DOG IN THE POND OPENS ITS DOORS FOR CHARITY

ONE of the stars of Channel Four’s drama Hollyoaks will be offering lucky fans the chance to meet him and the rest of the cast on set, to raise funds for The Prostate Cancer Charity and Leonard Cheshire Disability.

John Pickard, who plays unlucky-in-love Dom in the soap, put his characters woes to one side to complete a number of running challenges in 2009 including the Flora London Marathon, the BUPA Great North Run and the ING New York Marathon to raise funds and awareness of the two charities.

Now those wishing to show their support for John by sponsoring him a minimum of £10 will be entered in to a special competition to visit the set of Hollyoaks and meet some of the cast.

Whether fans are keen to share a cappuccino with Dom and Tony in Il Nosh or fancy hitting the SU bar with Hannah and Nancy, their dreams could become a reality.

Whilst his character, Dom Reilly is most often seen creating culinary delights in the Village’s restaurant Il Gnosh, throughout 2009 John has been pounding the streets at all hours training for his running challenges. However, like his character, John is thinking of others and raising funds for two very worthwhile causes.

John said:- “It’s a real honour to be supporting two such important charities. My granddad had prostate cancer – and was cared for by my mum at home when he became disabled towards the end of his days, so both charities have a great personal significance to me. I’ve also been to visit a number of Leonard Cheshire Disability services so I know what a great job they do supporting disabled people to live life their way. I’ve been training hard this year and completing my first ever marathon in London back in April was fantastic. It’s great to be able to complete these challenges to raise money and funds for such important causes, so please take part in the competition to get your chance of visiting the Hollyoaks set and meeting the cast!”

The Prostate Cancer Charity’s Head of Community Fundraising, Claire Walsh, said:- “We are delighted that John has taken part in so many fun and famous running events for both charities. John had a great time hitting the streets of the UK and then the Big Apple and taking in the famous sights - the crowds have all been fantastic and really got into the spirit, spurring the runners along. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK and 10,000 men die of the disease each year. With each step that he has taken, John has helped to raise awareness of the disease.”

Sarah Ball, Events Manager at Leonard Cheshire Disability, commented:- “John has been a fantastic supporter of Leonard Cheshire Disability over the last year, visiting our services to meet residents and really pushing himself with new challenges to raise awareness for us, and by offering this competition John’s really going the extra mile to raise funds for our work. John completed his first Flora London Marathon this year and his first BUPA Great North Run last year for Leonard Cheshire Disability, so we’re all hugely proud of his running achievements!”

To sponsor John and have your chance of visiting him and the rest of the cast on set, visit:- justgiving.com  and follow the instructions. Terms and conditions apply.

To take part in a running event for The Prostate Cancer Charity, call Pauline Angus on:- 020 8222 7134 or by  email.

Double Winner JLA scoops top industry awards

AT the inaugural Holiday Extras Customers’ Awards ceremony held at The Hempel Hotel in London on Monday evening, Liverpool John Lennon Airport (JLA) came away with two of the top awards - being voted ‘Best Airport’ and ‘Best Airport Car Park’ by Airport users, having delivered excellent customer service and consistent value for money.

The Awards were organised by Holiday Extras, the company that takes care of the 'extras' that make a holiday complete. The company is the UK market leader in discounted airport parking and airport hotels and made arrangements for 6.2 million travelers in 2008/09 selling 433,186 hotel rooms, 1,114,700 parking bookings as well as travel insurance and holiday car hire.

At the event, Holiday Extras were celebrating the best of the air travel industry by asking the people who matter – their customers - what they think. Last Summer, more than 18,000 Holiday Extras customers cast their votes in the inaugural Holiday Extras Customers’ Awards which are seen by many as the biggest and fairest travel awards. These travelers rated their air travel experience across ten categories, voting for 107 airlines, 26 UK airports and hundreds of airport hotels, lounges and car parks.

The stylish ceremony was hosted by renowned travel writer Simon Calder, with JLA fighting off tough competition from other UK Airports. The Airport’s success on the night highlights how JLA now sets the benchmark for top quality service in air travel across the UK today.

Ian Smith, Head of Commercial Analysis for the Peel Airports Group commented:- “It would have been a great achievement to have won one award last night, but to come away with two is tremendous. Much credit must go to the staff across the Airport who help to make the experience for our passengers an enjoyable one. We’ve spent a lot of time recently improving the car park offer to compliment the Airport’s friendly, hassle free and relaxed environment. The combination of value for money, vehicle security and the convenience of on-site parking has clearly benefited our passengers who have subsequently voted for JLA to be recognised as the best in the business for both on-site parking and the Airport as a whole.”

Gerry Pack, founder and non-executive chairman of Holiday Extras, said:- “We asked our customers what they thought of their air travel experience, and they responded in their thousands. We believe the results represent the real views of holiday travelers. We are extremely proud to present the first Holiday Extras Customers’ Awards to very deserving winners. These organisations have set a benchmark for top quality service which our customers have recognised.”

Charity Fashion Show for Children in Need & Rhys Jones

THE event will be held at Circo in the Albert Dock on Friday, 20 November 2009. The evening will begin at 6pm and finish at approximately 10pm. We have 6 designers showcasing their winter collections throughout the evening amongst entertainment from various local artists. Canopes will be provided by Red Hot Buffet throughout the evening. A raffle and auction will be held with prizes including a portrait from Paul Yaffee and various others. The cost of entry is £10 per person on the door and all proceeds will go to charity.

For the men we have virtual racing   kindly donated for the evening by Vision Rracer, at a cost of £5 per person.

I hope you can join us for the evening and help raise money for a very good cause.