A final report on the 2008 Race4life

Sunday, June 1^st and finally the sun shone. A small trickle of walkers began to arrive and register for the second Race 4 Life Cómpeta in aid of Fundación Cudeca. The trickle soon turned into a torrent and before long 143 people had registered and began to snake their way along the 5km walk up through the Parque National and on to Casa la Mina. There was a real sense of a fiesta, toddlers in pushchairs, small children drinking in the natural beauty and wildlife, and us older ones just waiting for our glass of what turned out to be very potent sangria!

On arrival we were greeted by live music from Acoustic Roots and Legends, and even more people who had driven from far and wide just to be a part of a real community day. There was a most stupendous paella cooked by Cortijo Paco assisted by a group of Spanish ladies all of whom insisted they knew how to cook the perfect paella. There was also face painting and pony rides for the children, a Raffie Draw with more than 100 prizes, and an incredible auction including hang gliding and dirt bike experiences,

a luxury villa for the weekend, a dining experience not otherwise available at the beautiful Finca el Cerillo, plus much more, all donated by local businesses, friends and acquaintances to whom 1 am truly grateful.

The party lasted well in to the evening and whilst there was a serious side to the day, this event bought a community together regardless of nationality and proved that something such as cancer touches everyone but together we can make a positive difference.

Thank you very much to everyone who took part, especially those who gave their time and donated generously and, an extra special thanks to Alison Edelman who helped me tremendously. We raised more than 4200€ after expenses and still counting, a small part of which will go towards a statue to be commissioned and placed in Cómpeta to remember those who we have lost to cancer.

Should anyone experience difficulties in redeeming their vouchers then please let me know 626 192 117

There are also unclaimed Raffle Prizes, please check your tickets against the following list, call or text me and prizes will be left at Todo Papel. Any items left at the end of July will be passed on to Cudeca for sale.

BLUE 1, 34, 46, 73, 76, 84, 91, 110, 112, 177, 345 ORANGE 63, 68, 81, 126, 127, 144, 152, 186, 195, 201 WHITE 11, 43, 72, 106, 107, 193, 296, 338

GREEN 72, 92, 94, 132, 168, 254, 279

PINK 2, 47, 149, 189, 173, 210, 217

Debi Bond June 2008

For those of you who took part in last year’s event, you will know that, what started out as a very personal statement of support for my family, suddenly grew beyond all expectations. Such was its success on both a fund raising and a community level, I have been asked to do the whole thing again. So, this year, by working together we could make it an even bigger and better experience Following a general urgent appeal for funds from Cudeca www.cudeca.org , it has been agreed to give the majority of donations to them. A substantial 500.000 euro shortfall in funding is threatening to close their in-patients department which surely must not be allowed to happen. For those who might need some more persuasion that this is a wholly worthy cause and have not already read “Alan’s Story” then please go to the official Race 4 Life website and click on news or go to CompetaArts  “Alan’s Story”.

Sponsorship Forms are also available to download via the website. This site has kindly been donated by Butterfly Designers who are also this years principle Race Sponsors.

As last year, the walk will start off from the Viewing Point Portichuelo at 11am. The Registration Desk will be open from 10am and an entrance fee of 10 euro per adult and 5 euro per child will be collected along with any donations. We will then follow the road up to Casa de la Mina. Despite the rumours of closure, the Ayuntamiento have guaranteed a warm welcome. A free drink, tapas/paella, live music, an exciting raffle and auction and many more surprises will be offered. Further details will be available shortly and posted around the neighbouring villages. You can also keep in touch with the latest news through the Race 4 Life website and www.thegrapevine.es ,  www.news.iberacal.com and www.competacard.com all carrying local event information.

We are receiving wide press coverage, but it is equally important to spead the word to friends, family and neighbours.

Together we can make e real difference!

For anyone wanting more information or wanting to donate a raffle or auction item then please get in touch with me on 626 192 117 or email casabond@gmail.com

Debi Bond