News Room

ANDREW'S 'TOUR DE FRANCE' RAISES £3000!

5/6/2017

FUNDRAISING FOR LOCAL CHARITY THE TRAVERS FOUNDATION

Andrew Hartley (left) and James Firmin (right) are met by Terry Forsey at the Eiffel Tower on Saturday 3rd June.

Languages teacher Andrew Hartley, 51, and his cycling companion James Firmin, undertook a mammoth bike ride from Gretton to Paris to raise money for local charity The Travers Foundation.

This 350 mile journey took the pair four days, and they arrived at the Eiffel Tower on Saturday 3rd June afternoon having set off from Gretton Village Green at 9.30am on Wednesday morning.

A large group of spectators gathered in Gretton on Wednesday 31st May to wish them well and send them on their way, and Lydia's Coffee Shop opened early to supply everyone with bacon rolls and other refreshments. Andrew and James were fully fed and caffeinated before they set off!

They cycled approximately 90 miles a day, and although it was a gruelling journey they cycled along some beautiful rural English lanes - and even managed a brief stop-off at Buckingham Palace en-route. The weather over the Channel was not so welcoming, however, and the pair endured gale-force winds and heavy rain which slightly delayed their arrival in Paris.

The Travers Foundation is a volunteer-run charity which helps 13 to 30 year olds living in Northamptonshire, Rutland or Leicestershire improve their skills in sports, the creative arts and the performing arts.

Andrew is a volunteer funding team leader of the charity, so works very closely with the beneficiaries and their families and sees close-up how much the charity changes these young people's lives by helping them achieve their dreams.

Terry Forsey, Chairman of the Travers Foundation, said:

"We are so proud of Andrew and James, and it was wonderful to be there to see them arrive safely in Paris at the Eiffel Tower.

"We are very grateful to them, and to everybody who has sponsored them and supported The Travers Foundation. Every penny raised will go to help local young people achieve their dreams in their chosen fields in the arts and sport. Andrew and James are taking now taking a well-earned rest from their saddles!"

The JustGiving page is still open for donations - to sponsor Andrew, and for further information on the Travers Foundation, please visit www.travers-foundation.org.uk

Ends

Press information – Terry Forsey, The Travers Foundation – 01536 771440
The Travers Foundation - registered charity number 1154203

RETRO-ROCK EVENT RAISES OVER £1000

30/5/2017

CHARITY FUNDRAISER FOR THE TRAVERS FOUNDATION

The Jean Genie 70s and 80s Rock Spectacular which took place at Gretton Village Hall on Sunday 28th May raised over £1000 for The Travers Foundation charity.

The live band - The Andy Warrington Experience - treated the crowd to a masterclass in the best of retro rock, featuring an array of well-known hits from icons such as David Bowie, Eric Clapton, The Jam, The Police, Joy Division and Dire Straits.

Also performing was Corby soloist Kara Hamer, who sang her version of Snow Patrol/Leona Lewis's 'Run' and 'Hopelessly Devoted To You' from Grease. Kara, aged 16 and currently taking her GCSEs, is receiving funding from The Travers Foundation for vocal coaching lessons with Mary King.

The Travers Foundation is a volunteer-led charity which helps 13 to 30 year olds living in Northamptonshire, Rutland or Leicestershire improve their skills in sports, the creative arts and the performing arts.

Terry Forsey, chairman of The Travers Foundation, said:

"What a night! Over £1000 raised, and every penny will go to support young people in this area achieve their full potential in their chosen fields within sport and the arts.

"Special thanks to The Andy Warrington Experience who were amazing, Kara for being a fantastic 'warm-up' act, all the local companies and individuals who donated raffle prizes, Julie, Mike and Sam at Gretton Stores who were our box office, and to everybody who made this possible and helped in any way and especially to all those people who attended and enjoyed a great night of music and dancing."

For further information on the work of the Travers Foundation please visit www.travers-foundation.org.uk

Ends

Press information – Terry Forsey, The Travers Foundation – 01536 771440
The Travers Foundation - registered charity number 1154203

ROCKING THE 70s & 80s IN GRETTON

8/5/2017

CHARITY EVENT FOR THE TRAVERS FOUNDATION

Gretton's 70s & 80s Rock Spectacular - courtesy of live band The Andy Warrington Experience - is taking place at Gretton Village Hall on Sunday 28th May (Whitsun Bank Holiday weekend) from 8pm.

The Andy Warrington Experience is a top quality covers band, featuring the music of icons including David Bowie, Eric Clapton, The Jam, The Police, Joy Division and Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits.

This is a fundraising event for local charity The Travers Foundation. The Northamptonshire-based volunteer-led charity helps 13 to 30 year olds living in Northamptonshire, Rutland or Leicestershire improve their skills in sports, the creative arts and the performing arts.

Tickets cost £10 per person and are available from Gretton Post Office. Please bring your own drinks, glasses and snacks.

Terry Forsey, chairman of The Travers Foundation, said:

"We are very grateful to The Andy Warrington Experience for agreeing to perform at our fundraising event in Gretton, and are looking forward to a great night of rocking out to the best in 70s and 80s rock."

