Shooting Orchids

So why are the Orchids attempting this rather zealous challenge?

Excellent question. We are raising money for two charities, which will benefit equally from our fundraising efforts.

The Shooting Orchids are proud to be raising money for:

Orchid Cancer Appeal

Formed in 1996 by former testicular cancer patient, Colin Osborne, Orchid is the only UK registered cancer charity to focus entirely on the male-specific cancers; prostate, penile and testicular. We exist to save lives and suffering caused by these diseases by funding medical research and promoting awareness about them.

We raise voluntary funds which enable us to continue funding pioneering research into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of these dreadful diseases and improve education about them so that symptoms can be recognised and medical attention sought early; helping doctors to find cancers at an early stage when treatment is easier. Men should not die because of ignorance or embarrassment.

• Testicular cancer is the most common cancer for men aged 15-45; each year around 2,000 young men are diagnosed and face the emotional and physical trauma of fighting this disease.
• Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK with around 35,000 cases diagnosed and 10,000 deaths each year; this equates to one man dying every hour.
• Penile cancer ffects around 400 men each year; normally over the age of 60. Sadly one in four patients does not survive.

Behind each statistic is a man; a father, son, brother, grandfather and friend, and behind each man there are family and friends who are affected by these cancers.

To find out more about the Orchid Cancer Appeal, please visit www.orchid-cancer.org.uk

Shooting Star Childrens Hospice

The Shooting Star Children’s Hospice is a very special place – a home from home for families who find themselves in truly unimaginable circumstances. The hospice provides essential care and support for children and young people with life-limiting conditions and their families, free of charge, 365 days a year.

Our care services support children and their families in the western half of Greater London and surrounding areas through short breaks, care at home, support for siblings, emergency care and end of life care. It costs £3 million every year to maintain our services at Shooting Star House and in the community, and as we receive no long-term statutory funding, the majority of this comes from voluntary donations.

We're extremely grateful for all the donations we receive, but we need more support to maintain the standard of care services our families need and deserve. People think children's hospices simply provide end of life care, but our services do much more than that – helping our families live life to the full when every moment counts.

To find out more about The Shooting Star Childrens Hospice, please visit www.shootingstar.org.uk.