The Bike Project - Refugee Routes. Cycling 918 miles in 3 months

 

Fundraising for 

THE BIKE PROJECT

Getting Refugees Cycling!

At the top of The Wyche Cutting, a decent climb up the Malvern Hills.
I climbed it 5 times, plus another ascent from Ledbury

The Malvern Hills have fresh natural springs with a plentiful 
supply of much needed cold water

The Hills are behind you.....6 times up and over The Malvern Hills in the background. 
100 miles cycled

The Malvern Hills, Worcestershire

The view from Jubilee Drive, looking westwards over Herefordshire and towards Wales

On 3rd August 2021, I set out at 5:45am to cycle a Climbing Century...100 miles of climbing on my bicycle. I planned a circuit climbing the Malvern Hills near where I live in Worcester. This 100 mile challenge was part of an overall target to cycle 918 miles in 3 months.

Why 918 miles? This is one of the 'Refugee Routes' the wonderful charity The Bike Project set as a cycling fundraising challenge. It is the equivalent distance for a refugee travelling from Syria to Izmir in Turkey. An arduous, difficult and dangerous journey ad one no person should have to undertake in order to find safety and security and to flee conflict, false imprisonment, torture and persecution.

Detail of the Malvern Hills Challenge.

Each lap measured 13.6 miles with 1,100ft / 350m climbing.

I did two laps - 35 miles (including 11 from Worcester to Malvern) with my good friend Simon. He then headed home. I carried on and completed 3 further laps, plus a different climb over the hills. In total, 6 ascents of the Malverns Hills.

The Final statistics

100.1 miles

7hrs 14 mins

7,000ft /2,122m climbing

  

With Simon Deakin-Woods, who kindly accompanied me for 2 laps.

 Simon approaches the top of the climb up The Wyche Cutting.

Lunch stop in the pretty Herefordshire town of Ledbury

I am not the biggest fan of going up on a bike...I much prefer descending. So to attempt the challenge was tough. But I did it.

I raised a total of £502 for The Bike Project, enough to provide 5 fully reconditioned bicycles, safety equipment and bicycle safety training for 5 refugees and asylum seekers in Birmingham and London. 

More information about The Bike Project, how to donate a bicycle or take on a fundraising challenge from The Bike Project

THE BIKE PROJECT - My Involvement

The Bike Project got in touch recently and asked if I would write a little about the Refugee Routes challenge and why I wanted to get involved with and support The Bike Project. They kindly sent some questions as follows;

Please introduce yourself and tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Tony Frobisher. I am 53 and live in Worcester in the West Midlands, UK. I am an English language teacher, teaching English to Foreign Students (TEFL). I have travelled widely to around 50 countries and am married to my wife Rini, from Java, Indonesia. We have a daughter, Louisa who is nearly 16. I taught English in Indonesia and Malaysia and in the UK. I now run my own online teaching business.

When and how did you hear about The Bike Project?

I think it was something I saw on the Internet. I was intrigued to find out more and when I visited the website, was glad I did.

What drew you to fundraising for The Bike Project?

I have been a keen cyclist for many years and have taken on many cycling fundraising challenges. In 2013 I organised a 1,000 miles in 10 days cycle fundraising event for myself and 3 friends. We cycled John O'Groats to Lands End via the 'pretty route'...aka over the mountains and hills, taking on Glen Coe, as well as Kirkstone Pass int he Lake District.

Every year I try to do one cycle challenge and I was looking for some inspiration.

The Bike Project was the perfect charity to fundraise for. I have supported refugees and refugee charities for some time. I am a published poet and have written a collection of poetry called 'We Are People Too - Poems for the Refugee', inspired by my Kurdish friend Kovan. he came to the UK escaping Sadaam Hussein's brutal regime. I also volunteer and teach English to refugees and asylum seekers for Care 4 Calais.

We Are People Too _ Poems for the Refugee

We Are People Too, one of 13 poetry collections I have written, including A Poem A Day 2021 -
4 volumes and over 460 poems.

Each book's proceeds were donated to charity including The Bike Project.
I have also written 2 charity cookbooks and a novel.