For further information on the work of the Travers Foundation please visit www.travers-foundation.org.uk

Ends

Press information – Terry Forsey, The Travers Foundation – 01536 771440
The Travers Foundation - registered charity number 1154203

The Travers Foundation press releases are carefully crafted by Helen Bach.
If you need any assistance with press releases, blogs, brochures, website content please email Helen here .

MY DREAM IS STILL ALIVE -

1/5/2017

LOCAL COMPOSER WRITES SONG FOR THE TRAVERS FOUNDATION CHARITY

'My Dream Is Still Alive' is the special anthem that local composer Lizzie Turney, aged 21 from Ashley near Market Harborough, has created for The Travers Foundation.

It was premiered at the charity's Young Stars Showcase at the Corby Cube in March of this year, but is now available for everybody to hear through a link on The Travers Foundation website - http://www.travers-foundation.org.uk/my-dream-is-still-alive.html

The song is a tribute to the charity and a celebration of all the young stars it has supported to realise their dreams and fulfil their potential.

The Travers Foundation is a Northamptonshire-based, volunteer-run charity which helps 13 to 30 year olds living in Northamptonshire, Rutland or Leicestershire improve their skills in sports, the creative arts and the performing arts.

Lizzie sings her own composition on this recording, which highlights the ethereal quality to her voice, and, combined with the delicate lyrics, is reminiscent of the multi-layered productions of Kate Bush or Enya.

Lizzie, who aims to write scores for films and television, is receiving financial assistance from The Travers Foundation to fund a musical production course in London. She is currently studying and composing, experimenting with software and using synthesisers to create a more modern sound.

Terry Forsey, Chairman of The Travers Foundation, said:

"My Dream Is Still Alive is a wonderful piece of music, and we are very grateful to Lizzie for writing it especially for us.

"The lyrics, which we've printed in full on the website, have so much meaning to them, and the anthem serves as an inspirational reminder to all the young people we support to keep on trying and working hard to achieve their dreams."

To hear the song, or further information on the work of the Travers Foundation, please visit www.travers-foundation.org.uk

Ends

Press information – Terry Forsey, The Travers Foundation – 01536 771440
The Travers Foundation - registered charity number 1154203

The Travers Foundation press releases are carefully crafted by Helen Bach.
If you need any assistance with press releases, blogs, brochures, website content please email Helen here .

Nice interview with Bruce Donald's Marathon Des Sables on BBC Radion Northampton

27/4/2017

You can still sponsor Bruce to the end of April. This can be done here https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/mds17

BALLROOM BLITZ AT BLACKPOOL!

27/4/2017

EMILY AND SCOTT CHAMPIONS FOR AN AMAZING THREE YEARS IN A ROW

Local ballroom dancing couple Emily Brown and Scott Wilson headed to Blackpool this Easter and won the British Junior Champions title for a very impressive third year in a row.

Aged just 15, the pair are receiving funding for coaching expenses from local charity The Travers Foundation. The Travers Foundation is a Northamptonshire-based, volunteer-run charity which helps 13 to 30 year olds living in Northamptonshire, Rutland or Leicestershire improve their skills in sports, the creative arts and the performing arts.

Emily and Scott have danced together since the age of seven, and their achievements are impressive - they are the current UK Junior Sequence Champions, having won the title in 2015, 2016 and 2017; and they have now retained their British Junior Sequence Championship title, having won this in 2015, 2016 and again in 2017.

They will both retire from the Junior ranks when they turn 16.

Emily and Scott performed at The Travers Foundation showcase event at the Corby Cube in March 2017, and wowed the crowd with their impressive tango. The couple have also branched out into Modern Ballroom, finishing third in the British Closed Junior Ballroom Championships at Blackpool in November 2016.

They won the DPA/BDF National League Junior Sequence Award for 2015/2016 and finished third in the DPA/BDF National League Junior Ballroom Award for 2016/2017. These are leagues where the marks gained at weekly competitions all over the country over a 12 month period are totalled to show the six leading couples in each grade at the end of the year.

Terry Forsey, Chairman of The Travers Foundation, said:

"We are absolutely delighted that Emily and Scott have won again at Blackpool - what an amazing achievement! They work so hard, and really deserve this accolade. We are so proud of them, and happy to help them achieve their ambitions. Everybody at The Travers Foundation wishes them all the best for the future."

For further information on the work of the Travers Foundation please visit www.travers-foundation.org.uk

Ends

Press information – Terry Forsey, The Travers Foundation – 01536 771440
The Travers Foundation - registered charity number 1154203

The Travers Foundation press releases are carefully crafted by Helen Bach.
If you need any assistance with press releases, blogs, brochures, website content please email Helen here .

BRUCE'S ULTRA MARATHON SAHARA CHALLENGE RAISES OVER £3200!

25/4/2017

FUNDRAISING FOR LOCAL CHARITIES THE TRAVERS FOUNDATION and UPS 'N' DOWNS

Gretton resident and ex-Northampton Saints rugby player Bruce Donald successfully completed the 2017 Marathon Des Sables, covering over 150 miles in just six days.

Described as the toughest footrace on Earth, this multi-day ultra marathon took place in the Moroccan Sahara Desert.

