Here is Wolo co-founder, Fler being interviewed on Ashdown Radio this morning.
Hear what Fler has to say about the charity, the Wolo Africa 100 fundraiser and Drusillas Park’s name the giraffe competition, by clicking on the link below:
Our annual family festival, WoloFest, happened for the second year running at the weekend. It nearly didn’t due to the yellow weather warning, but shuffling it forward 24 hours meant we pulled it off! The sun shone, the wolo community came together, and memories were made.
Thank you to everyone that came along/donated/volunteered to help make WoloFest such a special day for so many families and friends. Cancer bought us all together -
we are now a Wolo community. We must celebrate life. We must share it with our loved ones. We helped to create moments that families will cherish forever. We missed those of you that couldn’t be there.
It was a great team effort! We couldn't have done it without you all
We want to continue to grow, to continue to support families on their cancer journeys, and continue to inspire you to live your lives to the full.
Wolo supports the whole family, not just those diagnosed, and provides regular family events to reduce isolation/loneliness. We also offer practical help, opportunities to improve mental health and overall wellness, and encourage everyone to live their best lives. You are helping to make a big difference to the all the families that we help. Thank you
#wolofest #sustainable #recycle #wolojuicebike
#weonlyliveonce #wolo #cancer #sussex #familyiseverything #supportourseafordcharities #charityevent #charity
This will invaluable to the families to improve the quality of life of families living in Sussex through their cancer journeys.
Huge congratulations to all of the brave souls who Wingwalked for us on Saturday!
The funds will help so many families all across Sussex on their cancer journeys. Thank you to everyone that helped with the fundraising
If you fancy a skydive, a Wingwalk or doing something crazy, please visit our website for more information!
We work together with @unplugged.rest with families we support to give them a much need rest and rehabilitation. The whole experience with Unplugged totally fits with our values at @wolofoundation
“My time at unplugged was just what the doctor ordered. I've had a year of chemotherapy and radiotherapy and next week I go under the knife to have the tumour in my bowel removed. Having this break in between was perfect, especially with the encouragement to disconnect from the digital world and get into nature, reading and time with my wife”
We believe finding the time to switch off can be hard, which is why it so important relax and spend time surrounded by nature.
Helping to create long lasting memories that will last a lifetime.
Two years ago, Marcos Jarvis had just completed a marathon when he was told he had stage 4 liver cancer and that nothing could be done to stop its spread.
Marcos used his passion for running to take on the disease.
The 47-year-old said: “I had 12 tumours on my liver and had 35 rounds of chemotherapy.
“I made some major changes to my life. I used my running to alleviate the fatigue and nausea and gradually my sickness levels decreased as my fitness improved.
“There were days when I didn’t want to run but I pushed myself through.”
Marcos became a vegan, took regular cold showers and (Wim Hof) ice baths, and practised Tai Chi.
He added: “My three-monthly CT scans indicated that my tumours were shrinking.
“The last scan showed they had gone. Now I want to focus on helping and supporting other people with cancer.
"I want to show them that they too can change their lives.”
During his treatment Marcos and his family were supported by Wolo, the Sussex-based charity that supports families on their cancer journeys – from diagnosis, through treatment and after.
The number of families we are supporting has grown by 950% since March 2020
Families all over Sussex need our help.
Each family costs us on average £1200 per year
Inflation is having an impact on finances
Regular income means we can spend our time directly supporting families in need
Develop the services we offer in Sussex
Continue supporting families
Fund the running of the charity
Dedicated time to work on exciting future projects
Broaden the support we are able to offer families
Twice-yearly meetings with up to 99 other like-minded, leading CEO’s
Our cause will matter to your staff and to your customers
Direct support for staff who are diagnosed or have cancer in their family
Advertising opportunities
One in two of us will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in our lifetime
Quarterly newsletter
Optional logo placement on our website
Meet your Corporate Social Responsibilities
Volunteering opportunities
Fundraising opportunities
Support local families
Advertising opportunities
The use of our logo and mission statement for your own marketing materials
Priority invitations to Wolo events
WOLO supports families on their cancer journeys - upon diagnosis, through treatment and beyond.
Every family is unique and every cancer is different. Wolo's bespoke approach recognises that people don't always know what they need. Wolo offers all family members emotional guidance and practical help.
We help in so many ways. From mental health support and complementary therapies; to practical help with cleaning, childcare. Will writing or home maintenance issues. Nothing is too much trouble.
Memory making opportunities and short breaks help families to bond and relish quality time together. Regular family events, walks, talks, experiences help build the Wolo community - so that families feel supported on every level.