The Refugee Route challenge was ideal because it involved cycling, supporting refugees ad gave me the motivation to get off the sofa and out of the house to get some more miles in! I also donated a bicycle to The Bike Project as I was so inspired by what they do to get refugees cycling.

How was your Refugee Routes experience?

It was an excellent challenge. As the miles clocked up, I received regular updates from The Bike Project showing where a refugee may be on their journey and the personal stories were a real motivation to complete the challenge.

Which Refugee Route did you do? Why did you choose it?

I chose 918 miles - Syria to Izmir. I cycle a lot and wanted a challenge that would be a physical test, but something that I could feel a sense of achievement in accomplishing. I set myself 3 moths to do it, 306 miles per month. 

How long did it take you to complete your journey?

3 months.

What was your favourite ride?

Definitely the 100 miles for refugees challenge, cycling 100 miles over the Malvern Hills 6 times. It was really tough (I am a little heavy to be a 'pure climber' and prefer downhill to uphill. Because I don;t like climbing so much, it was a real test physically and mentally. But the weather was excellent and it was a brilliant day on the bike.

100 Miles Done!

Is there a memory that sticks out in the challenge?

Yes. Refreshments! Stopping to refill the water bottles from the natural Malvern water springs and looking forward to a great big slab of cake and a cappuccino as I came towards the end of one of the laps.

Well earned cappuccino and huge piece of cake

Did you learn anything new about yourself/cycling/refugee issues?

Yes. 918 miles is a long way on a bicycle. Let alone fleeing from the only place you have known. From friends, family, jobs, education and to face a dangerous journey carrying only what you can. To face an uncertain future. 918 miles for me was a test, hard at times, but ultimately fun and of my own choosing. To be a refugee is not a choice anyone wants to make or thinks will happen to them. It made me become more determined to continue to help refugees in the future. 

Why should someone take on the Refugee Routes challenge?

Whichever distance you decide to do, the challenge should be fun, but also has to have purpose. Just turning the wheels on a bike for a few (!) miles can and will help change lives. Every pedal stroke will motivate friends and family to support you and donate. Miles on the bike = pounds in donations. That has to be the motivation.

What are your top 3 fundraising tips?

1. Set a realistic fundraising target. For example £100 or £250. Encourage people to donate and don't be discouraged if the initial donations slow. When you are doing your challenge, or nearing completion (or after you complete it), the donations will come in. I promise! You may be surprised at how much you surpass your initial target

2. Keep your supporters, friends and family updated. Use social media, but don't swamp people with posts every day. Target a couple of posts a week. Don't forget to use 'old fashioned' technology and email your contacts. Or text. Or WhatsApp. Ask your boss / company if they will donate / sponsor you or maybe match your fundraising pound for pound.

3. Depending on your fundraising challenge, local news media are always interested in fundraising stories. Contact your local radio stations and newspapers. I have had a lot of support over the years and have been on BBC Radio Hereford and Worcester and in the Worcester News newspaper very often.

What are your top 3 tips to hit those big mile targets?

1. Break down the target. 918 miles in 3 months. Wow, it sounds a lot. 306 miles per month...about 76.5 miles per week. Ok, so that is 2 x 15 mile rides a week (an hour each) and a longer ride 45-50 miles at the weekend (around 3-3.5 hours) Achievable!

2. Enjoy the miles. Enjoy the hills. Yes, cycling can be painful - legs, backside, aching muscles. The sight of another hill can fill you with dread. But, go at your own pace. It's not le Tour de France. Enjoy the ride. Schedule breaks, factor in that favourite cafe for a well earned coffee and slice of cake. Enjoy the hills, take them at your pace. Slow and steady if you need to. Try to take in the view, appreciate the scenery, where you are and the freedom you are enjoying. Enjoy going up and you'll LOVE going down again.

3. Challenge within a challenge. If you are aiming for a big total mileage (e.g 918 miles), perhaps consider taking on a challenge within a challenge (as I did in cycling 100 miles over the Malvern Hills in a day). Not only does this tick off a large chunk of your mile target, it can generate more donations from supporters. 

Final tip. If you have a friend or friends who can join you for a ride or two, the miles will fly by. I enjoy cycling solo, but whenever a friend and I ride together, the time and distance whiz past. Cycling with company is always fun (especially if they shout you the coffee and cake)

Why do you support refugees?

