Cogwheel 5k Canter Running Festival 2019 Tuesday 31st December 11am

Cogwheel has launched a new running event for all ages, taking place on the morning of the last day of the current decade in the stunning park location of Jesus Green beside the River Cam. All proceeds will go to Cogwheel and our huge thanks to Cambridge Bid for their support in helping start this new event.

Suitable for all age groups and with all runs off road, this is a perfect event to get all the family involved. Runners can choose from the Cogwheel 5k Canter race, a 2k fun run and a 200m toddle mini sprint. Medals for all under 12s in the toddler and 2k events. All runners receive a specially designed medal in the 5k.

Full event information and online registration available at www.cogwheel5kcanter.co.uk.

Volunteer help on the day would really appreciated as we need a team of 35 helpers- please contact neil@cogwheel.org.uk if you can help.

Strawberry Fair 2019

Cogwheel volunteers were shaking buckets at the Strawberry Fair. This annual event celebrated in Cambridge was well attended and it was an opportunity to raise awareness about Cogwheel and the work we do.

Do you like festivals and also volunteering? Do in touch if you’d like to help! Contact us at communityfundraiser@cogwheel.org.uk.

Alun Lucas ran 2093 miles in a year and raised £2500 for Cogwheel!

Following his own mental health challenges and a chance meeting with someone who had lost a partner to suicide Alun took on a personal challenge of running 2019 miles from 1 February 2018 to 31 January 2019 and complete an ultra-endurance event every month.

He explains:

“Eighty four men in the UK take their own lives every week (https://www.projecteightyfour.com). On New Years Eve 2017, I met a gorgeous woman whose partner had committed suicide.  She was intending to Run Every Day January for Mind. I joined in. At the end of January, I kept going – inspired to say ‘Thank You’ to all who have helped me with my mental health: my children, family, great friends and colleagues, a wonderful GP who ‘went the extra mile’ and referred me to the Cogwheel Trust – and in doing so helped save me – the counsellor at the Cogwheel Trust who repeatedly asked ‘Who are you?’,  a special godfather and his wife, and the woman who inspired me to start this journey from which I have already gained so much. Thank you.”

Coop Donation 2018

In November we were thrilled to receive a cheque for £14,141 from the Coop 1% Fund.

It was great to join the celebrations in-store.

Bonfire Burn 10K 4th November 2018

We had a great day at this year’s Bonfire Burn. We were supported by 17 enthusiastic runners and had an outstanding cake stall which was much appreciated by many hungry people! All this yielded nearly £1,957 for Cogwheel. An amazing effort, thank you so much.

  

The Cogwheel Trust’s 30th Anniversary Celebration 20th July 2018

From Left: Esther McNeill, Cogwheel Head of Counselling; the Mayor of Cambridge, Cllr Nigel Gawthrope; the Lady Mayoress, Jenny Gawthrope; Jeremy Barnett, Cogwheel Chair of Trustees.

The threatened thunder showers held off for an evening reception in the Master’s Garden at Magdalene College, hosted by Dr Rowan Williams. Guests heard from the Chair of Trustees about the origins of the Trust, and from Dr Rowan Williams about inequality and need in Cambridge, the fastest growing city in the UK for three years in a row and also the most unequal city for 2 years in a row. The Head of Counselling talked about the work of Cogwheel and Neil Prem spoke about his personal journey.

Dr Rowan Williams, Patron of Cogwheel and Master of Magdalene College

Mental ill health is estimated to cost the national economy 91 million lost working days each year, more than any other illness. Analysts estimate that this absence costs £8.4 billion each year, plus an additional £15.1 billion in reduced productivity. Cogwheel plays a significant role locally in helping people back to work and regain control and self-esteem in their lives.

See the Cambridge Independent article here: http://www.cambridgeindependent.co.uk/1.5625843

Esther Mc Neill with Ray Bisby, Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner

The Lord-Lieutenant, Mrs Julie Spence drew the raffle with help from Jeremy Barnett

Wine was donated by local Co-op shops

National Citizenship Service 2018

We were excited when a group of young people in Cambridge chose to fundraise for Cogwheel as part of their National Citizenship Service in July. They held a sponsored walk in blistering heat, organised a charity gig and sold cakes and lemonade, raising over £600 to date. What a team!

https://www.gofundme.com/team-e-charity-event