Bruce was fundraising for two local groups, The Travers Foundation, a volunteer-run charity which helps 13 to 30 year olds living in Northamptonshire, Rutland or Leicestershire improve their skills in sports, the creative arts and the performing arts, and Ups 'N' Downs, which offers support and advice for families and individuals affected by Down's Syndrome.

To date, Bruce has raised over £3200 in sponsorship monies for the two charities and he is keeping his fundraising page open until the end of April for any further donations.

Terry Forsey, chairman of The Travers Foundation, says:

"What can I say? We're completely in awe of what Bruce has achieved. Not only has he run incredible distances in blistering heat, he's managed to raise over £3200 for two local charities.

"Saying 'thank you' doesn't quite seem enough - and we have bought him numerous pints to help with his rehydration! - but everyone at The Travers Foundation would like to say a very big thank you to Bruce. Every single penny of what he's raised will go to help local youngsters in need."

To donate to Bruce's JustGiving page or for further information on the Travers Foundation visit www.travers-foundation.org.uk and follow the links.

Ends

Press information – Terry Forsey, The Travers Foundation – 01536 771440
The Travers Foundation - registered charity number 1154203

The Travers Foundation press releases are carefully crafted by Helen Bach.
If you need any assistance with press releases, blogs, brochures, website content please email Helen here .

TOM SYMONS, BRITISH CHAMPION KICKBOXER

24/4/2017

THE TRAVERS FOUNDATION SPONSORS YOUNGSTER FROM NORTHAMPTON

Tom Symons is a 15-year old kickboxer from Northampton who has just been crowned Men's British Champion at the WFMC British Championships and secured three British titles and two silver medals at the WAKO British Championships.

Tom receives funding from local charity The Travers Foundation who help with the costs of training and competitions. The Travers Foundation is a volunteer-run charity which helps 13 to 30 year olds living in Northamptonshire, Rutland or Leicestershire improve their skills in sports, the creative arts and the performing arts.

At the recent WFMC British Championships Tom entered in four categories, two for Points and Light Con, in both the -65kg and -70kg weight categories in his age group, 13-17 years.

He took gold in both Points categories so became British Champion in those; he took bronze in -65kg Light Con and then found he had no-one in his age range to compete against in the -70kg Light Con so he was asked if he'd compete in the Adults' category. Which he did, by his own admission with some trepidation, and he won, so he is now Men's British Champion at the age of just 15 - quite an achievement!

From here, he headed to the WAKO British Championships where he entered in two age categories, both the Older Cadets (13-15) and Juniors (16-18), a decision he took because he'll be moving up to the Junior category at the European Championships in August.

He entered the -69kg weight category for Points and Light Con, and the -74kg juniors division in Points as well. He had tough opposition in his Light Con fights, but took the gold and retained his British title in the Older Cadets age category, but was narrowly beaten and took silver in the Junior division.

In the Points fights, he won the -69kg for Older Cadets and gained his second WAKO British title for 2017. He then won silver in the -69kg Juniors after a particularly tough fight with his GB team mate Fin Wright. This was followed by the -74kg Junior division, where Tom battled his way to another gold, making that a third WAKO 2017 British title.

In summary, his weekend at the WAKO British Championships secured three British titles, two silver medals and hopefully secured his position on the WAKO GB squad.

From here Tom then headed to the Irish Open, held between 3rd and 5th March, and achieved a further three silver medals.

Terry Forsey, chairman of the Travers Foundation, said:

"Tom's had yet another magnificent year of competition success. He works and trains really hard, and we are delighted to be able to assist him to achieve his dreams of being a champion kickboxer. We are so proud of what he has achieved and wish him continued success."

For further information on the work of the Travers Foundation please visit www.travers-foundation.org.uk

Ends

Press information – Terry Forsey, The Travers Foundation – 01536 771440
The Travers Foundation - registered charity number 1154203

The Travers Foundation press releases are carefully crafted by Helen Bach.
If you need any assistance with press releases, blogs, brochures, website content please email Helen here .

ANDREW'S TOUR DE FRANCE - STARTING IN GRETTON!

20/4/2017

FUNDRAISING FOR LOCAL CHARITY THE TRAVERS FOUNDATION

Local languages teacher Andrew Hartley, 51, from Gretton is undertaking a mammoth cycle journey. While not quite the Tour De France, he is cycling some 350 miles from Gretton in Northamptonshire to Paris, France (returning via Eurostar).

Starting on 31st May, Andrew anticipates that this trek will take around four days. He is being accompanied by fellow local cycling enthusiast James Firmin.

The pair will set off - Le Grand Départ - from Gretton Village Green at 9am on Wednesday 31st May and people are encouraged to come along and wish them Bon Voyage! People are also welcome to cycle with them during any of the stages:

Stage one - 31st May - Gretton to Welwyn Garden City;
Stage two - 1st June - Welwyn Garden City to Burgess Hill (near Brighton);
Stage three - 2nd June - Burgess Hill to Gournay-en-Bray in Picardie (France);
Stage four - 3rd June - Gournay-en-Bray to Paris, aiming to arrive at the Eiffel Tower at approximately 4pm.