When a parent can’t work, the financial impact can be immediate. Sometimes we simply buy the things they need - an oven, medical equipment or toys. Our aim is to improve the quality of life of families following a diagnosis, through treatment and beyond.
Launching just before the pandemic, in our first year we raised just over £100,000, helped 44 families, provided hundreds of food and family care parcels and held numerous events. Families got everything from acupuncture to wheelchairs, fixing showers or an MOT. But most importantly, they gained friendship.
Our work is about practical help, health and well being and developing long lasting relationships. Ultimately we want to increase life enhancing experiences for the person with cancer and their family.
We also try to encourage everyone to live their best lives. Life is too short - we need to spend time doing the things we love, with the ones we love. Time is precious, lets make the most of it - we only live once! WOLO!
The number of families we are supporting has grown by 950% in two years. On average, a family costs £1200 per year. We are very proud of the bespoke service we offer - every cancer is different, and every family is different - so it’s only fitting to find out how we can support individuals on their journey, and be there for as long as I need us.
Unlike most other charities, we support partners and siblings too – it’s really tough for them, so it’s only right they are supported as well.
100% of the families we have supported feel that Wolo have made a positive impact on their cancer journey/family. 82% rated this impact as 10/10.
We offer opportunities for;
- Improved well-being
- Increase self care
- Increased confidence
We offer opportunities for families to;
- Make more memories
- Increase family fun
- Encourage closer relationships
We also aspire to;
- Reduce loneliness
- Help individuals feel more supported
- Encourage more friendships
Your support is so very much appreciated. Without you, we wouldn’t be where we are today. Thank you for supporting the work we do; by spreading awareness, donating, fundraising, offering your services and doing crazy things to raise some money!
There are so many ways to get involved-
You can volunteer, become a trustee, offer a service, or join our new and exclusive Wolo 100 club. www.wolofoundation.org/wolo-100-club
To find out more or get in touch, please visit our website: www.wolofoundation.org
Please take a few minutes to watch this video - sound on
Life is precious, so lets make the most of it.
We only live once! #WOLO
Limited spaces available. For more information please visit: https://wolofoundation.org/wolo-africa-wild-trail-2022
Here’s the video link
If your interested and would like to know more about this event we’re holding a zoom briefing with all the details for this amazing adventure on the 8th June at 20:00 GMT
ZOOM BRIEFING MEETING: 8th June 20:00 GMT
Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86248510985
Wolo!
We have lots of exciting Wolo challenge events throughout the year too.
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 skydives for the adrenaline seekers out there.
Two years ago, Marcos Jarvis had just completed a marathon when he was told he had stage 4 liver cancer and that nothing could be done to stop its spread.
He was working as a renovation builder and living with his wife Hannah Jarvis and son in Hailsham.
Marcos used his passion for running to take on the disease.
The 47-year-old said: “I had 12 tumours on my liver and had 35 rounds of chemotherapy.
“I made some major changes to my life. I used my running to alleviate the fatigue and nausea and gradually my sickness levels decreased as my fitness improved.
“There were days when I didn’t want to run but I pushed myself through.”
Marcos became a vegan, took regular cold showers and (Wim Hof) ice baths, and practised Tai Chi.
He added: “My three-monthly CT scans indicated that my tumours were shrinking.
“The last scan showed they had gone. Now I want to focus on helping and supporting other people with cancer.
"I want to show them that they too can change their lives.”
During his treatment Marcos and his family were supported by Wolo, the Sussex-based charity that supports families on their cancer journeys – from diagnosis, through treatment and after.
Now, Marcos has defied the odds and is about to travel to the South African bush in KwaZulu Natal province to embark on a 100-mile run over five days.
With guides and conservationists, Marcos will map out the route that will be taken by runners and walkers raising funds for Wolo (We Only Live Once).
Co-founder and trustee Justin Wright said: “Marcos is an inspiration. We are delighted that he is taking on our South Africa challenge to raise funds for Wolo.
“We are now looking for 30 intrepid explorers to run, walk or trek along African bush game trails to help us continue our vital support for local families dealing with cancer.
“Marcos will set the route for us and our fundraisers will follow in his footsteps in October.”
