Making life fun and enjoying the moment

It’s really important to have something to look forward to. This is one of the reasons why we arrange retreats. This weekend we had two families staying at Alfriston Woodland Cabins and we were honoured to gift them a hamper donated by Community Champions Morrison's Seaford Morrisons, and littlelifts boxes too. Its good for everyone’s morale and general mental health to have something to focus on, and something positive to look forward to. On top of that, quality experiences bring the family even closer together, and make lots of great memories.

Try and do things that are achievable for you all. You don’t have to go sky diving, or on expensive trips, it might be just going to the cinema, beach, a walk, dinner at your favourite restaurant or family time with the kids.

What about you. What do you all love doing as a family?

Well that was an epic morning!

Well that was an epic morning! Thank you to everyone that braved the British Airways i360 abseil, to everyone that came along to cheer us on, and to everyone that donated! Such a fab wolo moment - and the weather was perfect! So hard to pick just 10 photos!

UK Ultra South Downs 100k - Team Wolo

Couldn’t have been more proud of team Wolo as we all became Ultra Runners by completing the SD100k. Massive shout out to Marcos Jarvis and UK Ultra South Downs 100k, Neil Kirby and everyone involved for being so helpful on the day.

I’m not going to lie, I struggled big time, both mentally and physically. I tripped in the dark before I even started and cut my knee open and became a rea problem (living up to my crash test dummy nickname!)

I persevered. I came last. But I did it! I showed my kids that anything can be achieved if you put your mind to it.

Thank you to everyone who came to support us, and to everyone that has sponsored me. It make such a difference to so many families we support at WOLO Foundation

I’m off to take it easy!

Did you make any changes to your life after cancer diagnosis?

If ever you need a little of inspiration/motivational. Look at how this family that we have supportting have been have living with cancer and the changes that they have made.

Did you make any changes to your life after cancer diagnosis?

odcast & Article NOW Online >>>

After receiving a life-changing diagnosis in 2019, Marcos Jarvis and his family began the painful process of accepting the devastating news. WOLO Foundation

A keen sportsman and avid runner, Marcos studied his way through the biggest fight of his life, turning the negatives into positives with the power of the human mind ...

“Running, for me, is a sense of purpose. When I push my body to keep going through and beyond what I thought was possible, I gain more momentum.”

“Endorphins rushing as I pull oxygen into my body, getting fitter and fitter: feeling as though I am killing the cancer cells. Clearing my mind as I pace towards my daily targets, running has really helped me to process and accept my cancer.”

www.UltrarunnerMagazine.co.uk/category/elite-and-athlete/

Wolo Foundation are Drusillas Park’s charity of the year!

So, so proud to announce that we are Drusillas Park’s charity of the year! So humbled they have chosen us - a small, local, grass roots charity. It will really help us to create awareness of what we do, and help encourage more people to live their best lives! We are supporting more families than ever before on their cancer journeys around Sussex. Thank you for believing in us, and for your continued support. #wolo #weonlyliveonce #funfindingoutdayout #family #zoo #wolomoments

Taking on Stage 4 Cancer and the Goggins Challenge - Marcos Jarvis

I'm so proud of my journey so far and how far I've come. Even managed to get an article bout me in an ultra running magazine!

https://www.ultrarunnermagazine.co.uk/taking-on-stage-4-cancer-and-the-goggins-challenge-marcos-jarvis/?fbclid=IwAR3z1ZSS0FkxJs_SJaFiM7W-IZTDcteDnmTMsbUdTYvnfHp03YbaxjwU3wk

Twenty Four Seven Sisters 2021

HUGE congratulations to Darren Evans for completing the #twentyfoursevensisters challenge on Thursday/Friday. Thank you to everyone that came along to support - it really overwhelmed us all. Thank you!!

Thank you to everyone that has donated- you are all amazing.

Thank you!

The sweepstake results are IN - Darren did 145,317 steps - Chris Pellatt guessed the closest at 135,000 - well done Chris!

Darren ran 120.36km with a total elevation of 18,209 ft - HIGHER than Everest Base Camp - all in 24 hours! Wow!

To donate, click here:

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/darren-evans-24-7

Here's a movie montage of the day/night - what an epic achievement - such an inspiration!

His very own marathon!