Andrew is fundraising for The Travers Foundation, a volunteer-run charity which helps 13 to 30 year olds living in Northamptonshire, Rutland or Leicestershire improve their skills in sports, the creative arts and the performing arts.

Andrew is a volunteer funding team leader of the charity, so works very closely with the beneficiaries and their families and sees close-up how much the charity changes these young people's lives by helping them achieve their dreams.

He is being met at The Eiffel Tower in Paris by charity chairman Terry Forsey and his wife Susan, and by trustee Martin McEvoy and his partner Jo Lister.

Andrew says: "Having worked closely with The Travers Foundation for a number of years I've seen first-hand the difference we are making in the lives of these young people we support. I have been training for a number of months, and while I know this journey will be gruelling, I'm hopeful we can raise lots of money for the charity, safe in the knowledge that every penny will be spent on the young people who need our help."

Terry Forsey, chairman of The Travers Foundation, says:

"We are very grateful to Andrew for all the voluntary work he puts into the charity and also for undertaking this huge journey to raise funds for The Travers Foundation. We are looking forward to meeting him in Paris, complete with supplies and I'm guessing a much-needed support cushion for his return journey!"

Supporters may sponsor Andrew, and for further information on the work of the Travers Foundation please visit www.travers-foundation.org.uk

Ends

Press information – Terry Forsey, The Travers Foundation – 01536 771440
The Travers Foundation - registered charity number 1154203

The Travers Foundation press releases are carefully crafted by Helen Bach.
If you need any assistance with press releases, blogs, brochures, website content please email Helen here .

Bruce Successfully completes The Marathon des Sables

18/4/2017

A massive thank you to Bruce Donald who is now home having successfully completed the Marathon des Sables covering over 150 miles+ in 6 days.

He's sent us his video on completion and you can still sponsor him to the end of April. This can be done here https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/mds17

STRICTLY BALLROOM - SCOTT WILSON & EMILY BROWN

20/3/2017

YOUNG DANCERS RECEIVE FUNDING FROM THE TRAVERS FOUNDATION

Local ballroom dancing couple Scott Wilson and Emily Brown are the current British Junior Champions and are heading to Blackpool this Easter to hopefully maintain their title for a record third year in a row.

Aged just 15, the pair are based out of Corby and are receiving funding for coaching expenses from local charity The Travers Foundation.

The Travers Foundation is a volunteer-run charity which helps 13 to 30 year olds living in Northamptonshire, Rutland or Leicestershire improve their skills in sports, the creative arts and the performing arts.

Scott and Emily have danced together since the age of seven, and their achievements are impressive - they are the current UK Junior Sequence Champions, having won the title in 2015, 2016 and 2017; and they are the current British Junior Sequence Champions, having won this title in 2015 and 2016.

They are hoping to add the 2017 British Junior Sequence title to this list before retiring from the Junior ranks when they turn 16.

Scott and Emily recently performed at The Travers Foundation showcase event at the Corby Cube, and wowed the crowd with their impressive tango which was surely worthy of a 'ten from Len' (BBC Strictly's former head judge for the uninitiated!)

Scott and Emily have also branched out into Modern Ballroom, finishing third in the British Closed Junior Ballroom Championships at Blackpool in November 2016.

They won the DPA/BDF National League Junior Sequence Award for 2015/2016 and finished third in the DPA/BDF National League Junior Ballroom Award for 2016/2017. These are leagues where the marks gained at weekly competitions all over the country over a 12 month period are totalled to show the six leading couples in each grade at the end of the year.

Terry Forsey, Chairman of The Travers Foundation, said:

"We are delighted to be able to help Scott and Emily with their ballroom dancing ambitions. They are clearly extremely talented, and we wish them all the best for Blackpool!"

For further information on the work of the Travers Foundation please visit www.travers-foundation.org.uk

Ends

Press information – Terry Forsey, The Travers Foundation – 01536 771440
The Travers Foundation - registered charity number 1154203

The Travers Foundation press releases are carefully crafted by Helen Bach.
If you need any assistance with press releases, blogs, brochures, website content please email Helen here .

SHOWCASING THE BEST OF LOCAL TALENT

6/3/2017

TRAVERS FOUNDATION MUSIC AND DANCE EVENT AT CORBY CORE THEATRE

The Liberty Drum Corps delivered a rousing finale to the Third Travers Young Stars Showcase

The Travers Foundation Young Stars Showcase fundraising evening took place at the Corby Cube on Saturday 4th March, 2017.

The Travers Foundation is a Northamptonshire-based volunteer-led charity which helps 13 to 30 year olds living in Northamptonshire, Rutland or Leicestershire improve their skills in sports, the creative arts and the performing arts.

The dinner and showcase event featured some of the talented youngsters the charity has assisted including composer Lizzie Turney - who premiered her specially-composed song 'My Dream Is Still Alive' in honour of the charity and the young people it supports - The Bodyrox Dance Co, vocalist Kara Hamer (accompanied for one song by guitarist Paul Balmer), ballroom dancing couple Emily Brown and Scott Wilson, and the Liberty Drum Corps who rounded off the evening with a rousing finale of drums, brass instruments and flag twirling.

