NEWS

A Wetherby charity volunteer who lost two grandparents during the Covid-19 pandemic is raising money for older people in a bid to reduce loneliness. Mal Leszczynska will run a half marathon for Wetherby in Support of the Elderly (WiSE) having seen how lonely her nana and grandma had become in the last years of their lives. She hopes the money she raises will help WiSE to fund further activities to reduce loneliness for older people living in Wetherby and its surrounding villages. Mal said: “I have been volunteering for WiSE since February this year. As I work shifts, I’m fortunate…

A Wetherby woman’s tombola marathon will raise money for older people as a thank you for her dad’s dementia support. Adele Fairburn plans to run tombolas at her 15 Bee Crafty Markets throughout the year to boost funds for Wetherby in Support of the Elderly (WiSE). The charity hosts a memory café which Adele says has been a major source of support for her dad Ron who is living with dementia. Adele said: “My dad, Ron, has dementia, which has had a massive impact on both him and the rest of the family. He has recently started to attend the…

A Wetherby volunteer’s personal story inspired her to support a charity memory café bringing joy to those living with dementia and their carers. Megan Gill, aged 25 from Leeds, is among an army of more than 120 volunteers who regularly give up their time to support Wetherby in Support of the Elderly (WiSE) services- including activities, transport and befriending. All the charity’s volunteers are being celebrated as part of Volunteers’ Week (1 to 7 June)- an annual celebration of the contribution millions of people make across the UK through volunteering in their communities. Megan said: “I work at NG Bailey,…

A veteran walker is hiking the length of Hadrian’s Wall to raise cash for Wetherby in Support of the Elderly (WiSE). Keith Wilkinson, aged 90, aims to complete the coast-to-coast trek in just 10 days on behalf of WiSE. The 85-mile march will see walk-loving Keith take in Roman remains along his route, which covers some of the most rugged terrain in the country. Keith said: “It’s only recently that I’ve heard of WiSE. I don’t feel lonely and whilst I am happy living and walking on my own, I decided I should have more social activity. I started attending…

On your marks… get set… go! A Wetherby in Support of the Elderly trio are donning crazy costumes in a bid to win the biggest prize in the mascot racing world – and raise money at for its own fundraising appeal in the process. WiSE mascot Ollie Beak and two of his pals will take on dozens of other mascots of all shapes and sizes, at the annual Sue Ryder Mascot Gold Cup. The event, which takes place at the end of the month at Wetherby Racecourse, is expected to raise thousands of pounds for good causes – with the…