Tom has been busy! He has done a mile a day for 26 days - his very own marathon! Wow! Well done Tom!! Thank you so much

CHALLENGE & SWEEPSTAKE COMPETITION

This Thursday 25th March, one of our Wolo ambassadors, Darren Evans, will be starting an independent 24 hour endurance ultra run over the Seven Sisters Cliffs.

He will be starting in the morning, and will run for 24 hours, across the Seven Sisters between Birling Gap and Cuckmere Haven, and back again, as many times as possible in 24 hours. One ‘leg’ is 9km and 425m (1400ft) of elevation.

He is hoping to complete a minimum of 120km with over 5,220m (17500ft) of elevation - the equivalent of running up to Everest Base Camp!

He is running to help raise awareness and funds for WOLO Foundation.

Darren says, “This is an epic challenge and it’s going to be really tough, but is nothing compared to what families living with cancer are going through. This hasn’t been done before (I believe) so I’m really looking forward to it!!”

To sponsor Darren on his epic ultra challenge, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/darren-evans-24-7

~SWEEPSTAKE~

Fancy having a guess how many steps Darren will run on his challenge? Join our sweepstake! Closest guess wins! Just 'like' our page, and share this post, commenting with your guess, and you will be in with a chance of winning some Wolo merch, a relaxation session from Jane Evans Hypnotherapy and an exciting SURPRISE prize! All entries must be made before he sets off on 25/3. Entries made after he has started, will not be eligible.

#twentyfoursevensisters

Andy has a way with words....

Cherish every moment with your loved ones.

We only live once.

We are so pleased we are able to continue supporting him and his family during these tough times.

We will always be there for them. If you can spare anything to help us support Andy Ogilvie and his young family, or any of the other families we are supporting across Sussex - through a donation, becoming a corporate Wolo Partner or joining in with a fundraising event, we would be so very grateful

Thank you

#weonlyliveonce #wolo #Cancer #cancerawareness #charity #sussex

Andy’s latest FB post

So, I’m afraid to say that there’s some more bad news. I had an MRI scan last Sunday and it’s revealed another tumour. I’m not counting them anymore but, apparently, this one is a hell of a nasty bugger. It’s in my leg and is actually breaking my right femur apart. That would explain the extreme pain that I’ve been feeling in that area. I’m booked in for some surgery on Wednesday, which my Oncologist has described as being ‘a bit like banging a nail into a bit of wood’.

Once again, I would like to express my extreme gratitude to the NHS. Without whom, I certainly wouldn’t have made it this far.

I would also like to thank Fler Wright and Justin Wright from The Wolo Foundation.

I honestly don’t know what we would have done without them. They have provided all sorts of assistance. For example, they have provided enough childcare that Sally has been able to return to work. They have also provided weekly acupuncture sessions for me, which have been of tremendous benefit. They have provided essential items, such as dehumidifiers and a walking stick. They have just offered to provide the transport for my upcoming hospital visit.

On top of all that, they sorted out a short break for us when things were really stressful. They have helped me out with ongoing maintenance to keep my car on the road, including the upcoming MOT. They have provided assistance in the form of plumbers, electricians and cleaners, to help us keep on top of household stuff.

I’ve barely scratched the surface but, already, this has become a very long post.

It would really mean a lot to me if as many of you as possible check out the Wolo Facebook page. If you can like and share it, so much the better. Also, if any of you are feeling generous, I’m sure that they would be grateful for any donations. Furthermore, if you own or have influence over a business which might be able to offer its services to the Wolo community, you should get in touch with Fler or Justin through the page. I’m sure that they’d love to hear from you.

For some reason, I’m having trouble tagging the Wolo page in this post. I’m on a mobile at the moment but I’ll try and edit from a computer later on. In the meantime, I’ve added a link so that you can make a donation to this incredibly worthy charity. It would mean a lot to me. It would mean that more people are able to receive the kind of help that I have been receiving.

‘one’

During the month of March, we are sharing more information about who we are, and what we do. Today, we want to share with you our logo.

Justin (Co-Founder) designed the logo, and cleverly used a ‘1’ as the L in WOLO to visually depict the ‘one’ in ‘we only live once’. How amazing is that? So subtle, but so meaningful. It’s particularly appropriate today as we are 1! We were registered as a charity exactly a year ago today! Woo! Happy Birthday to us!