This annual event, now in its third year, was very honoured to have in attendance the Lord Lieutenant of Northamptonshire, David Laing, accompanied by his wife Mary; Mayor of Corby Cllr Julie Riley and her consort husband Bob; golfer Ryan Evans, who is patron of the charity; athletes William Sharman (also a trustee), Lucy Hatton, Isaac Akers and archer Iulia Petrie. The evening was hosted by local opera impresario Martin McEvoy, who is a trustee of the charity.

Terry Forsey of the Travers Foundation said:

"The third annual Travers Foundation Showcase was a huge success. We raised over £6,000 in total, and every penny will be spent in supporting talented youngsters improve their skills in sports, the creative and performing arts.

"The charity is entirely staffed by volunteers, and we all work really hard in various aspects of fund-raising, working with the young people and their families, and in PR and marketing.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank everybody who made this evening the resounding success it was, especially the fundraising team from Santander who ably assisted us with the auction and fundraising on the night itself and have pledged to match-fund every pound we raised, our front-of-house greeter Tina Clark from Lloyds Bank, as well as our loyal team of helpers including Jo Lister who designed the programme and the marvellous decor, assisted by Susan Forsey, and Martin McEvoy who directed, devised and was Master of Ceremonies for the entire evening."

For further information on the work of the Travers Foundation please visit www.travers-foundation.org.uk

Ends

Press information – Terry Forsey, The Travers Foundation – 01536 771440
The Travers Foundation - registered charity number 1154203

The Travers Foundation press releases are carefully crafted by Helen Bach.
If you need any assistance with press releases, blogs, brochures, website content please email Helen here .

LOCAL COMPOSER WRITES SONG SPECIALLY FOR CHARITY

21/2/2017

ANTHEM TO PREMIERE AT THE TRAVERS FOUNDATION SHOWCASE

Lizzie Turney, aged 21 from Ashley near Market Harborough, is a composer who aims to write scores for films and television, following in the footsteps of David Arnold (James Bond, Sherlock) and Barrington Pheloung (Inspector Morse, Endeavour).

She has composed a special anthem - My Dream Is Still Alive - for The Travers Foundation which will be premiered at the Young Stars Showcase at the Corby Cube on Saturday 4th March.

The Travers Foundation is a Northamptonshire-based, volunteer-run charity which helps 13 to 30 year olds living in Northamptonshire, Rutland or Leicestershire improve their skills in sports, the creative arts and the performing arts.

The song is a tribute to the charity and a celebration of all the young stars it has supported to realise their dreams and fulfil their potential.

Lizzie is receiving financial assistance from The Travers Foundation to fund a musical production course in London. She is currently studying and composing, experimenting with software and using synthesisers to create a more modern sound.

Lizzie says:

"I absolutely love composing, more than anything in the world. I've decided it's time to really 'go for it', and I am aiming to study for a Masters degree in composing for film and television. So far in my musical career I've composed the music for an advertisement for the University of Birmingham, I've spent much time gigging and composing, and have an album available on iTunes."

Terry Forsey, Chairman of The Travers Foundation, said:

"We are delighted to be able to help Lizzie with her dreams of becoming a film and TV score composer. We are also very excited that she has composed a special song for The Travers Foundation and look forward to hearing it performed for the first time at the Showcase Event."

To buy tickets for the Showcase or for further information on the work of the Travers Foundation please visit www.travers-foundation.org.uk

Ends

Press information – Terry Forsey, The Travers Foundation – 01536 771440
The Travers Foundation - registered charity number 1154203

The Travers Foundation press releases are carefully crafted by Helen Bach.
If you need any assistance with press releases, blogs, brochures, website content please email Helen here .

THEY BANG THE DRUMS! LIBERTY DRUM CORPS

15/2/2017

BRUCE'S ULTRA MARATHON SAHARA CHALLENGE

8/2/2017

FUNDRAISING FOR LOCAL CHARITIES THE TRAVERS FOUNDATION and UPS 'N' DOWNS

ex-Northampton Saints rugby player Bruce Donald is competing in the toughest footrace on Earth the Marathon Des Sables 2017

Gretton resident and ex-Northampton Saints rugby player Bruce Donald is competing in the 2017 Marathon Des Sables.

Taking place between 7 to 17 April, this event is described as the toughest footrace on Earth, and is a multi-day ultra marathon, run over six days over a course of between 150 and 156 miles in the Moroccan Sahara Desert.

The gruelling adventure takes competitors through one of the world's most inhospitable environments, through endless dunes, over rocky jebels and across white-hot sand plains. Temperatures reach over 50 degrees centigrade, with the endless sand stinging eyes and chafing delicate areas.

On top of all this, the runners have to be completely self-sufficient, carrying all their own food and equipment for the week on their backs. Water is rationed, and if that ration is exceeded a time penalty is issued.

The course changes every year, but always includes a long stage of 52 miles. Starting out in the Saharan morning, runners continue this run until dusk, then on into the night, not finishing until well into the next day.

You're perhaps wondering why would anyone voluntarily undertake this ordeal, but at the time of writing, there are 1296 entrants from around the world, with Bruce having bib number 761 and his friend Tom Dove number 762.