Refugees are people too. We are all the same, we have needs, emotions, passions, interests. We all share this planet Earth together. Yet, circumstance and an 'accident of birth' have resulted in some people having to make the most difficult of choices - to flee and become a refugee. It could so easily be us. If we can spread one thing in this world, it should be kindness. Refugees deserve our respect, compassion and support. If we were in the same situation, we would hope for the same.

In a perfect world, how would you like to see refugees being supported in the UK?

I would love to see refugees being able to work and contribute to UK society more easily. I recently met two of my online refugee class in person. One had been in limbo, stuck in a hotel room, for 1 year 3 months until his refugee status was granted. Another has been there for 5 months and counting. These are skilled and experienced people, wanting to work, to use their professional skills to better themselves and to integrate in society. They don't want to sit around for months, or years doing nothing. I wish the process could be speeded up and where appropriate, refugees allowed to work as they wish to do.

Any you would like to add.

It was a pleasure to fundraise for The Bike Project and to take part in the Refugee Routes cycle challenge. I am looking forward to supporting The Bike Project again in the future.

Tony Frobisher

 

Blake Harris - A Brother in a Million, Acorns Inspirations No.4

 Acorns Inspirations - No.4

Blake Harris 

A brother in a million

Blake Harris. Remember the name. 

Blake is a wonderful example of the ability to succeed, to overcome difficulties and to make a difference. And to demonstrate that unbreakable bond between siblings, a love that transcends difficulties, illness and loss.

In August 2021, 16 year old Blake got on his bike, accompanied by his friend Darren 'Daz' Cox. And he pedalled. Mile after mile. Starting from Acorns Children's Hospice in Worcester, he and Daz cycled over 100 miles to reach Weston Super Mare. A remarkable achievement for someone so young. As a keen cyclist, I remember my first 'Century' ride - and I was a lot older than 16! It is a long way to drive, or go on the train, let alone cycle that distance powered by your legs and your energy....but also in Blake's case, powered by his willpower and determination to do something positive. To set out to complete a challenge and raise money for Acorns, in memory of his younger sister, Lily-Mai, who sadly passed away in 2018 from a brain tumor aged only 7. 

Acorns were there for Lily-Mai and gave her specialist end of life care at the Acorns for the Three Counties hospice in Worcester, supporting Lily-Mai's family through the most painful and difficult situation a parent, brother, sister, grandparent can ever have to face. I know how much Acorns support means. Their care before and after our daughter Milla passed away in 2016 has formed an unbreakable connection. Acorns is part of our family because they were such an important part in Milla's life and for us. That is why I continue to support and fundraise for Acorns.

And it is why I am constantly inspired by other fundraisers like Blake. who go the extra mile to raise money for Acorns and help them continue to provide care for life limited children across the West Midlands.

With Blake (right)
and the bike he cycled over 100 miles on
from Worcester to Weston Super Mare

I met Blake together with his Mum, Liz, at Worcester Countryside Centre on a pleasant autumn afternoon. I had followed Liz's posts about Lily-Mai and then was very interested when I saw Blake was setting out to cycle from Worcester to Weston Super Mare in a day. And to see the incredible impact this very inspirational young man had - how the community rallied around and got behind his and Daz's challenge and raised a fantastic amount of money for Acorns.

Because, not only has Blake had to face the loss of his sister at a very young age (he was 13 at the time of Lily-Mai's passing), he also has to navigate life with his own challenges. Blake has autism, but has not let his condition affect his outlook on life. 

Just ask Bear Grylls, who Blake has met quite a few times and spent some time with learning about survival skills in recognition of his support for Lily-Mai. 

He is a young man with determination, but also resilience and as I discovered, once he has made his mind up to do something, he just gets on and does it - minimum fuss, maximum achievement. And that is an example we can all learn from and follow.

This is a transcript of my conversation with Blake and his Mum, Liz.

Tony (T), Blake (B), Liz (L)

T:     Hi Blake, can you tell me, how did you hear about or how did you get involved with Acorns?

B:    Through my little sister, Lily-Mai

T:    How long did Lily go to Acorns for?

B:    Er, a couple of years, maybe 4 years

T:     So, why did you want to fundraise for Acorns?

