The Wight Brainy Bunch

Jason's Celtic Cycling Adventure!
2019-07-07
On the 7th July, 23 year old Jason Hayles will commence his mammoth cycling challenge from Inverness, The Pan Celtic Race 2019.
The Pan Celtic Race is a 1480 mile, 89,143 ft climb, self-supported cycling adventure, journeying through the Celtic Nations of Scotland, Ireland and Wales.
In November last year, Jason’s girlfriend Alayna passed away from a brain tumour , just 8 months following her diagnosis.
Because of her I’ve learnt that if there’s something you want to do in this life, you can’t put it off for the future! We had planned to go to Scotland, bikepacking and travel the world together! But unfortunately that is no longer possible.

When she passed away, I completely lost interest in life, let that be cycling, socializing or everything else for that matter. This was the first time in my life I didn’t know what to do!

So to me the pan celtic isn’t just a 1440mile ride across Scotland, Ireland and Wales.. to me it’s more about reconnecting with Alayna and continuing to live our dreams! Even if it isn’t as we planned it.

The route starts in the Highlands of Scotland and takes the riders on an epic adventure along coastal roads and awe-inspiring mountain views. The riders then head to Belfast to discover Ireland’s East Coast and ancient landmarks. Finally the riders journey over to Fishguard, Wales, through wild Celtic countryside to finish in the Seaside town of Llandudno.
We are totally blown away that Jason has chosen to do this in aid of The Wight Brainy Bunch. The challenge will take him approximately two weeks and we’d like to wish him the very best of luck and look forward to following his progress.
To support Jason, please visit his fundraising page HERE

G & Teatime Ladies Garden Party
2019-06-30 11:00 - 15:00 (Europe/London)
It’s that time of year again ladies to dust off the tea pots and fine china …. for this years secret garden party
Please join me for cakes, bakes and a teapot full of your favourite tipple!
This is one of my favourite events so please pop in for a cuppa or stay for the duration…
There is no charge for this event, although you will be asked to make a secret donation of whatever you feel your afternoon tea is worth.
Unfortunately this event is not suitable for young children.

All in aid of The Wight Brainy Bunch, who provide emotional support and financial assistance to IOW families affected by brain tumours.
Please contact us for details info@thewightbrainybunch.org.uk

Co-op Funeralcare Quiz Night
2019-06-10 19:30 - 22:30
As part of Ryde Co-op Funeralcare’s Charity Partnership initiative, we are delighted that they will be hosting their 3rd Quiz Night at the Dairyman’s Daughter on Monday 10th June.
To secure your team place , please book a table by calling 01983 539361.
£2 per person to enter.
Max 6 per team.
Raffle

Day Lewis Pharmacy Charity Day
2019-06-07
Day Lewis Pharmacy at Carisbrooke Health Centre will be holding their Annual Charity Day on Friday 7th June, and have this year chosen to support The Wight Brainy Bunch.
Raffle tickets will be on sale from early May, with the raffle being drawn on the day. They will also be collecting donations for homemade biscuits and cakes, so please do pop along and see them.
Prizes include:
Camp bestival weekend family tickets; Tapnell family day pass; Blackgang chine voucher; Free MOT; Valentino restaurant voucher; Ada meze restaurant voucher; Dinosaur Isle museum family day pass; The grange camping pass; 1 month gold pass 1 Leisure Medina/Heights
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to them for choosing to support our charity.

Alayna Morris Memorial Clay Pigeon Shoot
2019-06-02
We are honoured to have been chosen as one of the benefitting charities for this Clay Pigeon Shoot, in memory of Alayna Morris, who sadly passed away from an aggressive brain tumour in November 2018.
The event will take place at Bowcombe View Shooting Ground on Sunday 2nd June.
£35 per person – Teams of 4 or 5 people or individuals are welcomed.
Refreshments and BBQ available plus Raffle and Auction!
To book your team, please call Bob or Anna on Tel: 07866571010 or 07753814969

