2005, 8 in 10 women in the UK survived breast cancer for 5 or more years. Now, it’s 9 in 10. That’s the power of science and support in action.

The need today for support has never been more important. One woman is diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK every 9 minutes and a man every day. And if nothing is done to change this, one woman will be diagnosed with breast cancer every 8 minutes by 2040.

Every step you take. Every mile you walk. It all helps fund our lifesaving science and life-changing support.

For more information or to book your Pink Ribbon Walk this spring, visit Breast Cancer Now’s website.

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Award-winning Oxfordshire charity leads the way for National Year of Reading

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Could you join the ARCh charity champions and volunteer to help Oxfordshire children read with confidence? 

2026 has been officially designated the National Year of Reading – a nationwide initiative to improve literacy and foster a lifelong love of books among children.

At the heart of this effort is Oxfordshire’s award-winning charity, Assisted Reading for Children (ARCh) which works with primary schools across the county to help every child become a confident reader. 

As a delivery partner for the National Year of Reading, ARCh is turning national ambition into local action.

The charity provides one-to-one reading sessions, pairing children with trained volunteers in a calm, supportive environment.

This approach encourages children who may need extra help to develop essential literacy skills, while also building confidence and nurturing a love of reading. 

“Just one hour a week can make a huge difference to a child’s life.” 

Research consistently shows that strong reading skills are linked to better educational and life outcomes, making ARCh’s work more vital than ever.

To meet growing demand, the charity is calling on Oxfordshire residents to volunteer — no teaching experience is required, just patience, enthusiasm, and a love of books.

Volunteers receive training and ongoing support, and many describe the experience as deeply rewarding. 

ARCh also partners with local businesses through Employee Volunteering schemes, giving staff the opportunity to spend an hour a week supporting children in their local schools. 

A little time can make a huge difference.

To volunteer or find out more about workplace partnerships, email info@archoxfordshire.org.uk or visit archoxfordshire.org.uk. 

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Design a card for Cardiac Health’s 50th anniversary

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Cardiac Health and Alton FC launch a competition inviting children to design a ‘heartfelt thank you card’ for the local charity.

Based in Alton, Cardiac Health helps people lead stronger, healthier lives through exercise.

Guided by skilled, British Association for Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation (BACPR) qualified instructors, participants undertake tailored exercise programmes with medical oversight.

In 2026, the charity is celebrating 50 years of operation in the town, helping exercisers regain confidence, stay active, and take control of their health.

To mark the occasion, Cardiac Health is launching a year of anniversary celebrations — including an art and design competition, with the charity inviting children from Alton Football Club and local schools to design a ‘heartfelt thank you card’.

Since July 2025, Alton Football Club has been its charity fundraising partner. And this week, the pair jointly launched the competition in the busy gym at Cardiac Health on Chawton Park Road.

Denise Ellis, Centre Manager at Cardiac Health, said: “So many local people have been supported by Cardiac Health over the last 50 years; it’s been a pillar of the community since Dr Hugh Bethell first launched the ‘cardiac rehab’ exercise sessions at Alton Sports Centre in 1976.

“Partnering with Alton Football Club for this, our 50th anniversary year, makes so much sense as health, fitness, exercise and community are at the heart of everything we do. I am so pleased that Carl and the team at Alton FC have agreed to help us launch this competition and provide some of the prizes. I can’t wait to see the entries!”

Cardiac Health will invite every child who enters the competition to see their design on display at their dedicated exercise centre in Alton on Thursday 26th March 2026.

As well as seeing the wonderful artwork, children and their families will be offered after-school refreshments and given a chance to tour the facilities at Cardiac Health.

From the entries, competition judges will choose one overall design to be used as a special charity thank you card. Each age group will also be awarded a prize for the most creative design.

The closing date for this competition is Saturday 28th February 2026. Entries must fit on a single sheet of A4 paper and be accompanied by:

Name and age of child

Name, email address and telephone number of a parent or guardian.

All entries must be submitted to Cardiac Health, Chawton Park Road, Alton GU34 IRQ.

Digital or photographed entries will not be accepted.