B:    Coz she passed....25th June, 2018

T:    You wanted to remember your sister and support Acorns at the same time..

B:    Yeah

L:    And you wanted to say thank you to Acorns too

T:     What did Acorns do for your sister, how did they support her?

B:    They spoiled her!

T:    Excellent, that's how it should be. And did you visit her when she was in Acorns?

B:    A few times

T:    They are always so welcoming and friendly aren't they? Did they always give you a cup of tea and a bit of cake?

B:   Yeah

T:    Can you tell me about the cycle challenge? How far did you go, where from and to and why did you come up with that idea?

B:    Well, I came up with the idea of cycling to Weston as it was my little sister's favourite place

T:     What did she like about Weston?

B:    I guess it was because it was the beach....

L:    And the rides

T:    How far was that then?

B:    We said it was 99 miles, but it was around 103. We started from Acorns

T:    Did you get a send off from Acorns, did they come out and cheer you off?

B:    Yeah

T:     And you cycled with a friend?

B:    Daz, Darren Cox

T:    And did Daz say, 'ooh, that's a bit far...' or 'ok, no worries'?

B:    He said no worries, coz it was for charity

T:    Did you do any training?

B:    Pretty much no, we just rode around the river a few times....

T:    So, up the hills did you stick together or were you faster than Daz?

B:    Daz went in front...Well, doing hiking you stick the slower ones at the front, so you don't speed off

T:    How much did you raise do you know?

B:    £1,330.15 

L: That was what we fundraised on the (Justgiving) page and from standing outside on Weston Pier going, 'Do you want to donate?!' I think I raised about £90 just from standing there

T:    Fantastic! So, how easy or difficult was it? Over 100 miles on your bike...with fat tyres!! 

B:    It was actually completely fine.

L:    And all they'd eaten the entire day was a sausage roll!...I think Daz only had a coffee in McD

T:    How was the weather?

B:    It was fine, didn't rain

T:    How did you feel at the end?

B:    Fine to be fair, just really hungry

T:    I'm sure. What did you eat to celebrate?

B:    McDonalds!

L:    He looked really proud of himself

T:    So he should be

L:    Exhausted, they both looked exhausted

T:    OK, how did you raise the funds? Was it just sharing the page, or through your social media manager here (MUM!)

B:    Pretty much. School helped (Nunnery Wood), they donated...in the school newspaper

L:    I saw recently that Nunnery had raised money for Acorns, that's after your one, obviously you've inspired them to fundraise for Acorns as well

T:     Yes, and that why I got involved to try to inspire at least one other person to say, I could do that...so, have you got any more challenges planned?

B:    Yeah, probably either next year or the year after, I want to cycle from Worcester to Birmingham Children's Hospital and then all the way back down to Weston Super Mare.

T:    Wow, so that's around 150 miles then...on one sausage roll? You'd probably need two.

L:    He's also thinking of doing the Three Peaks Challenge, but within a time limit, less than 24 hours, with somebody else who is good at that kind of stuff

T:    I love hill walking, I've climbed Kilimanjaro and trekked to Everest base camp

B:    That's another one I wanna do, but probably in 2023, 24.....I want to go all the way to the top

T:    Of Everest? Good luck! On one sausage roll.....?

T:    What's your message to anyone who wants to do a fundraising challenge, but hasn't yet?

B:    Just do it! People should do more for charity.

T:    I agree, we can all help somebody, can't we?

T:    Is there anyone you'd like to thank?

B:    Daz, for actually coming along with me. My Mum and Acorns.

Quick Fire Questions

1.    Do you have any hobbies or interests?

Outdoors, scouting, football - playing (winger) and watching, X Box

2.   Who do you support?

Manchester United

3.    If you could have any food or dish cooked for you what would it be?

Italian - lasagne oh and I love BBQ food

4.    Music?

I listen to pretty much anything, as long as it is not opera

5.    If you could go anywhere in the world for a holiday, where would you go?

Somewhere hot...Dubai, love to go to Dubai...and America...Route 66 on a motorbike

6.    What about the UK? Do you have a favourite place in the UK?

No, the weather's rubbish?....Jersey...coz it's slightly warmer

7.    Is there anyone you would love to meet for a cup of tea and a slice of cake?

Dead or alive? Er....