Mary Walks the O2!
2019-05-30
On Thursday 30th May, Mary Haskett will conquer her fear of heights, as she “Walks the O2”, whilst raising money for The Wight Brainy Bunch.
To read Mary’s story and support her as she prepares for her exhilarating 90-minute climb over the roof of the world’s most popular entertainment venue, please click HERE
If you would like to take on the O2 challenge, please find details HERE

Ryde Co-op Funeralcare Afternoon Tea
2019-05-18 14:00 - 16:00
We cannot wait for this next event organised by Ryde Co-op Funeralcare as they support us through 2019 ..
Join them for all the red carpet glitz of this “Hollywood Glamour Themed Afternoon Tea” at Woods Kitchen in Godshill, where you will be served with the best afternoon tea on the Island.
£14.95 per person
To book, please contact: rydefuneral@southerncoops.co.uk / 01983 615746
Take time out to enjoy this perfect afternoon treat with friends.

Trinity Theatre community Quiz
2019-05-11 19:30 - 22:30
Trinity Theatre in Cowes are holding their annual Community Quiz which this year is in aid of the Wight Brainy Bunch. £3 per person in teams of 4.
Book a table by calling 01983 777701 or email quiz@caods.org.uk
Everyone Welcome

Co-op Funeralcare Quiz Night
2019-04-29 19:30 - 22:00
As part of Ryde Co-op Funeralcare’s Charity Partnership initiative, we are delighted that they will be hosting a 2nd Quiz Night at the Dairyman’s Daughter on Monday 29th April.
To secure your team place , please book a table by calling 01983 539361.
£2 per person to enter.
Max 6 per team.
Raffle

Graham Sprack Memorial Cricket Match
2019-04-28 14:00 - 21:00
We are so excited about this event that is being so kindly arranged by Grahams family.
Both William and George will be donning their cricket whites and pads for this memorial Cricket match in memory of their dear dad, Graham Sprack, who died in June 2018 after a battle with a brain tumour.
The match is between 2 sides both very close to Grahams heart: The IOW Disabled XI v Havenstreet Old Boys.
The match will take place at Northwod Cricket Club on the 28th of April, kicking off at 14.00.
Spectators are welcome and can enjoy a delicious cricket tea for a small fee. After the match there will be a trophy presentation and the bar will open to all for refreshment.
Raffle tickets will be sold throughout of the day, with lots of great prizes to be won.
All in aid of The Wight Brainy Bunch.

Newchurch Male Voice Choir Concert
2019-04-27 19:30 - 22:30
Join the Island-renowned Newchurch Male Voice Choir as they come together for a charity concert on Saturday 27th April.
The concert will take place at True Vine Church, (Lower High Street, Newport) and promises to be a wonderful evening of entertainment, with a packed programme of music and songs, which will have a little something for everyone!
Interval with Refreshments and Raffle available.
There is no entry fee, however there will be a retiring collection and raffle to benefit The Wight Brainy Bunch
The Wight Brainy Bunch provide emotional support and financial assistance to families here on the Isle of Wight whose lives have been affected by the devastating effects of brain tumours.

Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start.
Click HERE to download poster

Shanklin Hyde WI Spring Fair
2019-04-27 10:00 - 13:00
Shanklin Hyde WI will be holding their Spring Fair at Falcon Cross Hall in Shanklin on Saturday 27th April from 10:00am – 1:00pm
There will be a selection of wonderful books, childrens toys, plants, cakes and tombolas, so please pop down and have a look at what they have to offer.
Refreshments available.
Free entry – but donations to support The Wight Brainy Bunch.

Quiz Night in aid of Colin Richardson's Marathon Journey
2019-03-29 19:00 - 22:00
As you may know, Colin Richardson was selected by us when he applied last year to run for The Wight Brainy Bunch at the Virgin London Marathon on Sunday 28th April in our small charity ballot place that we were lucky enough to be awarded.
As part of his fundraising Colin has arranged a Quiz Night at the IOW College Restaurant, which will take place on Friday 21st March at 7pm.
Maximum of 6 per team – £5 per person
Fish and chip supper £5 per head
Bar open until 10pm.
To book a table please click HERE

Co-op Funeralcare Quiz Night
2019-03-25 19:30 - 22:30
As you may remember, we were recently selected as Ryde Co-op Funeralcare’s chosen charity for their fundraising in 2019.
This is the first event of many this year, that they have planned to support The Wight Brainy Bunch, so please join them at The Dairymans Daughter in Arreton on Monday 25th March at 19:30hrs for their Quiz Night.

