The North East of England is an extremely important region for DebRA.
Jonny Kennedy came from Alnwick in Northumberland. Since the transmission of "The Boy Whose Skin Fell Off", the support for DebRA in the North East has grown dramatically. At the helm of our activities is Jonny's mum, Edna Kennedy - now a Trustee of DebRA.
A Jonny Kennedy Memorial Appeal was set up at the beginning of 2005, with the objective of raising £1 million for families affected by EB in the region. DebRA organised a huge launch in Newcastle United FC, which was attended by Jonny's friend and celebrity Nell McAndrew, pictured here with Edna Kennedy. Solicitors Dickinson Dees supported DebRA in organising the event and DebRA has been very fortunate to receive their ongoing support.
Thanks to DebRA supporters in the local area and around the UK, more than £600,000 has been raised for the Jonny Kennedy Memorial Appeal, including almost £100,000 in online donations. To donate to the appeal and help us reach our £1 million target click here.
Please contact Lucy Weaver, regional co-ordinator, on 01344 771961 if you are interested in staging or taking part in any events in the North East or North Yorkshire area. Alternatively email lucy.weaver@debra.org.uk.
Grand Prix event raises hundreds of pounds for DebRA.
A special Grand Prix event held in the North East has raised hundreds of pounds for two good causes - DebRA and the Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust Breast Screening Unit.
Edna Kennedy attended the event on behalf of DebRA at Sainsbury's in the Team Valley Trading Estate in Gateshead.
She was among those who went for a drive in the Grand Prix simulator and she came to the conclusion that she could never be a racing driver because the car is too uncomfortable!
Organised by Tyre Spot, who have premises on the Team Valley Trading Estate, the event encouraged shoppers to sit in the car, have their photo taken and drive the circuit in the simulator.
Tyre Spot staff were also on hand to carry out free tyre checks on customers' cars.
Following the event a cheque to both good causes was presented by Johnathon Shaw, of Tyre Spot, at the breast screening unit (see photo above).
Thanks to the organisers Tyre Spot and to Edna and her volunteers for taking part.