As well as raising money, the Wolo Africa 100 will focus on the conservation work being supported by Eastbourne-based African trek specialists Angus Wingfield founder of Africa Wild Trails - Ventures, Field Studies, Expeditions
There are still places and details are available:
https://wolofoundation.org/.../wolo-africa-wild-trail-2022
https://www.theargus.co.uk/.../20081130.hailsham-cancer.../
If you would like to sponsor Marcos you can on the link below
https://wolo.enthuse.com/pf/marcos-jarvis-65ae8
#WOLO #WeOnlyLiveOnce #mentalhealth #cancer #familyiseverything #WOLOmoments #sussexbusiness #sussex #friendship #community #trailrun #trekking #inspirational
These photos are WONDERFUL! Thank you so much EH Salon, Bexhill for holding the event, raising money for us (an amazing £322.50!) and for creating some fabulous memories for those that attended. THANK YOU!
A huge thank you to the generosity of everyone that came, our trustees, ambassadors and volunteers for their help with planning and executing everything on the night! We must also thank some of the Wolo families for their contribution to the video we premiered on the night. It was so well received, and really helped people to understand the reason they were there. We will share it with you all on here soon.
A big shout out to all of the kind businesses and individuals who donated auction and raffle prizes - every single prize was gifted, meaning that every pound raised goes directly to Wolo Foundation to help families all over Sussex on their cancer journeys.
Thank you to Letters in Lights for the wonderful light up WOLO and photo booth, Sam Jones magician for wowing the crowd, Dazzling Decor for adding sparkle to the evening, Tansleys printers for the auction brochure and extra printing, Jonny for being compère, Tick Boom face painting for adding some glitter, Tyler for wowing us all with his Rubik’s cube skills and Alive for the awesome live music.
Loved, loved, loved it all - and we couldn’t have done it without you! Thank you!
And a massive thank you to photographer Matt Bode for capturing the night. Here’s a sneak peek at some of the pics, to view more click here.
video coming soon!
We also launched our exclusive Wolo 100 Club on the night - aimed at CEO’s, with the intention of generating a regular income for Wolo. The Club will give members the opportunity to meet 99 other like-minded people at exclusive events throughout the year, as well as a host of other benefits. Once 100 spaces have gone, they’re gone! Don’t miss out, to read more or sign up, please click here: www.wolofoundation.org/wolo-100-club
To read more about what we do, the events we have coming up (including our Africa trek), please visit our website; www.wolofoundation.org
We’re proud to be collaborating with Unplugged so we can now work with families we support to give them a much need rest and rehabilitation. The whole experience with Unplugged totally fits with our values at WOLO Foundation
Finding the time to switch off can be hard, which is why it so important relax and spend time surrounded by nature.
Helping to create long lasting memories that will last a lifetime.
To read more about Wolo Foundation, our story and the ways in which you can help, please visit www.wolofoundation.org
Thank you so much to all our WOLO runners and supporters for the The accumulator 496k. Also a massive shout out to Paul Henderson and Marcos Jarvis and Hannah Jarvis for helping with everything!
WOLO Foundation feel incredibly proud that so many of you came to support us over the last month. Meeting you and seeing all of your social media posts has been amazing and a real honour.
We want to continue to grow WOLO Foundation, to continue to support more families in Sussex on their cancer journeys and continue to inspire you to live your lives to the full.
You are helping to make a big difference to the all the families’ lives that we help.
If you would like to run/take a challenge on for Team WOLO this year please comment/tag or message us.
Let us know if you would like would to join Team WOLO? We have charity spaces for all of the events below. (You can select as many as you like!)
- Brighton Half Marathon
- Wolo Empower FireWalk
- WoloBall Eastbourne Grand Hotel
- Seaford Half Marathon
- Brighton Full Marathon
- Brighton 10K
- Rathfinny Run 10k /Half Marathon
- UKUltra 50k
- UkUltra 100k
- UKUltra 100m
- Wolo SkyDive
- Wolo WingWalk
- Wolo Ice Bath Challenge
- Beachy Head Half Marathon
- Beachy Head Marathon
- Beachy Head Marathon Ultra
- Wolo Abseil
- Wolo 100 Africa Trail Run & Trek 2022
- Other: Your Own Wolo Challenge
Living in the moment - never did I think the day would come when we could all go on a family bike ride again with our children after having breast cancer a few years ago. Aside from treatment, cancer has lasting effects on people’s lives.
It’s been a real struggle physically to get out and be present with my kids and husband since the cancer and surgery. I was lucky enough to get out on beautiful South Downs recently as this is one of my favourite places to reflect and walk the dogs. This wouldn’t have been possible without the help of Cadence Cycle Club as they kindly support Wolo.
The South Downs is just stunning. Seeing the scenic views of where I live made me realise how important it is to look at life with a different perspective - not just on the same old road. To top the day off we visited Rathfinny.