Christmas Concert
2018-12-10 20:00
This is the final fundraising event hosted by the lovely East Cowes Ladies Group in aid of The Wight Brainy Bunch.
For a wonderful evening of festive entertainment, please join the Cowes Concert Band for their Christmas Concert at East Cowes Methodist Church.
Refreshments available plus Raffle
Proceeds will be divided between The Wight Brainy Bunch and the Cowes Concert Band.

Candlelight Carols
2018-12-04 19:00
The wonderful East Cowes Ladies Group have been raising money for us all year and they have two more events coming up to raise even more money for The Wight Brainy Bunch, before they move on to their new charity in the New Year.
The first is on Tuesday 4th December when they are holding a Candlelight Carol Service at East Cowes Methodist Church and they would love you to join them.
Please do try and go along and support them if you can, as by helping them you will be helping us.

A Wight (Brainy Bunch) Christmas Market
2018-12-01 10:00 - 16:00 | Ryde Fire Station, Nicholson Road, Ryde, Isle of Wight, United Kingdom
Following the success of last year, we are very excited to be returning to Ryde Fire Station for our 2nd Wight Brainy Bunch Christmas Market.
We already have a wonderful array of seasonal stalls and entertainment planned, as we welcome back the Wight Diamonds Marching Band, Cantobelle and Vectis Corps of Drums Marching Band. plus much more.
There will be plenty of festive refreshments available, including traditional BBQ and hog roast, Or relax with a mulled wine, German beer, luxury hot chocolate, mince pie or sweet treat, while the kids have a bounce in our inflatable snow globe….
Our naughty elves are already busy preparing the “Elf Workshop”, where the little ones can enjoy a range of craft activities, face painting, and of course don’t forget a visit to our wonderful Santa’s Grotto!
Fun for all the family!
Please stay and join us at the end of the day to turn on Ryde Fire’s Christmas lights.
Free entry , although donations welcome 🎄🎄🎄
Plenty of parking
Kindly sponsored by Care at Home IOW , Coast and Country Marquees and A1 Garage Door specialist

In aid of The Wight Brainy Bunch, who provide emotional support and financial assistance to families on the Isle of Wight whose lives have been affected by the devastating effects of brain tumours.

Click HERE to download poster

Northwood Race Night
2018-11-03 20:00 - 22:00
Experience all the thrills and excitement of a day at the races…..
Saturday 3rd November at Northwood Cricket Club – Doors open 7:30pm / First race 8:00pm
8 runners / 8 Races
So saddle up and join us for an evening of fun entertainment
Place your bets!
Plus Raffle
In aid of The Wight Brainy Bunch, providing financial assistance and a support network to families here on the Isle of Wight whose lives have been affected by the devastating effects of brain tumours; Smile4Wessex (The Wessex Neurological Centre) who provide acute and specialist care to a population of approximately 3 million people from the Isle of Wight and across the South Coast, not only for brain tumours but conditions such as stroke, brain haemorrhage, motor neurone disease and dementia; The Brain Tumour Charity, to fund much needed research, aid early diagnosis and improve care and quality of life for all those living with a brain tumour.

Click HERE to download poster

Simply Health Great South Run
2018-10-21
Whether you’re a novice taking on your first challenge or an experienced runner, The Great South Run is the perfect challenge and a firm favourite with our Wight Brainy Bunch Team!
If you are still considering taking on the worlds leading 10 mile race or have already booked your place, we would love you to join our team and be wearing a Wight Brainy Bunch vest as you join 20,000 other runners along this famous route.
Starting on Clarence Esplanade in Southsea, the fast and flat course takes you through Old Portsmouth, home of the Portsmouth Cathedral, before entering the Historic Dockyard, home of HMS Victory, past Spinnaker Tower, and finishing on the seafront with beautiful views of the Isle of Wight.
The course is steeped in history dating as far back as 1212 and features bands on the run and unrivalled support from local residents and spectators.
Please contact us on: info@thewightbrainybunch.org.uk to confirm you intend to run for The Wight Brainy Bunch and we can support you with fundraising, sponsor forms and a running vest and our spectator team will be there to cheer you on, on the day.
To book your place please visit; http://www.greatrun.org/great-south-run

