tis the season to be JOLLY…

Welcome to our Winter newsletter. I cannot quite believe we are at the end of 2024 already. What a year it has been. This is a happy time of year for most but can be difficult for some. Christmas can be a very busy and hectic time so remember to check in with yourself. It’s important to remember to take care of YOU.  There are many simple ways to ensure this. Spend time away from your phone, treat yourself to a nice bath or a gentle winter walk. 

Lisa is THRIVING

I’m delighted to say that I had my final round of active treatment in July and I feel privileged to have celebrated my 50th Birthday this year too. Although horrific, a cancer diagnosis, can sometimes lead to many unbelievable positives. I know I will never be the same person or take my health for granted again and thanks to Rainbow Valley – the sky is the limit. My new motto in life is a quote from Confucius, who said “We have two lives. And the second begins when we realise we only have one.”

help us THRIVE…

Ibrox Collection

We have the chance to engage with fans and utilise our collection buckets during the Rangers vs. Dundee match on Saturday, December 21st. We are still in urgent need of volunteers. The greater the number of participants, the more funds we will be able to generate.

If you are available to assist, please contact Jane at Jane@rainbowvalley.org.uk.

Children are welcome if they are accompanied by and adult. 

Kiltwalk

We invite you to become part of Team Rainbow Valley for any of the upcoming three Kiltwalk events.

If you are unable to participate next year, we encourage you to enlist a friend to take your place.

You may register now on the Kiltwalk website and choose Rainbow Valley as your selected charity.

Brave to Bare Double Performance

In its 5th year, this is an event unlike any other. This will be the first year we are showcasing the men and offering a double showing.The men and women who have attended our courses have the opportunity to be the star of the day and in the process inspire us all to stand up, be proud and acknowledge their journey. These brave men and women will be performing a dance routine and baring all in two separate performances, at the Double Tree at Hilton, Glasgow 24th March 2025. Will you be brave enough to bare? Or looking to be inspired? Email Jane@rainbowvalley.org.uk for more info or  Click here to book your table.

how you can HELP…

JOIN IN

Whether you would like to attend an event or take part, we are always looking for ways for everyone to join in to help us continue the essential work we do here at Rainbow Valley.

RECOMMEND

There are lots of organisations who support charities every year. If you know of any, or even work at one, please let us know how to apply. Our courses are filling up fast but we do have a waiting list so please encourage anyone you know to apply for their space in 2025.

DONATE

We remain ever grateful to everyone who supports us financially to ensure we can continue to deliver our ‘7 Steps to Health’ courses completely free of charge. If you would like to donate you can do so via the ‘donate’ button on our home page. With the rise in cost of living, we understand that many people are not able to make the donation they would like, especially at this time of year. We do have regular gifting options which many of our donators opt for. We are aiming for our biggest year yet in 2025 with more courses than ever before. With a waiting list of over 200 people we know we have to. 

LEAVE A LASTING LEGACY

Have you considered leaving Rainbow Valley a gift in your Will? It is estimated that 250,000 people are living with cancer in Scotland and that 1 in 2 people (50%) in Scotland will develop some form of cancer during their lifetime. By leaving a gift to Rainbow Valley in your Will, you’ll be helping us to continue running our residential courses and therefore, reaching out to more people affected by cancer. 

Without a Will expressing your wishes, your whole estate could end up belonging to the Crown or government. Write a Will to keep control.

help YOURSELF…

OUR QUARTERLY TIP

Keep your Vitamin D topped up

Daylight is a natural mood booster, it improves sleep, eases symptoms of depression and helps establish a better routine. Government advice is that everyone should consider taking a daily vitamin D supplement during the autumn and winter.

Between October and early March we do not make enough vitamin D from sunlight.

Vitamin D is also found in a small number of foods.

Sources include:

• oily fish – such as salmon, sardines, herring and mackerel
• red meat
• liver (avoid liver if you are pregnant)
• egg yolks

fortified foods – such as some fat spreads and breakfast cereals

meet the TEAM…

OFFICE UPDATE

New Fundraiser

There has been some big changes to the Rainbow Valley Team.

In September we welcomed our new fundraiser, Jane, to the team. 

One of Jane’s strongest values is family and enjoys spending quality time on outings with her husband and two children. She has a passion for adventure, and this opportunity represents her next exciting chapter. Additionally, she is a published author, primarily specialising in children’s literature and vibrant books centred on positive affirmations. We are confident that she will seamlessly integrate into the Rainbow Valley family.

Jane what made you smile today?

“Driving in the car seeing my girls in the mirror singing on way to school and nursery”

Our Mascot

We are so excited to introduce our new Mascot ‘Joy’ to the team. She has already attended her first course and event this year, spreading joy! Keep your eyes peeled for more Joy appearances.

Numerous individuals deserve our gratitude for contributing to the success of this year. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all our volunteers, course facilitators, board of Trustees, course participants, sponsors, supporters, and staff. Your collective efforts have enabled Rainbow Valley to THRIVE in 2024.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Thank you for your continued support and I look forward to welcoming you at one of our future events or courses in 2025.

Angela MacVicar

Operations Manager