Launch Day for Mission 50 was on Tuesday 1st February 2022. The day where I started my crazy Mission to aim to raise £50,000 in my 50th year for the blood cancer charity DKMS_UK
My day started as it normally does with a 5km walk (or stomp as I like to call it!) in the Devon country lanes where I live. It’s the best way to start the day; pulse raising, stunning views and fabulous company! Walking in the moonlight and watching the sun coming up, for me, is simply perfect!
Home, and after updating Strava (obviously!) I started my usual morning routine of cooking breakfast for the family and sending everyone on their merry way to start their days at work and school.
Although this day was not any ordinary day…
This was the day I officially started my crazy Mission to raise a whole heap of money for DKMS.
Oh my goodness!!
There have been a few sleepless nights that’s for sure – what am I doing???
Interview with Georgina, Fundraising Manager at DKMS
I was interviewed by Georgina, one of the fabulous fundraising managers at the charity, where we shared on an Instagram Live all about the Mission that Georgina and I had been talking about for months and months.
In fact we first started talking about doing a big fundraising event before the pandemic and now the day was here! Find out about my nursing background, why raising finances and awareness for blood cancer is so important to me, my biggest worry, what my children think about the Mission and much more my clicking the link below.
So you see, a BIG Mission, a LOT of money to raise and a whole lot of nerves..
Every penny donated, every conversation started to support my Mission is very much welcomed. Please do follow my on Instagram to keep updated with what’s happening with the mission and more! If you are part of a corporate company and would like to get involved, please do get in touch.
The more people we can have a conversation with about blood cancer, becoming a potential lifesaver and how YOU can get involved, please do get in touch or follow any of the links above.
Finally, share and share alike; if you think your friends, family and colleagues would like to get involved, I’d love to hear from them too.
Welcome to the first of 12 months of Missions for DKMS! Februarys’ Mission 50 starts with a bang with a month long Random Acts of Kindness Raffle, with the draw happening on 1st March. I have a small matter of a 5km race to do too.. As you may have seen from my Instagram posts and Strava, this is no mean feat for me, but that’s the point I guess!
There have been over £1650 of incredible prizes donated to the Random Acts of Kindness Raffle, I’m so very thankful to everyone who’s supported.
As a proud Ambassador for DKMS_UK and former Oncology nurse, I feel very privileged to be celebrating my 50th birthday in February 2022 – that got me thinking! What if I could do something to raise awareness for DKMS around the number 50??
What if I made it my Mission in the year 2022 to raise as much awareness and as many funds as possible? I started playing around with ideas and Mission 50 was born!
My aim is to complete some challenges and events linking the number 5 during my 50th year and whilst doing so, raise as close to £50K as I can..
Let’s be honest – 50K is A LOT OF MONEY…
Over 12 months that’s raising an average of £4,166.66 a month.
Which equates to raising a £961.53 a week ….. with my Mission to do this by Feb 1st 2023… We can do that – can we???
Now I know this is a little crazy, but my motto has always been to #dreamitliveit!!
Even if I raise £500 and increase the numbers of conversations there are about Blood cancer and Stem Cell Transplant – then that’s a Mission accomplished..
I’ve always said if we set the thermostat in our homes, to 18 degrees, then the temperature reaches 18 degrees.. So I’m aiming high and reach for the stars or in this case £50K!!
Let’s see what we collectively can do!
Please donate what you can. Each ticket is £5.
If you donate £10, that’s 2 tickets, £20 = 4 tickets etc, etc
I am a huge fan of paying it forward and random acts of kindness and now, more than ever, I think we all need a little something to brighten our day and week.
I am beyond excited to share with you that behind the scenes I have been working on my very own Random Act of Kindness Mission in order to raise much needed awareness and funds for @DKMS_UK
I’ve called upon some of my favourite brands and friends to help me with my Mission, which in turn gives YOU a little something back too! Not only that – it might help solve a Birthday present or Mothers Day dilemma you have or maybe you’d just love a treat for you, all whilst supporting this wonderful charity..
Either way, thank you for joining me and supporting.
When considering how much you donate and therefore how many times you enter this fabulous raffle, please consider this:
❣️Every 20 minutes someone in the UK is diagnosed with a blood cancer such as leukaemia, lymphoma or melanoma.
