Friends of the Belarusian Children's Hospice

Traveller’s Tales

Friends of BCH chairwoman Daryl Ann Hardman visited the Belarusian Children’s Hospice for an Advisory Board meeting and brought back news of other activities too which we would like to share with you.

   

We are sorry to have to postpone this event.

Another date will be announced soon and we

 hope that you will be able to join us then.

 

 

AS TIME GOES BY

 

An evening of

Poetry, Prose and Music

 

Woman of the Year

 

Anna Garchakova, founder and director of the Belarusian Children’s Hospice, was named Woman of the Year by the Union of Belarusian Women for her work ‘for charity and helping others’.   The award was made at a ceremony at the Bolshoi Theatre in Minsk in front of a top level invited audience which included members of the Belarusian Government.  In her acceptance speech, Anna acknowledged the great courage shown by the sick and disabled children for whom the hospice provides palliative care and support.

As Time Goes By

 

An evening of readings and music by

Ann Crisp and friends

 

TBA

IHM RC Church Great Missenden

 

Every day is a special gift

 

Nadia was born in December 2006 and was a much longed for first child. Nadia was immediately diagnosed with Patau syndrome, a genetic disorder. She was not expected to live for more than a month and was hospitalised at once. Nadia was also born with a heart disorder and delayed development.  Despite all this, she survived although her condition remained serious.

 

In June 2007 the hospice took over Nadia’s care which enabled her family to look after her at home.  At this time, she was suffering from severe convulsions but these were significantly reduced through pain management which improved Nadia’s quality of life.  Nadia is unable to sit or talk but she can smile and enjoys music and colourful toys.

 

The Belarusian Children’s Hospice provided Nadia’s family with an oxygenator, an electric suction machine, medications and personal hygiene items which the family were unable to afford because Olga stays at home to look after her daughter rather than go out to work. Hospice doctors and nurses visit Nadia regularly.

 

One winter, during a particularly severe cold spell, the heating system in their house broke down and so the hospice accommodated mother and daughter at the in-patient unit for three weeks.

 

Nadia is over three years old now.  This is a big achievement for someone who was given only a month to live.  We do not know how long Nadia has left but each day that she is here brings happiness to her mother, father and all of us.

 

 

 

New Trustee

 

We are delighted to welcome Jane Curtis as a trustee of Friends of BCH.  Jane, an actuary, is a Managing Principal at Hewitt where she currently advises pension scheme trustees on a broad range of issues and is at her best in helping them to reach the right funding solution for their scheme.   Within the Actuarial Profession, Jane was an examiner for many years and from 2002 to 2004 was Chairman of the Board of Examiners.  She is a member of Institute Council and, until recently, chaired the Qualifications Executive Committee.  Jane is now a member of the Professional Regulation Executive Committee.

 

Jane was recently named as the president-elect of the Institute of Actuaries and will be the first woman to occupy this post.

 

Away from the office, Jane likes to spend time with her husband (who is also an actuary) and her two energetic children. She is a part-time swimming coach and spends a lot of her free time on poolside!

 

 

 

Sunday, 16^th May

IHM and St Anne’s Parish Walk

 

Parishioners and friends regularly walk together during the summer months.

On this occasion, some walkers have kindly offered to gather sponsorship for their

5 mile foray into the local countryside and the proceeds will be donated to

Friends of BCH.

 

Everyone is most welcome to join the walk or to sponsor one or more of the walkers.   Contact us for more details.

 

On-line donations can be made at

www.justgiving.com/IHM-St-Anne-Parish-Walk or  www.charitychoice.co.uk

 

 

 

Piano Recital

 

Alexander Ardakov, the renowned international pianist, captivated his audience with an exquisitely played programme of Russian music by Tchaikovsky, Scriabin and Mussorgsky.   The recital was in aid of Friends of BCH and took place on 6^th March at Dr Challoner’s High School, Little Chalfont.

 

The recital began with a dozen piano pieces by Tchaikovsky composed over a period of 25 years.  Each of these encapsulated a feeling or a time of year and was a small jewel beautifully presented.

 

The second half started with three etudes by Scriabin which were followed by Mussorgsky’s masterpiece Pictures at an Exhibition.  Alexander caught the mood of each ‘picture’ perfectly and we progressed around the exhibition with the familiar theme of the promenade which made us feel as though we were accompanied on our exploration by a much loved and respected friend.  Finally, we arrived at the Great Gate of Kiev full of strength and majesty.  I enjoyed this performance more than any other I have heard previously.  As one of the audience remarked to me, Alexander was completely at one with the piano when he played and was a joy to listen to.  He has a rare talent.

 

The recital raised £2200.  Thank you to Alexander and all those who supported this wonderful evening.

 

 

 

Thank you to

 

Charitable Foundation of the Military Order of the Collar

 

Immaculate Heart of Mary and St Anne

RC Parish

 

Russian Business Club

 

The Ammco Trust

 

For supporting Friends of BCH