(Liz: He has met Bear Grylls, through scouting, Bear is Chief Scout. First on a scout camp. A month before Lily-Mai died, Land Rover do a thing with Bear to find a hero and Blake's scout leader Anna is a Bear Grylls survival instructor. She works with Bear quite a lot. His PA asked Anna if she knew anybody who would fulfill that hero role Anna suggested Blake. So Land Rover got a car, decorated it in army camouflage, with Blake's name on it. We ended up going to the Hay Festival....Bear turned up in the car and met Blake and went off for an afternoon. There is a video on YouTube. (You can watch the video in the link below)

Blake meets Bear Grylls for a Survival Afternoon

This year Bear did a heroes day at his Bear Grylls event at the NEC, so we were invited along and met Bear again there. And this year Blake worked at the Bear Gryll's Go Wild festival, so he's met him quite a few time. He really inspires you doesn't he?

Bear Grylls and Blake during Blake's Land Rover Hero afternoon at the Hay Festival

Blake - The other ones I'd like to meet are Khabib (Nurmagomedo) - he's a UFC fighter and does a lot for charity after he's retired. Er, Martin Luther King, Barack Obama because of what they have done for the world....oh and Arnie (Schwarzenegger)....oh, and I want to meet Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (Manchester United manager) and give him a few ideas, so we can win something!

8. Book, TV or Film you enjoy?

Peaky Blinders is my favourite. 

Tony:    OK. That brings us to the end. I'd like to say thanks so much for coming out to meet me and let me ask you some questions. Just from me, on behalf of Acorns, thanks again for all you've done. It's so impressive what you did, knowing now a bit more about why you did it and how you did - on one sausage roll, just jumping on your bike with fat tyres! That's amazing. Thanks again.

To donate to Blake's Justgiving page for Acorns in memory of Lily-Mai go to

Blake's Fundraising Page

Lily-Mai and Blake

Louisa Frobisher - Acorns Inspirations Number 3 - Horses, Hills and Smiles

Louisa Frobisher 

Acorns Inspirations Number 3

Horses, Hills and Smiles

In the third of my Acorns Inspirations interviews, I am very happy to be joined by someone very special. Someone who has faced a lot of challenges in her life and has been a constant source of inspiration. She has also raised a fantastic amount of money for Acorns Children’s Hospice with two physical challenges.

Today’s guest is my daughter, Louisa.

Louisa's Story

Louisa is now 15 and was born 16 weeks prematurely in 2006. My wife, Rini, went into early labour while carrying triplets. She was transferred from Worcester to Liverpool Women’s Hospital and gave birth firstly to Jewel, then two days later to Louisa and Milla. At birth the triplets weighed 630g, 620g and 665g respectively.

Jewel was very poorly and sadly only lived for 17 days. The chances of survival when born at 24 weeks gestation are very low. However, Louisa and Milla continued to defy the odds and day by day, week by week, month by month, made progress and gave us hope they would one day come home to Worcester. Over the course of 5 months in Liverpool Women’s Hospital and a month in Worcestershire Royal Hospital, Louisa and Milla faced many setbacks. Louisa and Milla both had operations on their eyes and battled infections. Louisa had two operations on her eyes in the space of two week, something her consultant had never previously done. Due to his amazing skill, Louisa’s eyesight was saved – although her condition of Retinopathy of Prematurity (retinal detachment) was so severe, it left Louisa blind in her left eye and partially sighted in her right, with only a 20cm field of focus. Milla’s eyesight was also saved and she had much better eyesight.

In addition, Louisa had an operation to close a valve in her heart caused by a condition called patent ductus arteriosus.

Around a year after coming home, Louisa was starting to hit some milestones. However, Milla was not. She was then diagnosed with severe spastic quadriplegia cerebral palsy. Milla’s condition meant that she was unable to control her muscles in all four limbs, leaving her unable to sit unaided, unable to stand and walk and dependent on a wheelchair. In addition, Milla was non verbal and had frequent hospital stays, including operations on her legs and her stomach. Milla was eventually tube fed and needed 24 hour a day care.