See the full terms and conditions of entry here: https://cardiachealth.org.uk/about/news/can-you-design-a-heartfelt-thank-you-card-for-us/

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Will power in Oxfordshire 

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Round & About

Three Oxfordshire hospices have joined forces to increase vital Gifts in Wills donations 

Sobell House, Helen & Douglas House, and Katharine House say that legacy fundraising – when a person leaves money to a charity in their Will – is an increasingly vital source of revenue and they are now reliant on it to form a significant portion of their overall fundraising income. 

The nature of giving to charity via your Will means people can make a crucial difference to hospice care in Oxfordshire without it impacting finances now, when many households and families are financially stretched and making charitable contributions can be difficult. 

Beth Marsh, Sobell House Hospice Charity’s Director of Fundraising said: “Income from regular donations is increasingly unpredictable. Legacy gifts are an alternative way to give and are vital as demand for hospice services continues to grow. Even the most modest of gifts makes a significant impact. It’s not only financial donations – physical items, land, shares and many other assets can be left to a charity in a Will” 

About 25% of Sobell House’s fundraised income, currently comes from gifts in Wills. Trustee, Greg Birdseye, made the decision to update his will to include the charity after his wife passed away at the hospice. Greg said: 

“My wife Penny was referred to Sobell House after a number of treatments in hospital for lung cancer. After Penny died, I was more than happy to update my Will to include a legacy to the charity. I would encourage anyone to consider doing the same. I’ve seen first-hand the difference it makes.” 

At Katharine House Hospice, legacy gifts currently support 1 in 10 of the patients they care for but they’re urging people to help them increase this number. 

Stephanie Lawless, Director of Fundraising & Marketing at Katharine House said: “A growing demand for our specialist services, combined with rising costs, means Katharine House is spending more than it can raise. Gifts in Wills are a vital part of the solution and will make a real impact across Oxfordshire. 

“The compassionate care provided at Katharine House Hospice, like other hospices, is not just for the patients but also for their family members too. One of our patients, Cat, was able to use our cuddle bed (funded by donors) so she could spend precious time with her son Archie. Hospice care isn’t just about specialist clinical support, but also about making every moment matter for the whole family.” 

At Helen & Douglas House Children’s Hospice, legacy gifts fund vital services such as bereavement counselling and specialist paediatric palliative care for children. 

Joanna Swindells Carr has chosen to leave a Gift in her Will to Helen & Douglas House after the hospice supported their family with respite and expert medical care for daughter Beatrice for six years, before she passed away in the hospice. 

Joanna said: “‘I have chosen to leave a gift in my Will as a thank you for the superlative care, physical, emotional and respite, that Helen & Douglas House gave to our daughter, Beatrice, and our family for six years. I hope that a gift to Helen & Douglas House will help them to continue giving their incomparable and compassionate care to other life-limited children and their families.” 

Alex Hegenbarth at Helen & Douglas House said: Helen & Douglas House cares for 580 children, parents and siblings a year and the gifts received from Wills go a long way to helping us provide the care and support these local families need.” 

The three Oxfordshire hospices will all be part of Hospice UK’s National TV campaign in September which encourages people to leave a gift in their Will to their local hospice. 

For more information on leaving a gift in your Will to your local hospice go to: Sobell House

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Riding Strong for Charity: Farnham on the Move

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Pedal power will be at the forefront of this year’s Farnham Charity Bike Ride next month

Get Ready for the Farnham Charity Bike Ride 2025!

Chained to your bike or ‘all the gear but no idea’? No matter your cycling experience, the Farnham Charity Bike Ride has a route for you.

Pump up your tyres and oil your chain for Sunday, 21st September, when cyclists of all levels will ride through the stunning Surrey and Hampshire countryside.

Now in its 16th year, the Farnham Charity Bike Ride offers something for everyone. Enjoy the camaraderie of fellow riders and, most importantly, ride to support great local causes!

Routes for Every Rider

Choose from four looped routes: a family-friendly 16 miles or a scenic 25-mile route across rolling hills. For more experienced cyclists, take on the classic 50-mile ride or challenge yourself with the tough 75-mile route that includes Butser Hill—the highest point in the South Downs.

Supporting Local Causes

The ride benefits several charities, including The Hedgehogs, St Andrew’s School PTA, and the Royal Surrey Charity Cancer Centre. The Hedgehogs, founded in 1959, is Farnham’s local charity dedicated to helping people in need. In the last decade alone, they have raised over £300,000.