"Flights of Fancy" Charity Concert by Wight Diamonds Marching Band
2018-10-13 19:00 - 22:00
The Wight Diamonds Marching Band are kindly holding a charity concert in aid of The Wight Brainy Bunch. Please come and join us for a wonderful night of entertainment.
Saturday 13th October at The Trinity Theatre, Cowes
Tickets £6.00 per person
Tickets available in advance by contacting Kathryn at The Wight Brainy Bunch on 07850255984
or John from Wight Diamonds by emailing: wdmb15@gmail.com
Tickets will also be available on the door.
Licensed Bar serving refreshments and ice-creams in the interval
Plus Raffle
Plenty of parking on Cowes Parade
In aid of The Wight Brainy Bunch, providing financial assistance and a support network to families here on the Isle of Wight whose lives have been affected by the devastating effects of brain tumours; Smile4Wessex (The Wessex Neurological Centre) who provide acute and specialist care to a population of approximately 3 million people from the Isle of Wight and across the South Coast, not only for brain tumours but conditions such as stroke, brain haemorrhage, motor neurone disease and dementia; The Brain Tumour Charity, to fund much needed research, aid early diagnosis and improve care and quality of life for all those living with a brain tumour.
For more information about Wight Diamonds Marching Band and to get involved, please visit their website HERE
Click HERE to download poster

Wight Brainy Bunch Charity Quiz
2018-10-12 19:00 - 23:00
General knowledge quiz night in aid of Wight Brainy Bunch to be held on Friday 12th October
7.30pm start at Newclose Cricket Club, (Doors open at 7pm).
Teams of up to 4 persons must register in advance by either calling 527957 or by emailing tracy71pete57@hotmail.co.uk.
Costs £2 per person entrance.
There will be a raffle and lucky dip on the night, a licensed bar with hot food available to purchase (options to be confirmed nearer the time)
Plenty of free car parking available.
Everyone welcome.
Click HERE to download poster
In aid of The Wight Brainy Bunch, providing financial assistance and a support network to families here on the Isle of Wight whose lives have been affected by the devastating effects of brain tumours; Smile4Wessex (The Wessex Neurological Centre) who provide acute and specialist care to a population of approximately 3 million people from the Isle of Wight and across the South Coast, not only for brain tumours but conditions such as stroke, brain haemorrhage, motor neurone disease and dementia; The Brain Tumour Charity, to fund much needed research, aid early diagnosis and improve care and quality of life for all those living with a brain tumour.

Isle of Wight Gin Festival
2018-09-16 12:00 - 18:00
Calling all gin lovers!
This is the 3rd year of the Isle of Wight Gin Festival and it has become a bit of a favourite in our calendar. This year it also has the new venue of Ryde Castle
Join Helen and her GIN-tastic helpers from 12pm – 6pm!! There will be live music from local bands, over 20 artisan gins to sample plus a range of Fever Tree tonics.
There will be a GIN-normous Raffle, raising money for The Wight Brainy Bunch, and we are delighted and honoured that Helen has chosen our little charity to benefit once again from her wonderful event.
So please pop this date in your diary and come and join us on Ryde Esplanade.