The gift cancer brought me. Remember that challenging circumstances give you the ability to grow.
Wolo Wonder
Do you fancy a challenge in 2022?
Do you want to do something for a local charity?
Do you want to give something ‘back’ to help families going through a cancer diagnosis?
How about committing to become a WOLO WONDER?
Its a brand new initiative, a person who commits to raising £2022 for Wolo during 2022 - so you have an entire year, to take part in as many fundraising events as you like to raise the funds - whether it be a run, a walk, an ice bath, a skydive, baking/selling cakes, a pub quiz, a bingo night, a raffle, a sponsored run for the kids, babysitting for others, virtual events, selling items you no longer need - literally anything!
We can help you set up a dedicated fundraising page that you can share with your friends/family and work colleagues, with a snazzy totaliser so that you can see how you are getting on throughout the year at any given time. You can update your fundraising page with things you have done or are planning to do to help rally support.
You will receive a variety of Wolo merch so that you can wear it throughout the year, regular newsletters from us to keep you up to date with the work we are doing, and ‘first dibs’ at any of the fundraising events we have planned. We can support you with any event you plan yourself, and can supply you with leaflets, collection goblets, and flags/banners/table cloths etc for any events that you organise.
At the end of the year you will receive our most prestigious medal EVER, a Wolo pin badge, certificate, HUGE kudos, and a warm fuzzy feeling that you have helped so many families across the county on their cancer journeys.
If you are interested, have a think about it over the festive period and get in touch - 2022 is the year for YOU!
#wolo #weonlyliveonce #newyearnewyou #2022 #charity #philanthropy #fundraiser #wolowonder #wolofoundation #sussex #goals #cancer
These moments... five or 10 minutes in a lifetime —will stick with me and shape my life. #internationalmountainday
Our lives are full of moments like these. They’re structured (Weddings, Birthdays, Christmas) and unstructured — having tiny memories we pull out of life that never leave us: I’ve been thinking about these moments a lot lately especially having time on my own.
#healing #positivity #gratitude #recovery #charity #cancercommunity #cancerawareness #stillsober #mentalhealth #cancer #mentalhealthawareness #wolofoundation #wolo #sussex #himalayas #everest #weonlyliveonce
It's that time of year!
Limited edition charity Christmas Jumper
Unisex design
Heavy-weight cosy sweatshirt
Just £30 - all in aid of Wolo Foundation
ORDER yours now: https://wolofoundation.org/.../wolo-unisex-christmas-jumper
Also available at Onneke
Wolo Foundation help to improve the quality of life of families in Sussex affected by cancer. www.wolofoundation.org
Meeting people is a huge joy in my life column by Kevin Webber
One of the privileges I get from running and putting myself out there for Prostate Cancer UK is the people I meet, I would never have otherwise even known about. Well many do good things without health challenges in their lives, occasionally I get to meet someone I’m in awe of. They inspire me to never stop, in some ways preparing me for when my own situation deteriorates, as it will one day. Recently I had the honour of meeting Marcos Jarvis. Now people think I am hard-core for running a bit through my chemo. However, what Marcus has been doing is on a different level. Originally diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer with secondary cancer on his liver in 2019, it was unlikely that he would make 12 months, and a grim year that would have been too.
But he’s about to start his 35th and final round of chemo, and in the process he clocked up 1800 miles of running, including marathons and ultra marathons, and fundraised as he ran for WOLO Foundation - a local charity based in Sussex that has been supporting him and his family from day one. Knowing what he has gone through for so long leaves me in total awe, and when we met up, he, like me, spent the whole time just smiling and laughing as we both know that every day matters. As a self-employed father, Marcos and his family have been supported by an amazing charity, Wolo Foundation (we only live once in case you were wondering!), who support people and their families going through cancer.
When I met Marcos he was with Justin Wright, a joint founder who started the charity when his wife Fler Wright went through cancer and realised how little support there was for basic things. As a small charity in Sussex they do amazing real-rubber-hits-the-road stuff for people. They have use their funds for things such as organising therapy for relatives, fixing broken boilers, financial advice, food parcels, and looking after the children of those affected. The cost implications of cancer can be huge but help can be hard to come by. If you live in that area, or even if you don’t, perhaps you could find a way to support them? I left Marcus and Justin with a feeling of joy and hope, knowing that they are working to make the world a better place for the wider community, no matter what. I hope that you do all you can too?’
If you would like to know more about Wolo Foundation and the incredible work that they do to help many families affected by cancer in Sussex please visit their website www.wolofoundation.org or you can email justin@Wolofoundation.org