While Milla took so much of our attention, from setting up tube feeds, administering daily medicines, attending to her at night as she had very poor sleep patterns, Louisa still had her own challenges. She was unable to talk until she was around 3.5 years old. She was unable to walk without the aid of support initially, due to a lack of confidence and lack of vision. She only began to read at around 9 or 10 years old. In fact the first word she recognized and read were the three feet high letters that spelled out ASDA as we passed the supermarket in the car!



Acorns Children’s Hospice

We were contacted by Acorns when Louisa and Milla were around 1.5 years old. We were offered respite care stays for our daughters and were very grateful to be able to rest from the exhausting care of two disabled children. Acorns was a safe place, a happy place, a place of care and smiles, love and enjoyment. Milla enjoyed the sensory room, exploring the textures, sounds and lights, as well as the hydrotherapy pool – somewhere warm and relaxing, where her muscles relaxed and didn't spasm and cramp painfully. Louisa enjoyed the music room, banging drums and making a noise.

Eventually, Louisa didn’t need Acorns assistance, but Milla received regular stays. In fact, Milla used to stay at Acorns during respite and not go to school, a decision we felt benefited her greatly as she had lots of attention and interaction with staff and volunteers.



2016

Milla - always smiling

At the 2014 Triple Run for Acorns, Three Counties Showground, Malvern

In December 2016, while on a family trip to visit my wife’s family in Indonesia, Milla became very poorly, very suddenly. We treated her as we always had, she had experienced many coughs, cold, chest infections etc. However, within the space of 3 days, Milla passed away from sepsis. We were devastated, our world collapsed. Milla was buried in Indonesia, next to her grandfather. We had to return at some stage and when we came back to Worcester, it was to a house that was cold and silent, full of Milla’s medical equipment, clothes, toys etc. We had to bring back her empty wheelchair.



The effect on us all is indescribable. To lose one daughter, Jewel was a traumatic experience. But then to lose Milla when she was 10 and so unexpectedly, was devastating. But Louisa had lost two sisters. Milla had needed so much attention, that when she was no longer wth us, it must have been very daunting and strange for Louisa to then have our attention 100% of the time. It was hard to explain to Louisa what had happened and why. Louisa has mild global developmental delay and is currently being assessed for autistic spectrum.



Acorns were there for us again. They helped us with bereavement counselling and offered Louisa sibling support. Acorns organised a specially engraved memorial stone for Milla which is in their memorial garden at the Three Counties Hospice in Worcester. They also held a special memorial day for families who had lost children during the previous year. They were and remain friends and are always happy to see us, with a slice of cake, a cup of tea and lots of smiles.

Milla's Memorial Stone

Fundraising



In 2014, we took part in the Triple Run Fun Run Event for Acorns. We pushed Milla around a 1km family course and Louisa and Milla loved hearing the cheers of the spectators as we rolled in over the line. We raised over £1,000 for Acorns for that event. I have done a number of events, from cycling long distances to endurance walks for Acorns before and after Milla passed away. But in 2018 Louisa wanted to do something to remember Milla and raise money for Acorns.

We planned a short run – one lap of Pitchcroft, the racecourse in Worcester, a distance of around 2 miles. Given Louisa’s poor vision, running has always been a challenge. But she was determined to do it and Rini and myself accompanied Louisa as she made her way around the course. Not satisfied with that, the following year, Louisa walked and climbed 4 miles (the furthest she has ever walked) along the Malvern Hills to the summit of Worcestershire Beacon (425m).

About to be interviewed by Andrew Easton on BBC Hereford and Worcester radio

In the home stretch...

Success!

The videos of her completing both events went viral on Twitter and not only raised awareness of Acorns but brought in many donations from kind strangers. Louisa raised over £3,000 in the two events. Louisa was also interviewed live in the studio of BBC Hereford and Worcester about her fundraising and has many supporters from people such as Dame Kelly Holmes, Sir Chris Hoy and many famous professional cyclists such as Marianne Vos, multiple World, Olympic, European and national champion.

Finishing the 2 miles Worcester Pitchcroft fundraising run 2018

Reaching the summit of Worcestershire Beacon (425m), the highest point of the Malvern Hills






So who better to interview as part of Acorns Inspirations?

Interview with Louisa Frobisher - inspiration and fundraiser extraordinaire!