The Great Gatsby Gala
2018-09-01 18:00
Welcome to our 3rd black tie Ball and our main fundraising event of 2018!
We are pleased to be returning to Ryde Castle, so please join us for a champagne reception, sit down meal a brilliant line up of live bands to entertain you throughout the evening, including The Outfit Duo, The Mix and returning for their 3rd time, Switch!
In aid of The Wight Brainy Bunch, as we continue to build a support network providing emotional and financial assistance to Isle of Wight families whose lives have been affected by the devastating effects of brain tumours.
Also benefiting from the ball will be; Smile4Wessex (Wessex Neurological Centre) who provide acute specialist care to population of approximately 3 million people from the Isle of Wight and across the South Coast, not only for brain tumours but conditions such as stroke, brain haemorrhage, motor neurone disease and dementia and The Brain Tumour Charity to fund much needed research, aid early diagnosis and improve the care and quality of life for all those living with a brain tumour.
Tickets £37 per person – Click HERE to purchase.
18:30hrs – Midnight (Doors open 18:00hrs)
* Formal dress code *
* Over 18’s only *
We would like to express our sincere thanks to Novum Law and Reynolds & Read for once again offering their kind support and generous sponsorship to this event, ensuring the maximum amount of money goes to the charity. We would also like to thank Finishing Touches for once again agreeing to dress Ryde Castle for us.
Click HERE to download our poster

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE EVEVNINGS PRESENTATION

New to You Sale !
2018-07-28 10:00 - 13:00
Please Support Mandy Blackler, with her first “New to You” sale, raising funds for the Wight Brainy Bunch.
This will be held in the main hall of the Newport Congregational Church in Pyle Street, selling good quality used items ranging from household goods, toys, accessories, clothing etc.
There will also be a coffee shop on the day selling home made cakes!
Entry is free so why not pop along?
If you have any items you would like to donate, please contact us to arrange collection.

To download, click on poster

For One Night Only
2018-07-14 18:30 - 23:00 | Ryde Fire Station, Nicholson Road, Ryde, Isle of Wight, United Kingdom
This is our first Ladies Night, and we are very excited to be able to bring you such an wonderful evening of entertainment!
The Island’s very own Simon Howard will be performing his amazing “Tom Jones Tribute”…. in our opinion, the very best there is!
Joining him will be Mike Appleton with his equally wonderful “Michael Buble Experience”…. in Mr Bublé’s own words “Man he’s awesome!”
Where else would you find Michael Buble, Sir Tom Jones and be waited on by a roomful of firemen?
This is one night not to be missed!

Tickets £20 per person (6 per table)
Please note: This is a ticket only event – To purchase tickets, please click HERE
Licensed Bar – Over 18’s only
Click HERE to download poster
In aid of The Wight Brainy Bunch, providing financial assistance and a support network to families here on the Isle of Wight whose lives have been affected by the devastating effects of brain tumours; Smile4Wessex (The Wessex Neurological Centre) who provide acute and specialist care to a population of approximately 3 million people from the Isle of Wight and across the South Coast, not only for brain tumours but conditions such as stroke, brain haemorrhage, motor neurone disease and dementia; The Brain Tumour Charity, to fund much needed research, aid early diagnosis and improve care and quality of life for all those living with a brain tumour.

Shide to the Spyglass Run – Sunday 8th July
2018-07-08 09:30 - 12:00
In its 6th year, this is an unofficial cross country run from Shide in Newport to the Spyglass Inn, Ventnor.
Its not a race just a friendly 11 mile run through the countryside.
Its free to enter but ask for donations on the day and have kindly chosen The Wight Brainy Bunch as their charity to support this year.
Meeting at Shide Trees at 9:30am, the plan is to run to the Spyglass Inn at Ventnor via the Sunshine Trail, stop on the way for photo opportunities etc. Once in Ventnor, jump in the sea, swim around a bit, go to the Spyglass, drink Cider, eat chips & figure out how to get back to the start – easy!

Afternoon Cream Tea
2018-06-23 15:00
We are very proud and extremely grateful to have been chosen as East Cowes, Ladies Group Charity of the Year for 2018.
Their next event is this wonderful afternoon of cream teas, please do pop along and support it if you can.