Tilly's Hedgehog bread family was the clear winner!

Well done Tilly (who was also our youngest entrant!) Everyone that took part will receive a BAKE OFF medal, and the star baker Tilly will be getting a prize too. Thank you to everyone that took the time to vote - all the entries were amazing! Well done bakers! #weonlyliveonce #family #familytime #charity #bakeoff #wolomoment #wolo #juniorbakeoff #TheGreatBritishBakeOff

Wolo Foundation is ONE!!!!

Our first birthday is in March 2021 (9/3/21), and we want you to help us celebrate in style!

The Wolo March involves committing to going out each day in March - to walk, ride, run, march, scoot or swim - no set distances, no set times and nothing competitive. We just want to encourage you to embrace your surroundings.....to help promote your emotional wellbeing, and connect with nature.

Covid-19 has hit many of us hard, and lots of us are struggling with our mental health. It has been proven that connecting with nature helps to create and encourage a positive mindset, so if we can encourage you to go out every day in March it will help us all get the Vitamin C we need.

We have set up a dedicated JustGiving campaign for donations. If you'd like to join the challenge you can use this link and encourage others to donate and support you, or you could choose to do it as a personal challenge, and donate yourself. You can also create your own fundraising page from this link if you'd prefer to do it that way - it just means you'll know exactly how much your own challenge has raised, rather that the campaign as a whole. Lets make some of our own WOLO Moments this March.

http://www.justgiving.com/campaign/thewolomarch

BBC Sussex - Marcos Jarvis Interview

Marcus Jarvis you totally smashed your radio interview today on BBC Radio Sussex - well done!! You can catch up with it below if you'd like to listen. So inspirational. Thank you for helping to raise awareness, for encouraging others to live their best lives (in true Wolo style) during a cancer diagnosis and helping to raise much needed funds. You can donate here - he's already smashed his target, and raised £766 so far, with 4 days left to go!

https://www.facebook.com/donate/299701364884925/10165499588405599/

Our Hero - Dad

You remember this lovely family? Their Dad passed away in 2019 from stomach cancer. Just before Christmas, the girls surprised their Mum with a song they had written together for her. They weren’t sure how to give it to her, so they left it on her pillow with a note explaining what it was. Mum was so blown away, she wanted to share it with someone that understood, so she shared it with us. We felt so privileged.

We fell in love with it immediately, and wondered what it would sound like with a melody. We contacted the super talented Claire Macgarvie and asked for her help.

This is the result. We are blown away.

The family were reduced to tears, and the girls were jumping around the room full of excitement that their song had come to life!

Lisa said: ’It is the most amazing and special thing we could ever have received. Such a thoughtful and amazing thing for you (all) to do. We will treasure it forever. Thank you.’

When Covid allows, the girls will meet with Claire and record it themselves.

A Wolo moment for sure. We are so pleased we were able to make it happen.

Wolo Foundation are sharing this with full permission from Claire Macgarvie and the Cutting family.

We hope you love it as much as we do!

————————————————————

Our Hero.....

As she lays there without you,
On your side of the bed,
With tears in her eyes, a thousand memories in her head.
Mummy were all here for you, to hug and stop you crying,
If we could turn back the time,
We would have stopped our daddy dying.
Wipe away all those tears now, and cuddle up together,
If our love was enough, then he would have lived forever.

(Chorus)

Cancer we hate you for taking away our Dad,
And Mummy’s lost her husband and it’s made us all so sad.
Too young for us to process, to young for us to grieve,
Way too young to die, and way too young to leave.
Let’s get out all the photos,
And always speak your name,
Laugh about the memories,
And all cry away the pain.

So please stop crying mummy it’s hard to hear the sound,
Just look right at our faces and that’s where daddy will still be found.
We have his nose and eyes that match, and we giggle just the same,
But best of all is Tilly, and how it cleverly hides his name.
We often find mummy hiding,
Tears rolling down her face
Your picture in one hand, and a tissue to wipe her face

(Chorus)

Cancer we hate you for taking away our Dad,
And Mummy’s lost her husband and it’s made us all so sad.
Too young for us to process, to young for us to grieve,
Way too young to die, and way too young to leave.
We will get through this together, now a family of 5,
Our missing link is our Daddy,
Now the brightest star in the sky.

