I am only getting started with regard to trying to get donations for the event, but I have a feeling it will be very similar to the process an author goes through when submitting work to an agent/publisher. First, you are cautiously optimistic. Then you send off your work/letter, and the doubt sets in. Then there are the rejections. Is it all worth it, you ask yourself. Well, hopefully it will be. This is as nerve-wracking as last year’s Tyne Bridge Abseil.

If I was famous, I’d be so overwhelmed to think that my mere signature on a photo or something, was enough to make money for a charity. I’d sign everything, thus devaluing said signature! Sports clubs are very generous with regard to charity donations, but what makes them help one charity and refuse another? I wish I knew the secret, as each charity is as deserving as the next. How do you say no?

That’s why it’s fortunate that there are some generous people in the world. Just ordinary individuals, happy to help a good cause in some way. We have already secured a beautiful (and suitable huge) teddy bear, and lots of signed books (I will be roll-calling these lovely authors on my revamped website). I know there’s plenty of time, but I want to make sure that this event is a massive success, not only for the charity but for the people who attend.

I’m in the early stages of co-organising a charity event to raise funds for Marie Curie. We’re looking at a quiz, an unusual raffle and other family favourites such as the much-loved Tombola and Name-A-Bear. Sounds good so far? Well, as well as quiz entry, we’re hoping to include a buffet in with the ticket price. It all seems like a good idea, doesn’t it? There must be some competitive quiz teams out there, who like a laugh, but could give the Eggheads a run for their money - all for a good cause, of course!

Now the hard part. Everyone seems to be talking about recession this and credit crunch that, so it may be harder to get companies to donate prizes, but I don’t think it’s impossible. People can be incredibly generous and we’ve already had some great donations from best-selling authors (I will name names soon, I promise). Illness doesn’t let up, just because the Economy is bleak, so I really hope that we can encourage people to give their time, their money and…more of their money!!!

In the meantime, we’re looking for a venue in the Newcastle/Gateshead area…and if we’re being really cheeky, sandwiches or a buffet. If you or anyone you know might be interested in helping in any way, or even just attending the event or buying raffle tickets, send me a message using the ‘Contact Me’ form. Prize pledges are gratefully accepted, both for the raffle and the smaller tombola. We will get as much publicity as we can!

We hope to hold the event on 12th September 2009, so there’s plenty of time to arrange everything. I Ain’t Too Proud To Beg, so will continue to try and twist some arms to get some brilliant prizes in - if you wish to point me in the right direction, please do so!

I opened my email yesterday to find almost 500 messages. I know my site isn’t that popular, so was a bit perplexed until I started reading them - all were returned or undelivered mail referring to messages I had never sent. I contacted the nice web lady in a panic and she told me that my domain had been ’spoofed’. This means that it looks as though a message comes from my domain but it doesn’t. So please rest assured that I don’t send out sp*m!

Why not invest it in Timebank?

I have a LOT of time on my hands, as you know, and much of it is wasted in front of the TV. I decided that I wanted to feel a little more useful, and wondered if I could volunteer. I made some enquiries and, obviously, it’s hard to find a place for someone who is unreliable (albeit through no fault of my own). I thought I could maybe become a telephone ‘Befriender’ as even I can talk on the phone for a short while, once a week. Nope, that involved going to an office to make the call, making it out of my reach. The scenario was the same for everything I tried…until Age Concern contacted me about a project called Timebank.

Timebank is a way of volunteering within your local community. Basically, you offer any skills that you think may be of use to someone ie decorating, typing a letter, gardening, walking a dog, returning a library book. Anything! Your time is logged and then you can use your banked hours to use other volunteers’ services: maybe you want a haircut or a cake baked. It really is as diverse as that. It’s ideal for people who want to help others, but need flexibility. You give a little, you get a little back - sounds like a good idea, doesn’t it? You can do as much or as little as you want and members receive support from their co-ordinator.

I’ve added a link to the right of this Blog page, if you’re interested in seeing what it’s all about.