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What will your ‘Little Darlings’ get up to this half Term? Yes, we know that it only y seems like y yesterday y that they y had six or seven weeks off... but at the end of October - there’s another week afoot! If you’re y not sure what to do with y your cherubs, we are delighted g to confirm that Camp p Adventure will be running g at Willink Leisure Centre throughout g the half term holiday. y Split p into age g approariate pp full & half day y sessions for ages g 5-14 y years, there’s swimming, g inflatable sessions, sports, p arts & crafts and outdoor activities planned. We £15 are sure they will have a whale of a time. To find out more or book your place please call: 0118 983 4845
Let’s Make a Difference... The Samaritan’s Purse is launching its annual Christmas Shoebox appeal where the public are asked to fill a shoebox with small gifts for a child in need somewhere in the world. Local collection points include Tadley Methodist Church and The Entertainer in Reading Town Centre. What goes into the box is fun,, but what comes out of it can help p to change children’s lives all over the world through the power of a simple gift with Operation Christmas Child. Can you help? All you need to do is get an empty medium sized shoebox. Wrap the lid and box separately in colourful wrapping paper. Attach the
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label (from the website) which will indicate whether the gift is for a boy or a girls and their age category 2-4, 5-9 or 10-14 and attach the label to the ttop of your shoebox. shoebox Add a ‘wow’ ‘wow ite item such as a doll, cuddly toy or deflated football with pump. Now fill your shoebox box with ith a selection lection of fun toys, hygiene items and school supplies. You can also include a personal note and photo of yourself or your group. For each shoe box you are asked for a £3 donation to cover transportation costs. If you make your shipping donation online, you can discover the destination of your shoebox gift, gift by adding the barcode they send you to your shoebox. Or you can enclose cash or cheque (to Samaritan’s Purse) and place it in an envelope inside your shoebox on top of the contents. Place a rubber band around each closed shoebox and it is ready to be taken to a local drop-off location between 1st – 18th November. Tadley Main Road Methodist Church, RG26 3NJ Drop off Sunday mornings 1010.30 & 11.30-12.15pm or Wednesdays 10am-11.30am. Other times by prior arrangement. Other drop off points can be found on the website: www.samaritans-purse.org.uk
houghtful Teens!
Three Theale schoolboys have been nominated for the Child of Courage Pride of Reading Award after their quick-thinking actions almost certainly saved their friend’s life when he was thrown from his bicycle.
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Their school friend, Alfie had a serious accident on his bike in during the summer. He wasn't wearing his helmet and when he fell off over the handlebars, he hit his head and had a fit. Matthew Vockins, Niall Smith and Luke Selmani, all aged 13, reacted swiftly; calling the ambulance and putting him in the recovery position. These actions could have saved Alfie’s life. Alfie, 13, was taken to the accident and emergency department at the Royal Berkshire Hospital where he was put into a medically-induced coma.
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Niall had called his Mum after the emergency services were en route to help find Alfie’s mother, Tracy Little, whose phone was out of range. He held it together to help his friend, sounding calm on the phone, but his overwhelming relief at seeing the ambulance arrive meant that he, understandably, just burst into tears on their arrival. At just 13, the friends showed maturity beyond their years.
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When Tracy arrived at A&E, the doctors told her to expect the worse. Alfie was in intensive care for several days and then put on a high dependency ward, monitored hourly. Alfie is improving slowly with a bit of scarring on his face. But thanks to his friends he's alive. Tracy, who nominated the boys said, “Alfie definitely had someone looking over him and he is one very lucky boy. I can't thank those boys enough for all of their help, love and support. I really am truly grateful.” Unsurprisingly, Tracy now feels strongly about the need for cycle helmets and is urging everyone to wear one when they get on their bikes and she hopes that through Pride of Reading, the boys will get the recognition they deserve and others will learn the importance of a helmet. We hope the boys will jointly lift this year’s Child of Courage trophy as they truly deserve it. Good luck!
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