A Community Effort

The Farnham Charity Bike Ride began in 2009 when parents at St Andrew’s School needed funds for a new roof. Since then, the event has grown significantly. Many teachers and parents volunteer during the ride to help with registration, marshalling, and refreshments. Furthermore, riders can fundraise for charities close to their hearts, making the event even more meaningful.

Fuel Up and Celebrate

Along the route, refreshment stops will offer the famous flapjacks and other tasty treats to keep you energized. Additionally, cheerful marshals will support you throughout the ride.

Everyone will start and finish in Farnham, where you can claim your medal and join the post-ride celebrations.

This year, get involved with the Farnham Charity Bike Ride and pedal for a purpose!

To get involved and find out more please visit here.

To read more about surrey, click here.

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Join the Magic of Midsummer Night’s Dream at Wylds Farm

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Petersfield Shakespeare Festival returns for another walk on the Wyld Side, July 18th-20th, and as Lucy and Clare reveal this year’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream will be dedicated to a much-missed friend 

Petersfield Shakespeare Festival Returns with a Magical Midsummer Night’s Dream

In 2021, as lockdown lifted, the Petersfield Shakespeare Festival transformed the Covid nightmare into a joyous celebration with A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The play’s festive spirit perfectly matched its magical setting. Although rehearsals were unusual and socially distanced, the performances thrilled audiences. Special guests, including a full moon and a rainbow, even appeared, adding to the enchantment.

A Tribute and Revival for 2025

Because the production was so successful, the festival will revive A Midsummer Night’s Dream this summer. This year’s performances will honour the late Jon-Paul Rowden, a talented actor who played Bottom. To celebrate his memory, the festival will donate all proceeds to the charity MIND.

An Enchanting Experience in Nature

Eight versatile actors will again delight audiences with a timeless classic performed beneath an ancient oak tree. This magical spot lies within the woodland wonders of Wylds Christmas Tree Farm in Liss.

The evening starts with tasty refreshments and live music at the Bottoms Up bar. Afterwards, the audience will promenade “en masse” up the hill and enter the enchanted forest. Here, fairies wage war, lovers quarrel, and an amateur acting troupe secretly rehearses a play. What could possibly go wrong?

Family-Friendly Festival Atmosphere

Visitors can arrive early to enjoy the family-friendly festival vibe and beautiful surroundings before the show begins. Tickets remain affordable to encourage everyone to join, and concessions are available. For more details and bookings, visit psfest.co.uk or purchase tickets in person at One Tree Books, Lavant Street, Petersfield GU32 3EL.

About Petersfield Shakespeare Festival and Wylds Farm

Now in its 13th season, the Petersfield Shakespeare Festival continues to enrich the local cultural scene. It started in 2012 when drama teachers united to feed their creative appetites during summer holidays. Since then, it has delighted audiences with outdoor theatre.

Wylds Farm focuses on creating family festive experiences for adults and children to remember. The farm hosts seasonal events year-round. For example, in November and December, the Christmas spirit shines during the Postbox Trail. Visitors send letters to Father Christmas and follow woodland signs to find the iconic red postbox atop a small hill.

More details click here.

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Phil Grant Muscular Dystrophy: Standing Strong with Heart

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You’ve probably encountered Phil Grant, 61, from Charlbury, maybe as his alter ego Wonder Woman, during his 30+ years volunteering for Muscular Dystrophy UK

Phil Grant has passionately supported Muscular Dystrophy UK since his son Christopher was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy in 1990.

Although Christopher died four years ago, Phil continues volunteering in his memory. He explains, “When my son was diagnosed, it shocked us, but the charity provided much-needed support. We were fortunate to share 34 wonderful years with Christopher. He taught us patience and showed a great attitude—‘deal with the cards you’re dealt’ and keep moving forward.”

Phil often dresses as Wonder Woman for fundraising events like the Bidwells Oxford 10k and London Marathon. In fact, this year the charity recognised his tireless efforts by awarding him Volunteer of the Year at the Muscular Dystrophy UK President’s Awards, in partnership with Airnow Technology. Gabby Logan MBE, the charity’s president, hosted the event, which honours those who make an exceptional difference in the muscle-wasting community.

Find out more about how you can volunteer with Muscular Dystrophy UK here. You can read more about Phil’s story here. The free Muscular Dystrophy UK helpline, 0800 652 6352, runs 10am-2pm, Monday to Thursday.

To learn more about your area, click here.

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