Bruce is fundraising for two local groups, The Travers Foundation, a volunteer-run charity which helps 13 to 30 year olds living in Northamptonshire, Rutland or Leicestershire improve their skills in sports, the creative arts and the performing arts, and Ups 'N' Downs, which offers support and advice for families and individuals affected by Down's Syndrome.

Terry Forsey, chairman of The Travers Foundation, says:

"We are absolutely delighted that Bruce is sharing the sponsorship money for his gruelling Marathon Des Sables challenge between The Travers Foundation and Ups 'n' Downs. We wish him every success in this adventure, and have been following his training progress on Facebook and Twitter."

For more information about Bruce's extreme desert running challenge, please visit his Facebook page www.facebook.com/BrucesSaharaChallenge or follow him on Twitter @BrucePDonald. For further information on the Travers Foundation visit www.travers-foundation.org.uk

ends

Press information – Terry Forsey, The Travers Foundation – 01536 771440
The Travers Foundation - registered charity number 1154203

The Travers Foundation press releases are carefully crafted by Helen Bach.
If you need any assistance with press releases, blogs, brochures, website content please email Helen here .

SHOWCASING THE BEST OF LOCAL TALENT

1/2/2017

Kara Hamer will be performing at The Young Stars Showcase on Saturday 4th March

CHARITY EVENT AT THE CORBY CUBE FOR THE TRAVERS FOUNDATION

The Travers Foundation Young Stars Showcase fundraising evening will be held at the Corby Cube on Saturday 4th March, 2017.

The Northamptonshire-based volunteer-led charity helps 13 to 30 year olds living in Northamptonshire, Rutland or Leicestershire improve their skills in sports, the creative arts and the performing arts.

The Young Stars Showcase will feature some of the talented local young people the charity has assisted, with performances from The Bodyrox Dance Co, vocalists Kara Hamer and Lizzie Turney, acrobat Nikki Hammond and the Liberty Marching Band.

This annual event, now in its third year, will be hosted by local Opera Impresario Martin McEvoy, who is a Trustee of the charity.

Terry Forsey, chairman of The Travers Foundation, said:

"We have had a very busy year at the Travers Foundation. We were delighted to be selected by the Mayor of Corby, Cllr Julie Riley, to be one of her chosen charities for her year of office. This, and having golfer Ryan Evans as our patron, has helped to raise our profile in the local area and make more people aware of what we do.

"Our Young Stars Showcase gives these talented young people the opportunity to show us and our supporters exactly how their sponsorship money has been spent, and we are looking forward to an evening of first class entertainment."

To buy tickets for the Showcase or for further information on the work of the Travers Foundation please visit www.travers-foundation.org.uk

ends

Press information – Terry Forsey, The Travers Foundation – 01536 771440
The Travers Foundation - registered charity number 1154203

The Travers Foundation press releases are carefully crafted by Helen Bach.
If you need any assistance with press releases, blogs, brochures, website content please email Helen here .

DANCE, DANCE, DANCE WITH BODYROX!

18/1/2017

FUNDED BY THE TRAVERS FOUNDATION AND CORBY CORE THEATRE

Bodyrox Dance Company has teamed up with The Core at Corby Cube and has received funding from local charity The Travers Foundation for its Bodyrox Dance Crew's Urban Project this month (January).

The Travers Foundation is a volunteer run charity which helps 13 to 30 year olds living in Northamptonshire, Rutland or Leicestershire improve their skills in sports, the creative arts and the performing arts.

The Urban Project is a programme working with selected dancers who are excelling in urban dance forms at Bodyrox, providing them with access to workshops, master classes and dance exhibitions at the UK's biggest dance event Move It 2017, plus a visit to a London Theatre.

Bodyrox Dance Crew has also made it through to N Dance 2017 and will be performing with other dance schools showcasing their talent in Northamptonshire.

Terry Forsey, Chairman of The Travers Foundation, said:

"We at the Travers Foundation are delighted to be able to offer funding assistance to Bodyrox for their Urban Project.

"The urban dancers will also be performing at our Showcase Event, taking place at the Corby Cube on Saturday 4th March. We very much look forward to seeing them show us their dance moves and we can perhaps pick up a few hints on how to dab etc!"

For further information on the Travers Foundation visit www.travers-foundation.org.uk

ends

Press information – Terry Forsey, The Travers Foundation – 01536 771440
The Travers Foundation - registered charity number 1154203

The Travers Foundation press releases are carefully crafted by Helen Bach.
If you need any assistance with press releases, blogs, brochures, website content please email Helen here .

IULIA'S ON TARGET FOR ARCHERY SUCCESS

11/1/2017

WITH HELP FROM THE TRAVERS FOUNDATION

Iulia Petrie, aged 14 from Corby Archers and a pupil at Corby Technical School, is the under 16 British Ladies Champion Bristols III in Archery.

She is also the Northamptonshire Junior Ladies Compound under 18 champion indoor and outdoor, regional EMAS Junior Ladies Compound champion, and has made claims for three national records.

All this is extremely impressive for a youngster who only took up the sport recently at Gretton Village Hall's Friday evening archery sessions!

