About us
The appeal was launched by myself, Kay Shinton in April 2008. I wanted to celebrate 21 years since my life saving major operation in 1988 when I was 25 years old. £21,000 to symbolise the 21 years of life I have been lucky enough to receive since the diagnosis of my health complications.
I am just an ordinary working mum of 3 three children. I do not have any special skills or talents. Though I do have the determination and absolute dream to be able to raise the money to help bring this equipment to the patients who need it. Are you willing to help? I do hope some of you will
I could have celebrated by just having a party - it certainly would have been easier! - but that wasn't what I wanted. I wanted to able to celebrate by finding a way to help other people. I have been helped many times in many ways and I wanted to be able to extend my help by fundraising to make something available to patients that isn't at the moment.
The equipment the appeal is now raising money for is needed in our local hospital - details of the equipment can be found on our home page. I knew straight away that this was what I wanted to do. Raising the £21,000 towards this equipment would be the way to help other patients. I have lived with a bowel condition for 21 years and know how worrying it can be, especially when newly diagnosed, and helping to bring this equipment into the hospital, making it available for patients when they need it, will be a dream fulfilled and a fantastic way to celebrate the life I am lucky to have. Raising the funds also shows practical support to the NHS system which supported and cared for me, by showing we care for the care system that cares for us, is a way to say 'thank you'.
The appeal started out as an idea of putting together a team of people to raise funds by doing a sponsored tandem skydive. It has now progressed to include 28 events and activities organised by friends, family and neighbours in every area of the country I have lived in.
Every penny of the proceeds we raise from each event and activity will go towards this much needed equipment. The appeal leaflets and paperwork have all been designed and printed with no charge, the website has been set up and maintained with no charge, and there will be no administration charges to the appeal, ensuring that all the proceeds go to where they should - the equipment for which we are raising funds for.
Over the last year I have learnt many new things and, met lots of new people and made many new friends. I have been to several parties! attended walks and coffee mornings, disco's, and had lots of fun times celebrating, whilst at the same time raising the funds that will go on to help others. I will face my biggest fear - heights - as I am one of the tandem skydiving team who will jump out of a plane at 10,000 feet. I am not sure if I will enjoy the view, but, will be very happy after landing back down again to have raised money for the appeal.
The appeal will draw to a close with the finale event on 10th October 2009 when all the funds raised will be presented to the hospital. Any further funds raised on the evening will be forwarded on to them. After this finale event I shall have the time for some much needed rest, relaxation and sleep!
Amendment October 2009: Following the wonderful success of being able to purchase the ultrasound scanner and probe The 21Kay Appeal will remain open for donations and fundraising to help towards the endoscopic microscope.