Rhubarb 2019

ST EDWARD’S r h u b a r b

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Pancreatic Research Working as an oncologist treating patients with radiotherapy and chemotherapy, Dr John Glees (F, 1955-1960) set up the Ralph Bates Pancreatic Research Fund. Now a senior trustee of the organisation along with Virginia Bates, Ralph’s widow, the charity is delighted to have as its Patron, artist Sir Peter Blake.  Ralph Bates was a wonderful actor, especially loved in the original Poldark and the TV series Dear John . Pancreatic cancer causes 10,000 to 12,000 deaths a year, with Karl Lagerfeld a recent victim. The charity is committed to uncovering new treatments through research at various centres. The Silas Pullen Fund Ben Pullen (B, 1982-1987) and his wife set up the Silas Pullen Fund under the umbrella of the Brain Tumour Charity five years ago after their third son, Silas, died from a brain tumour at the age of 11. They have raised over £700K to date thanks to an army of supporters but, as Ben admits ‘we have slowed down now. It’s tougher to raise money the further you travel from the death of your loved one’. That said, they are still very committed and put on annual fundraising events. They recently hosted a big comedy night at the Underbelly Festival on London’s South Bank. http://www.underbellyfestival.com/ whats-on/the-mighty-boy-comedy- night-in-aid-of-the-silas-pullen-fund Join in the Extravaganza In June St Edward’s hosted a netball extravaganza in memory of Grace Hadman (M, 2004-2009) with proceeds going to the netball court built in Malawi in her name. Grace loved netball, and the court in Lilongwe, Malawi, is the perfect tribute to her – a safe place where girls can meet, make friends, receive support, and play netball! For those who were unable to join us at Teddies, but who wish to contribute towards Grace’s Netball Court and the charity Building Malawi, please make a donation which will go directly towards the upkeep and improvement of the Court or to benefit the team at http://www.buildingmalawi.com/grace- hadman-netball-court-malawi.html

The Toughest Race On Earth Joe Robinson (H, 2003-2008) and Grace Gilbert (née Robinson), (K, 2005-2010) have taken on what the Discovery Channel described as ‘The Toughest Race on

toughest day was day four when they had to take on the double-marathon!  Joe and Grace are fundraising for Walk Once More, a spinal cord injury charity, a cause they are passionate about due to Joe’s injuries following his car accident 10 years ago. For more details of their adventure or to donate go to www.justgiving.com/ siblingsinthesahara and to read the blog https://siblingsinthesahara.co.uk/

Earth’ - the Marathon des Sables. This is a 250km race split over six days in the heart of the Sahara Desert. Temperatures reach in excess of 50 degrees Celsius and contestants are required to carry all of their equipment and food in their backpacks. The

C H A R I T I E S

Susie Chan, Ulta-runner

The Mission to Seafarers Rev Andrew Wright (G, 1971-1976 and Segar’s Housemaster 1991-2007) is Secretary General of Mission to Seafarers, an international charity dedicated to the support of seafarers and their families. �It is often forgotten that more than 90% of all that we consume comes by ship. Crew of many nationalities are frequently on contracts that can last up to a year or more. They face many challenges. Alongside our regular welfare response

we still see cases of severe hardship – even seafarers abandoned without food or water. An Anglican Christian charity launched in 1856, our work is holistic and practical. We operate in 50 countries, providing port based welfare (emergency response, hospitality centres, ship visiting, transport) as well as family support networks and local and international advocacy services.� Details on www.missiontoseafarers.org