Her sporting dreams for 2017 and beyond are to represent Archery GB in international competitions, retain her existing titles and to win the overall junior national indoor under 18 championships.

To help make this all possible, Iulia receives funding for coaching and competition expenses from local charity The Travers Foundation.

The Travers Foundation is a volunteer run charity which helps 13 to 30 year olds living in Northamptonshire, Rutland or Leicestershire improve their skills in sports, the creative arts and the performing arts.

And with the recent news from UK sport that Archery is one of the Olympic disciplines to lose its funding - along with badminton, fencing, weightlifting and wheelchair rugby - financial support from charities such as The Travers Foundation is more vital than ever.

Terry Forsey, chairman of The Travers Foundation, says:

"We are delighted to be able to assist Iulia with funding towards her coaching and competition expenses. She is clearly a very talented young archer and wants to represent Archery GB on the international stage.

"Sadly UK Sport is no longer offering funding for archery, so charities like ours are trying to step into the breach and help out where we can. We wish Iulia every success for the future."

RYAN'S TOUR COMMITMENTS MEAN PATRONS LUNCH IS POSTPONED

11/11/2016

Ryan Evans is the first Patron of The Travers Foundation having been funded by them in 2013

Local charity The Travers Foundation is sad to announce that it has had to postpone its Patron's Lunch, which had been due to take place on Friday 18th November at the Holiday Inn, Geddington Road, Corby.

Patron and local golf superstar Ryan Evans, host of the event, has reached the final stages of the European Tour Qualifying School in Catalunya, Spain and has to attend a Pro workshop on Friday. Ryan is the charity's premier patron, and was the initial recipient of support from The Travers Foundation when it was set up in 2012 by local businessman Terry Forsey.

Terry comments:
"Naturally we are very disappointed that the Patron's Lunch has to be postponed, but you can't have a Patron's Lunch without the Patron, so we have to be pragmatic about it.

"Ryan himself is torn between his two commitments, but his sporting career has to come first, no question. We can reschedule the lunch, which will be for a date early in 2017, more details to be confirmed as soon as we can.

"Anyone who has bought tickets will have them automatically transferred to the new lunch date, or we will offer a full refund for anyone who needs one. Please contact us and we will sort this out."

The Travers Foundation is a volunteer run charity which helps 13 to 30 year olds living in Northamptonshire, Rutland or Leicestershire improve their skills in sports, the creative arts and the performing arts.

Recent recipients of support from the charity include hurdler Lucy Hatton, Corby Athletics' rising star long-distance runner Isaac Akers, The Corby Cube Core Dancers and Actors, local filmmaker Kayleigh O'Connor, singer and actress Meg Lyons, special Olympic gold medal winner Chris Southwell, Ball4All CIC basketball teams, tennis player Joe Tyler and budding composer Lizzie Turney.

For further information on the Travers Foundation visit www.travers-foundation.org.uk

ends

Press information – Terry Forsey, The Travers Foundation – 01536 771440
The Travers Foundation - registered charity number 1154203

The Travers Foundation press releases are carefully crafted by Helen Bach.
If you need any assistance with press releases, blogs, brochures, website content please email Helen here .

Great coverage in today's Northants Telegraph

20/10/2016

GOLFER RYAN EVANS ANNOUNCED AS PREMIER PATRON OF THE TRAVERS FOUNDATION

11/10/2016

Local charity The Travers Foundation is delighted to announce its first ever Patron, golfer Ryan Evans.

Ryan was the initial recipient of support from the charity, which was set up by local businessman Terry Forsey in 2012. It therefore seems only fitting that he becomes the charity's premier patron.

The Travers Foundation is a Northamptonshire-based charity which helps 13 to 30 year olds living in Northamptonshire, Rutland or Leicestershire improve their skills in sports, the creative arts and the performing arts.

Ryan will be hosting the charity's inaugural Patron's Lunch on Friday 18th November, 2016, at the Holiday Inn, Geddington Road, Corby, from 12.30pm to 3pm.

Attendees will include hurdler and charity trustee William Sharman acting as the Master of Ceremonies; Corby Mayor Cllr Julie Riley, who made the Travers Foundation one of her chosen charities for her term of office and local athlete Lucy Hatton one of the many young people who have benefitted from financial support from the charity.

Terry Forsey, Chairman of the Travers Foundation, said:

"We are absolutely delighted that Ryan Evans has agreed to be our Patron for 2017. We have followed his career with great interest and are so proud of what he has achieved. Under his patronage we are hoping to raise our profile and increase funding levels so we can help more youngsters achieve their full potential in their chosen fields."

Ryan Evans said:

"It's a great privilege to be the first ever Patron of The Travers Foundation, and I'm looking forward to working with them to help other young people starting out on their sporting or artistic careers."

Recent recipients of support from the charity include hurdler Lucy Hatton, Corby Athletics' rising star long-distance runner Isaac Akers, The Corby Cube Core Dancers and Actors, local filmmaker Kayleigh O'Connor, singer and actress Meg Lyons, special Olympic gold medal winner Chris Southwell, Ball4All CIC basketball teams, tennis player Joe Tyler and budding composer Lizzie Turney.