He’s watching us from heaven and he’s wishing they had a phone,
To call us and give us all his love, and that he wishes that he was home.
He’d tell us of all its beauty, and that he’s free of cancer and pain,
and he’d tell us that he’s missing us as his tears will turn to rain.
So remember our dear daddy, for every-time it rains,
he’s sending us a signal of love,
and how he missing us until we meet again.

(Chorus)

Cancer we hate you for taking away our Dad,
And Mummy’s lost her husband and it’s made us all so sad.
Too young for us to process, to young for us to grieve,
Way too young to die, and way too young to leave.

Full credit to the Cutting sisters for the words, and Claire Macgarvie for the music, melody and incredible singing voice.

————————————————————

Wolo Foundation help families living in Sussex through their cancer journeys. They support them by offering practical help and support to make their day-to-day lives easier. They work with local businesses and communities to offer families a wealth of services to support them through their diagnosis, treatment and beyond.

Statistics show that 1 in 2 people in the UK born after 1960 will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. Life is precious - we need to make the most of it - we only live once - WOLO!

It's the little things that mean a lot.

You may remember these beautiful girls that lost their Daddy to stomach cancer back in September 2019. Wolo have continued to support the family in a variety of ways - thank you to every one that has made this possible. They are so grateful. Look what the kind-hearted BillyMoore did for them recently. They didn’t have a shower, and now that the girls are all getting older, it was something that they longed for. Billy gave up his time to help the family free of charge. What a diamond #wolo #family #charity #cancer #community #wolofoundation

Montezumas share our vision

We are delighted to have partnered Sussex based Montezumas. Who doesn’t desire chocolate to make themselves feel better.

New Year - New Challenge for Wolo! ⁠

Fancy taking on a challenge in 2021? ⁠

⁠Join Team Wolo by doing something on your bucket list and help to raise some money to help families affected by cancer across Sussex. We have lots of exciting Wolo challenge events throughout the year - there is something for everyone, and we'll be there to help you every step of the way.

Sporting challenges are a really popular way to raise money, but they don't have to be as tough as they sound. There are a host of walks, runs and bike rides, as well as the tougher challenges like marathons, triathlons, swims and a wing walk or skydive for the adrenaline seekers out there. If you have something in mind that isn’t listed, we’re open to any suggestions!

WOLO Foundation

help families living in Sussex through their cancer journeys. They support them by offering practical help and support to make their day-to-day lives easier. They work with local businesses and communities to offer families a wealth of services to support them through their diagnosis, treatment and beyond.

⁠If you would like to join us for an unforgettable experience in 2021, you can find further information at www.wolofoundation.org/wolo-events

So, 2020 - what a year it has been for Wolo!

We registered as a charity. We adapted our services when Covid hit, and thanks to The Mermaid in Rottingdean and funding from the National Lottery Community Fund, Chalk Cliff Trust and the Sussex Community Foundation we have hand delivered 382 food parcels/hampers to families across Sussex, with the project continuing into 2021.

We have ‘met’ sooooo many people over this last year - many on Zoom (due to Covid), nevertheless; relationships have really blossomed. We have heard so many inspiring stories, many sad stories, spoken to business owners, individuals, charity workers, and heath professionals - and we all have the same things in common - to help and support each other through the pandemic, to help raise awareness, and ultimately to help those on their cancer journeys. There is no other charity like Wolo Foundation - there are huge gaps in the services out there, and it feels wonderful to be helping to close that gap across our home county.

Thanks to you, word is getting out there about who we are and what we do, and we are now supporting 5 TIMES as many families as we were prior to the start of the pandemic - a total of 110 people that are no longer alone, and that are fully supported on their own cancer journeys. Of these, 62 are children that are either living with cancer themselves or are on the journey with their parents. We are there for every single one of them.

We feel incredibly proud that so many of you are wearing the Wolo brand with pride. It is so wonderful to see it when we are out and about - a collection goblet here, a face mask there, or a flash of a Wolo yellow top when out running - we are so grateful for your support. We even had someone recognise the brand when we were in Cornwall in the summer - how amazing is that?! Thank you to you all! 