❣️Someone somewhere in the world is diagnosed with blood cancer every 27 seconds.
❣️30% of people diagnosed find a donor match within their family, that’s why kits to find donors are so important.
I am incredibly grateful for the incredible friends and brands who have so very kindly supported me with my Random Acts of Kindness Raffle, without whom, it really wouldn’t have been possible.
The prizes include:
A Magical Experience from Blank Canvas Hire
The Winner of this incredible prize is given the option to choose ONE of the following amazing experiences:
3 day hot tub hire
Bell tent sleepover for 4 guests
Bell tent picnic experience for up to 4 guests
A 3 night stay in one of their bell tents at Hook Farm Campsite, Lyme Regis.
The hire of any of the above must take place within 30 miles of our base at EX2 9UA or at Hook Farm Campsite if this option is chosen. The hire location may be extended to cover any of Devon, Cornwall or Somerset however travel will be chargeable.
The hire can take place at any time before May 2023, all bookings are subject to availability.
The wonderful team at the Chalk Pink Linen Company, who were voted Best Linen Bedding 2020 by The Independent, have kindly gifted a duvet set in any size and colour. Aren’t they stunning?
Natural Linen is one of the oldest textiles in the world, although soft and relaxed it is 30% stronger than cotton and is incredibly durable, enhancing its resilience to wear and abrasion, making it the quintessential choice for homewares. Along with being exceptionally eco-friendly during its production, linen really is quite a unique fabric.
Linen Bedding can enhance any style of interior, it boasts an open weave structure allowing the flow of air to cool you in the summer yet keeping you warm in the cooler months.
All Linen Duvet Sets are packaged in a bespoke linen bag and include pillowcases, Single Duvet Sets contain 1 pillowcase, Double, King and Super King Duvet Sets include 2 pillowcases.
Make a minimum donation of £5 you can enter as many times as you wish, please leave your social media handle and quote “RandOM acts OF KINDNESS raffle”
India & Albert is an artisan hand crafted jewellery brand led by English/Italian jewellery designer, Penny Albertella. Inspired by nature, heritage and beautiful Italian styling, based in Devon.
Penny says, “In these days of fast fashion, India & Albert is all about ‘slow, sustainable fashion’. I love the idea that my pieces may be dug up in a hundred years or they may still be being worn by generations that came after those who bought or were given them. I love to think of the stories they will have gathered from generation to generation. The stories of what they have meant to those who have worn them.”
Citrine Ring – ‘FIAMETTA Value £135.oo
Fiametta is a stunning ring with a 8mm citrine gemstone texture set in a recycled sterling silver collet on a textured, halo ring shank.
The ring shank is (band) is made from 2.5 mm round silver. The shank and setting are textured to give a rustic, and very contemporary, raw finish.
She will come to you beautifully packaged in a black gift box with gold wax seal. Fiametta is a size N but Penny will make another to your preferred size.
Click on the video left to get a gorgeous view of the Fi Amelia. Find India and Albert on Instagram and their website.
About Citrine Gemstones.
They are known as the “Light Maker,” this crystal varies in colour from a bright yellow to orange; colours which reflect its equally vibrant energy.
Like Vitamin C for the soul, the Citrine crystal properties emanate positivity and joy. By connecting with Citrine, you can harness the energy of light and the energy of the sun embodied within this stone, which acts as a source of positive energy in all aspects of your life.
From your attitude and outlook to your projects and pursuits, the Citrine crystal healing properties are perfectly suited to raise your vibration and help you embrace positivity and optimism as you move through life.
Citrine is a good stone for aligning all the chakras. It focuses on balancing the solar plexus chakra, which in turn integrates the lower and higher chakras.
Make a minimum donation of £5 you can enter as many times as you wish, please leave your social media handle and quote “RandOM acts OF KINDNESS raffle”
Huge thank you to my favourite Basket Company who have kindly donated a £100 voucher to spend with them. You’ll be spoilt for choice with this fabulous prize. It will solve your storage solutions and will either start or fuel your basket obsession! Find The Basket Company on Instagram and their website.
Make a minimum donation of £5 you can enter as many times as you wish, please leave your social media handle and quote “RandOM acts OF KINDNESS raffle”
Huge thank you to Bella Jane Jewellery who have very kindly donated a fabulous £50 voucher to spend with them. You’ll be spoilt for choice with this fabulous prize. I love my stacks and know you will too! Find Bella Jane Jewellery on Instagram and their website.