T) Tony L) Louisa

T) Where did you first hear about Acorns?


L) Because I was born 16 weeks premature in Liverpool with my triplet sister Jewel and twin sister Milla. We were in hospital for 6 months. Jewel passed away after 17 days. I had an operation on my heart 2 and two on my eyes...I am blind in one eye and can only see a bit in my other eye. Milla had cerebral palsy and needed a wheelchair. She couldn’t walk or talk. Milla and I went to Acorns.

T) Why did you want to get involved and fundraise for Acorn's Children's Hospice?

L) To help Acorns support children like Milla.

T) Can you tell me a little bit about the fundraising events you have done you did and how you came up with the ideas. Do you know how much money you’ve raised so far?

L) I did a fun run, 2 miles around Worcester racecourse. It was tiring and exhausting but I did it. Then I walked up the Malvern Hills, 4 miles....I wanted to raise money again for Acorns and remember Milla.

T) Have you got an idea how much money you’ve raised?

L) Over £3,000

T) What was the most interesting or satisfying part of fundraising and the challenges? What do you enjoy most?

L) Doing the event and when it finishes and seeing all the money I raised.

T) Is there anything difficult or frustrating you find about it?

L) Walking downhill, I was unstable and wobbly ..Going uphill ..my legs ached.

T) Are you thinking of any more fundraising challenges or events. If so, what?

L) I have no idea. We wanted to climb Pen Y Fan, but then there was Covid. Maybe Pen Y Fan or a ‘Moviethon’ – watching films for 12 hours nonstop!

T) Is there a challenge you’d like to do? …If you had the choice of doing any challenge

L) I’m not sure...something involving horses

T) Who inspires, motivates and encourages you to keep going and who makes a difference to you when things get a bit tough?

L) My Dad (😊) and his fundraising, all the people at Acorns who are always kind to me when we visit Worcester Acorns - they always give me a piece of cake.

T) What’s your message to other people who would like to get involved in fundraising but haven’t done so, for any number of reasons?

L) It's good fun and a good idea because it helps other people.



Quick Fire Questions

1. Hobbies and Interests

I love everything about horses. I have a large collection (over 200) of Schleich model horses.

2. Which football team do you support and why?

Liverpool because I was born there

3. Food / Dish

Chips and nasi goreng (Indonesian fried rice)

4. Music

Rock music and calm music, Skillet and Taylor Swift

5. Holiday or somewhere you’d like to go?

California. To the Return to Freedom Wild Horse Sanctuary to meet the Spirit (The horse that inspired Spirit Stallion of the Cimarron – Louisa’s all-time favourite film)

6. Favourite place in the UK?

Peterborough because my Nana lives there

7. Who would you most like to meet for a cup of tea and a slice of cake?

Jaylon Barron from Free Rein (Teen TV drama featuring lots of horses!) because she is a great actress

8. Favourite book, film, TV programme

My books - Spirit Stories (Louisa has written 4 Spirit Stories books with me and the proceeds are donated to Acorns) / Black Beauty / Spirit books based on the film by Kathleen Dewey
TV - Free Rein / Spirit Riding Free / SpongeBob Squarepants / You've been framed
Film - Spirit Stallion of the Cimarron / Spirit Untamed / Black Beauty (1994) / Balto

The Spirit Stories Books - by Louisa Frobisher

9. Running, walking, cycling, swimming or something else?

Riding horses

10. What do your family, friends and colleagues think about your fundraising?

They think it is brilliant - they love my books and encourage me in the challenges


Thank you so much Louisa for being a fantastic Acorns Inspiration. I know how proud we are of you and so too the Acorns family. But I also know your sisters Jewel and Milla will be very proud of you and looking down on you with big, beautiful smiles.

At Acorns for the Three Counties, Worcester,
after completing the Malvern Hills Fundraising Walk.
Reading a personally written card from
Toby Porter, CEO of Acorns Children's Hospice.

Support Acorns and help life limted children and their families across the West Midlands

Acorns Children's Hospice

Thank you for reading

If you would like to get in touch, send me an email

Tony Frobisher, Parent Carer Champion, Acorns Children's Hospice

frobitony1@yahoo.co.uk