We have collaborated with many businesses and charities over the course of 2020 - we are so touched that so many of you want to be involved, and help to make a difference. We are busy linking up with oncology departments across the county and have also teamed up with Macmillan - to help as many families as we can in practical ways on their cancer journeys. Every family’s needs are very different so we take the time to get to know them and work out how we can best support them and their circumstances. We are a bespoke charity - and by keeping our remit within Sussex, we are able to give Wolo our all, and give families that personal service that really helps to form the back bone of the support network/Wolo community that is growing all of the time.

We have also secured our first supporter of ‘core costs’ (the costs that cover the running the charity), and are looking for other companies/individuals who would like to help make a difference and become involved. Please contact us if you or your workplace may be interested. Funding is vital to ensure we can continue to deliver services, continue to grow our skill sets, continue to offer new projects and continue to reach as many families as we can to offer them our support. We have some exciting plans for 2021 that we’d love you to be part of. Please get in touch to find out more. 

Our trustees Steph and Helen have worked tirelessly to help deliver our projects and work behind the scenes to ensure the efficient and effective running of the charity. There have also been numerous volunteers that have helped with their knowledge, skills and practical help to offer the quality services we provide. THANK YOU to you all. If you are interested in becoming a trustee or getting involved with Wolo, please do get in touch, we’d love to hear from you. 

Despite the pandemic, we have successfully completed lots of fundraising events over the course of year - many of which were thought of, and organised by you - thank you for your commitment to raising funds for us. We have an exciting programme of alternative events lined up for 2021 - if you would like to become involved or if you’d like to do something of your own - do get in touch - we are open to anything! 

Let’s not forget us - Fler and Justin. Although we are busier than ever, we are loving life helping to make a difference to so many of you, and we have found some time to create some #wolomoments of our own - spending lots of quality time together, visiting Wales for the first time and climbing Mount Snowdon, visiting Cornwall for the first time (I know right? How had we never been there?!), and watching the sunrise on Seaford beach to name a few.

We want to continue to grow, to continue to support more families on their cancer journeys and continue to inspire you to live your lives to the full. 

2021 promises to be an exciting one for Wolo - watch this space for updates, and get in touch if you’d like to be part of it! 

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL!

Wolo Foundation help families living in Sussex through their cancer journeys. They support them by offering practical help and support to make their day-to-day lives easier. They work with local businesses and communities to offer families a wealth of services to support them through their diagnosis, treatment and beyond. 

Statistics show that 1 in 2 people in the UK born after 1960 will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. Life is precious - we need to make the most of it - we only live once - WOLO!

We’re very excited to be collaborating with Alfriston Woodland Cabins in 2021

This will offer the families that we support a beautiful and much needed break together to connect with nature and create some beautiful WOLO Moments.

This is what Alfriston Woodland Cabins said about the collaboration:

"Having recently started our little family holiday let business, we wanted to be able to make a positive difference to the community. We quickly saw that our woodland setting, and the gorgeous surrounding countryside inspired people, and we visibly saw people relax after spending even a short amount of time surrounded by nature. Helping to create long lasting memories is key to our family values and living life to the max!

We had already decided, before meeting Fler, Justin and their family, that we wanted to be able to give something back to the community, Darran & I both decided that each year we would invite someone to stay who really deserved a break. We both individually chose those who we knew, either through friends, or friends that had been impacted by cancer.

Both of our families have been impacted by cancer over the years, as have many other peoples. When we first met Justin, Fler and the children we quickly realised their positivity and passion mirrored ours. The support that WOLO Foundation provides for families, as well as those diagnosed with cancer, is truly inspirational which is why we are proud to be collaborating with WOLO Foundation and supporting families to take time together and make long lasting happy memories."

Alfriston Woodland Cabins

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To read more about WOLO Foundation, their story and the ways in which you can help, please visit www.wolofoundation.org

Statistics show that 1 in 2 people in the UK born after 1960 will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. Life is precious - we need to make the most of it - we only live once. Wolo!

Website: www.wolofoundation.org

Twitter: www.twitter.com/wolofoundation

Facebook: www.facebook.com/thewolofoundation

Instagram: - www.instagram.com/wolofoundation

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/wolo-foundation

You Tube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCq6vuHrM6c1YHyhHpb6mSjQ