Make a minimum donation of £5 you can enter as many times as you wish, please leave your social media handle and quote “RandOM acts OF KINDNESS raffle”
Bam Clothing has been very generous and have gifted the Raffle a £50 voucher and a £100 bundle of their gorgeous socks!
Their bamboo clothing isn’t just about softness. Bamboo is a performance fabric absorbing moisture and helping regulate your temperature. From running, yoga, walking and everyday cosy wear, you’ll find yourself spoilt for choice!
Bamboo socks are a real treat for your feet! Once you’ve tried their super soft and incredibly comfy socks, with reinforced toe and heel, you won’t want to wear any other type of sock. (If you’ve seen my walks and workouts, you’ll know I can vouch for that!)
Add to this the fact that BAM socks wicks moisture away from your feet and don’t get smelly, and they keep your feet warm in winter and yet cool in summer, you’re bound to become a BAM addict.
Make a minimum donation of £5 you can enter as many times as you wish, please leave your social media handle and quote “RandOM acts OF KINDNESS raffle”
Catherine makes and sell the moist stunning, unique, statement pieces designed to fit any outfit. She has very kindly donated theses stunning good hoop earrings worth £25. They are from the brand new collection; Amour Toujours. They come with beautifully handcrafted leather heart charms and red enamelled ones which you can wear together or on their own depending on your look and mood. Find Catherine on Instagram and her website.
Make a minimum donation of £5 you can enter as many times as you wish, please leave your social media handle and quote “RandOM acts OF KINDNESS raffle”
Rory and Ruby have very kindly donated a Luxury Pamper Hamper brimming with relaxing organic goodies. (Value £195. Free UK delivery) It’s an extra special treat with 9 gorgeous gifts including a traditional wicker hamper or basket. Natural, sustainable, ethically made and beautifully wrapped without plastic.
Cosy Reversible Organic Cotton Throw
Organic Cotton Hammam Towel
Organic Body & Bath Oil
Organic Himalayan Bath Salts
Natural Soy Candle infused organic essential oils
Natural Organic Atmosphere Mist
Organic Glycerine & Lavender Soap Block
Organic Terry Towel Body Cloth
Handmade in Scotland, Wildheart Organics luxury products only contain essential oils to maximise the therapeutic relaxing benefits and have no artificial fragrances. The brown glass containers are inspired by traditional apothecary bottles. Available in Escape signature aroma blend of geranium, orange & rosemary essential oils. Find Rory and Ruby on Instagram and their website.
Make a minimum donation of £5 you can enter as many times as you wish, please leave your social media handle and quote “RandOM acts OF KINDNESS raffle”
All On The Wall personalised graphic wall art will make a unique and fascinating statement in your home. Printed onto matt laminated aluminium, the eye-catching designs are one of a kind and an incredible talking point!
From the place of where you first met to the date of your wedding, all your special moments in words, captured in one stunning piece of art.
“For Claire’s amazing Mission 50 for DKMS, we are gifting a 60 x 60cm (or 60 x 90cm depending on the shape of your wall!)
Make a minimum donation of £5 you can enter as many times as you wish, please leave your social media handle and quote “RandOM acts OF KINDNESS raffle”
The fabulous team at Neptune Weybridge have very kindly
The Social Syndicate
Esther from The Social Syndicate has kindly gifted a 60 minute coaching session (via zoom) to help you create a social media strategy and build your brand the right way on Instagram! Worth £150.
Make a minimum donation of £5 you can enter as many times as you wish, please leave your social media handle and quote “RandOM acts OF KINDNESS raffle”
The lovely team at the Hypnotherapy and Relaxation Clinic have very kindly donated a wonderful 60 minute 1:1 relaxation hypnotherapy session to be tailored to your needs that will leave you feeling incredible, calm and stress free! Worth £90, can be carried out on zoom or face to face if in or near Newcastle upon Tyne.
“We use a variety of client centred bespoke techniques in our clinic, as we believe one size does not fit all! Everyone’s mind map is different, therefore our techniques are focussed around our clients specific needs and will enable them to achieve their best results. After all… all hypnosis is self hypnosis.