Enchanted Fairy Tea Party
2018-06-16 12:00 - 16:00
It’s that time of year again ladies… and this year with an extra sprinkling of fairy dust!
This will be our 4th annual tea party, and I must admit, one of my favourite events! So please dust off your fairy wings and join me for an afternoon of tea, cake and of course a cheeky little Pimms…. Don’t forget to bring your fairy friend!
There is no charge for this event….. but you will be given a small envelope and all we ask is for a secret donation of what you feel your tea party experience is worth.
As you know, The Wight Brainy Bunch raise funds to support Island families affected by brain tumours, as well as supporting the Wessex Neurological Centre, who provide acute and specialist care to a population of approximately 3 million people across the South Coast and Isle of Wight for a variety of neurological conditions including Brain Tumours, Stroke and Motor Neurone Disease, and also The Brain Tumour Charity, to fund much needed research, aid early diagnosis and improve care and quality of life for all those living with a brain tumour.
Pop in for a while or stay for the duration… I hope you can make it.xxx

Mandy Blackler’s Abseil of the Spinnaker Tower – Sunday 27th May
2018-05-27
When Mandy was diagnosed with a brain tumour in February 2016, she had no idea that this would lead her to face her fears and set herself an annual challenge.
Having jumped out of a perfectly good plane with the Wight Brainy Bunch last year, what better challenge for 2018 (for someone who is afraid of heights and suffers from vertigo) than abseiling down the Spinnaker Tower!
“As most of you know, on 11th Feb 2016 I was diagnosed with a brain tumour. I was one of the lucky ones who had surgery and not only survived but is now thriving, healthy and happy. Others are not so fortunate, and I certainly valued the help from the Wight Brainy Bunch, a charity to support brain tumour sufferers on the Isle of Wight. I couldn’t have managed without my family and the support of this wonderful charity, and now want to do everything I can to support them. Every year I pledged to do something that will scare the life out of me for this charity – last year I did a skydive; this year I’m abseiling down the Spinnaker on 27th May”
Mandy has been a dedicated supporter of The Wight Brainy Bunch since her surgery and for this challenge she has also enlisted the help of 5 other crazy folk; Lisa Hendy, Nickie Moreton, Craig Bassett, Carol Folwy and Peni Houghton. If you would like to read their stories you can visit their fundraising pages on the links below.
We are very fortunate to have such wonderful supporters and are very grateful that they choose to support The Wight Brainy Bunch.

Half Bike Heroes Isle of Wight Cycling Challenge
2018-05-06 - 2018-05-07
This mad bunch of gents will be cycling round the IOW over May Bank Holiday as part of their ongoing fundraising mission for The Brain Tumour Charity. The Randonnee is a massive event on the Island so please be sure to look out for them and show them massive support as they embark on 3 laps in 24hrs!
Mark will be supporting them for one lap… if he can keep up!
Please read their story below … Good luck Half Bike Heroes!
Having lost our close friend Chris Hoyle in 2012 to brain cancer, we (James and Paul) wanted to do something to raise awareness of, and funds for, The Brain Tumour Charity.
Realising that whatever we did needed to stand out from the many other worthy fundraising activities that take place, we knew we had to do something attention-grabbing.
This is how Half Bike Heroes came to be, the plan being to ride silly distances on small-wheeled folding bikes or, as most people know them, Bromptons.
The first challenge we took on was in 2013 – the 170-mile Way of the Roses coast2coast bike ride from Morecambe on the Lancashire coast to Bridlington on the Yorkshire coast.
Two years later we knew that we needed to do something bigger for the next fundraising event. We came up with the idea of lapping the Isle of Man TT circuit and, just to make things more interesting, we decided that we would do this for 24 hours. For this challenge we recruited Martin Hughes and Richard Dawson and, as a team, we completed 6 laps (230 miles). What we didn’t know at the time was that we were the first cyclists to ride around the TT course for 24 hours:
It’s now three years on (we needed a break) and we are preparing for the next challenge. Maintaining the 24-hour and island theme, this time we are going to lap the Isle of Wight. We will do this as part of the island’s cycling festival ‘The Randonnee’ but, rather than one lap, we are aiming to complete three (230 miles) in 24 hours. The laps will of course be completed on our small-wheeled folding bikes.
Chris was 43 when he died; he was from a loving supportive family, was married with two boys, and had many friends. In doing what we do, we are hoping to keep Chris’s memory alive and help others who find themselves in a similar situation. As with our previous challenges, the money we raise will go to The Brain Tumour Charity, the UK’s leading brain tumour charitable organisation.
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/halfbikeheroes