For further information on the Travers Foundation visit www.travers-foundation.org.uk

ends

Press information – Terry Forsey, The Travers Foundation – 01536 771440
The Travers Foundation - registered charity number 1154203

The Travers Foundation press releases are carefully crafted by Helen Bach.
If you need any assistance with press releases, blogs, brochures, website content please email Helen here .

Terry Forsey introduces the new cycling fund on BBC Radio Leicester

25/8/2016

Terry Forsey appears on BBC Radio Leicester to introduce The Travers Foundation and chat about how The Travers Foundation new Cycling Fund can support local aspiring young cyclists.

CALLING ALL BUDDING LAURA TROTTS AND JASON KENNYS!

18/8/2016

CHARITY IS OFFERING FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO YOUNG CYCLISTS

Rutland Cycling have pledged generous discounts to cyclists supported by The Travers Foundation

Team GB's golden cycling couple Laura Trott and Jason Kenny now have an amazing 10 Olympic gold medals between them, and watching them - and the rest of the GB cycling team compete - has been one of the major highlights of Rio 2016.

For any young cyclists who have been inspired by their Olympic triumphs and are seeking to emulate their heroes' success, local charity The Travers Foundation has created a cycling fund for coaching and competition expenses.

Applicants must be aged 13 to 30 years old, and live in Northamptonshire, Rutland or Leicestershire.

The cycling fund is being supported by Rutland Cycling, who have pledged to offer generous equipment discounts to cyclists given financial assistance by the charity.

Uppingham business-man Anthony Tilley, 44, recently boosted this fund by £500 having recently undertaking a gruelling sponsored cycle ride from London to Paris.

Terry Forsey, Chairman of The Travers Foundation, said:

"The cycling fund was set up to help youngsters from our area access funds for coaching and competition expenses.

"Until you reach the top of your chosen sporting profession, you don't receive any funding, and youngsters have to rely on family and friends for financial support.

"Not everyone is in a position to offer this, and that's where we can help. At The Travers Foundation we firmly believe that funding shouldn't be a barrier to youngsters achieving success, and we hope to help them reach their full potential in their chosen fields, in this case cycling.

"We'd just like to say an enormous 'thank you' to Anthony Tilley for his amazing donation, and also to Rutland Cycling for pledging their support to our cycling fund."

For further information on the work of the Travers Foundation please visit www.travers-foundation.org.uk

For further information about Rutland Cycling visit www.rutlandcycling.com

ends

Press information – Terry Forsey, The Travers Foundation – 01536 771440
The Travers Foundation - registered charity number 1154203

The Travers Foundation press releases are carefully crafted by Helen Bach.
If you need any assistance with press releases, blogs, brochures, website content please email Helen here .

SILVER IN FINLAND FOR BALL4ALL BASKETBALL!

17/8/2016

THE TRAVERS FOUNDATION SUPPORTS PLAYERS FROM LEICS AND RUTLAND

Ball4All Basketball team won a Silver medal in Finland

Three teams from the non-profit organisation Ball4All Basketball CIC took part in the Delfin Basketball Tournament in Finland at the end of July and they proudly came home wearing silver medals.

The 21 youngsters from Rutland and Leicestershire were split into three teams - one for those aged 18 and under, and two for those aged under 16 - and it was the senior team that performed the best.

The tournament was in a knockout format, and the under 18s won five out of their six games, narrowly being defeated in the final. They had been 16 points up with just two minutes to go, but their tired legs let their opponents - who never missed a three-pointer shot - narrowly snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

Ball4All's coach, Big John Smith, a former professional basketball player from the USA, encourages a 'maximum tempo' game plan, but sadly this ran out in the last game. He is immensely proud of their performances, and the way they conducted themselves throughout the tournament.

The teams received funding for their trip from Northamptonshire-based charity The Travers Foundation - which helps 13 to 30 year olds living in Northamptonshire, Rutland or Leicestershire improve their skills in sports, the creative arts and the performing arts.

Big John explains the importance of this support:

"The funding from The Travers Foundation achieved a lot. It enabled us to get some of our better players to attend, otherwise they couldn't have afforded to travel to Finland as their families wouldn't have been able to pay for it.

"Competing in Finland has shown these kids that they can play against any competition, and the experience has let them try different things, meet people from other countries and build their confidence. Being part of a team helps them with self-discipline, self-control and respect."

Terry Forsey of The Travers Foundation said:

"We are delighted that Big John and his team have achieved a silver medal at the recent tournament in Finland. Ball4All provides basketball coaching sessions and clubs throughout Leicestershire and Rutland for children and young people of all backgrounds, including some very disadvantaged.

"We at the Travers Foundation firmly believe that funding shouldn't be a barrier to youngsters achieving success, which is why we support groups such as this and will continue to do so."

For further information on the work of the Travers Foundation please visit www.travers-foundation.org.uk

ends

Press information – Terry Forsey, The Travers Foundation – 01536 771440
The Travers Foundation - registered charity number 1154203

The Travers Foundation press releases are carefully crafted by Helen Bach.
If you need any assistance with press releases, blogs, brochures, website content please email Helen here .

Nice Coverage in the Business Times August 2016

16/8/2016

Click the picture to read this article online

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