Our treatment programmes are tailored to each client and most commonly start with an in depth initial consultation. This is where we assess your personal requirements and create a unique treatment plan for you, as well as giving you the experience of relaxation and confidence boosting hypnosis.
After this, we develop a programme with you, that is specific to you and your needs. We have a range of sessions and techniques available, where we guide you to achieving your goals and reframe any unwanted behaviours you may have.”
Find The Hypnotherapy and Relaxation Clinic on Instagram and on their website.
Make a minimum donation of £5 you can enter as many times as you wish, please leave your social media handle and quote “RandOM acts OF KINDNESS raffle”
Antonia and her fabulous team at Tailor Made Living Store has very kindly donated the Elizabeth Scarlett Zebra Day Bag. (Value £47)
The fun and luxurious zebra day bag design was inspired by Elizabeth’s trip to Kenya for her honeymoon. Elizabeth who has been illustrating since she was little, drew the design based on the dazzles of zebras she encountered on her trip
Featuring embroidered zebra’s on a rich indigo velvet base, this day bag is the perfect companion for an escapist, ideally sized to hold all of your essentials for a day out in town.
Dimensions: 38x22cm
Material: 100% cotton velvet with cotton lining
Machine washable at 30 degrees
Embroidered with hand-illustrated Zebra Indigo
Gold zip closure
You can find Tailor Made Living Store on Instagram and their website.
Make a minimum donation of £5 you can enter as many times as you wish, please leave your social media handle and quote “RandOM acts OF KINDNESS raffle”
Make a minimum donation of £5 you can enter as many times as you wish, please leave your social media handle and quote “RandOM acts OF KINDNESS raffle”
Donated by Naomi @LifeofaCountryLady who says “This is a beautiful easy to use cookbook from Jamie Oliver. I moved to the countryside this time 2 years ago and got into growing my own veggies and this book goes through the seasons with lovely hints and tips and foodie inspiration from over a 100 recipes.
Jamie’s words ‘being at home, feeling relaxed and open…working with Mother Nature in my garden and seeing all the beautiful veggies coming out of the ground’ really resonates. Friends have joked we live like the characters in The Good Life 70s TV show!
You’ve always been such a big supporter of mine Claire and my country life journey. I’m thrilled to be able to support your random acts of kindness raffle and for such a wonderful cause and your mission 50 goal. I hope someone lucky wins this prize and enjoys it and has fun with it!”
Make a minimum donation of £5 you can enter as many times as you wish, please leave your social media handle and quote “RandOM acts OF KINDNESS raffle”
I am incredibly grateful for the incredible friends and brands who have so very kindly supported me with my Random Acts of Kindness Raffle, without whom, it really wouldn’t have been possible.
Make a minimum donation of £5 you can enter as many times as you wish, please leave your social media handle and quote “RandOM acts OF KINDNESS raffle“
From your monthly household bills to your weekly shop, every click makes all the difference.
Exciting news! You can help me raise valuable funds for DKMS whilst you shop! It’s true – whenever you buy anything online, whether it be your weekly shop to your annual holiday, you could be raising free funds for DKMS_UK with easyfundraising.
There are over 6,000 shops and websites on board ready to make a donation – including eBay, Argos, John Lewis, ASOS, booking.com and M&S – and it won’t cost you a penny to help me raise extra funds for DKMS_UK, the blood cancer charity. .
Every time you shop online, go to easyfundraising first find the site you want and start shopping.
After you’ve checked out, the retailer will make a donation to DKMS and #Mission50forDKMS at no extra cost to you whatsoever!
There are no catches or hidden charges and I alongside, DKMS will be really grateful for your donations.
You can visit the easyfundraising site before you shop, but better still, please add the donations reminder to your browser so that you don’t need to remember. It makes the world of difference.
The best part is that you don’t need to check if the donations are available on any given website as the donations reminder automatically alerts you.
Every donation helps, no matter how big or small and goes directly to DKMS.
If you can, please share my pledge and this page far and wide, and let’s see what we can do to help DKMS_UK find the lifesavers that are needed to save lives.
I’m the creator of Woman on a Mission, a lifestyle space dedicated to helping women bring more calm, confidence and balance into everyday life. Born from my own journey to slow down and live with greater intention, it offers inspiration around wellbeing, organisation, home and mindset, one meaningful mission at a time
A Magical Experience from Blank Canvas Hire
