Thirteen year old Chelsea suffers from severe Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), a very rare genetic condition in which the skin and internal body linings blister at the slightest knock or rub, causing painful, open wounds.  Chelsea has spent a large amount of time in hospital and makes regular trips to London to visit specialist doctors and nurses.   Chelsea is unable to play out with her friends so one of her favourite hobbies is watching DVD’s, best loved of all being High School Musical.  It therefore wasn’t hard for Chelsea to choose her special Starlight wish, to meet her favourite actor Zac Efron.

Starlight arranged for Chelsea and family, (mum Nicola, brother, Kellan and Nan , Celia) to be guests of Warner Brothers who kindly treated the family to a VIP private screening of Zac’s new film ‘The Lucky One’.   Chelsea had front row seats and watched enthralled throughout.  The family was then whisked over to a central London Hotel where Zac was waiting to meet Chelsea .  Chelsea felt like the most special girl in the world and Zac told her she was.  He knelt down beside her to tell her all about his High School Musical days and to share some special moments from his new film.  He even took out his I phone to show Chelsea some pictures of his dog back in the States.  Zac knew that Chelsea was a die-hard High Street Musical fan and presented her with a pair of his own sneakers he wore in one of the films. Chelsea was so excited and swore never to let them out of her sight.  Before he left he joked with all the family about their lovely Welsh accents but didn’t try one out for himself.  After signing a special poster just for Chelsea , Zac had to return to work.

It really was a perfect day for a very special young lady!

Attending the special unveiling at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital were pupils from Beaudesert Park School, Fiona Womersley, Headmaster’s Wife at the school and actress and Starlight co-founder Emma Samms.

Louise Danter, Play Specialist at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, said, “They have not been with us long but they are already proving incredibly popular with patients and staff alike!  The Starlight Fun Centres can be used in a number of ways to entertain and distract children during their hospital visit.

“They can be used to distract a child in bed that is undergoing treatment such as chemotherapy or a blood transfusion and to motivate children that need controlled exercise to aid their rehabilitation and can therefore speed their recovery time by building mobility.  They are an invaluable resource!”

To read the full story, click here.

Harry has to contend with many challenges but this does not stop him living life to the full.

Starlight arranged for Harry to have a very special bike which would look like his dad’s, with lights, indicators, and speedometers, but battery operated and custom built for a wheelchair so that Harry could ride it comfortably and safely.

To read the full story, click here.

Richmond Physiotherapy kindly volunteers its therapists for a number of Starlight’s major running events and they are all experts in providing massage to athletes. If you are planning to run for Starlight think about a functional movement screen at their clinic in Hill Street, Richmond.

Lead practitioner Kate Sheehy says, “Runners really feel the difference in the following 7 – 10 days after a marathon if they have had a massage straight after the event and we really enjoy being able to use our skills to help ease the pain of those that are pushing their bodies to the limit for a really good cause.

“Starlight is an amazing charity and the work it does is incredibly inspiring and uplifting. As a practice we are delighted to help its runners recover from their efforts in order that they can continue to go the extra mile for Starlight, injury free and time and time again!”

A huge thank you to Kate and her team – their support is very much appreciated!

BBQ Chicken Thighs with Egg Noddles

BBQ Honey-Glazed Salmon with Summer Stir-fry

Hickory-Glazed Chicken Wings with French Bean and Pine Nut Salad

Hickory-Smoked Spare Ribs with Avocado, Bean and Corn Salad

Honey Turkey and Red Pepper Burgers

Marinated Grilled Steaks with Baby Vegetables

Mesquite Chicken and Chorizo Fajitas

Minced Lamb BBQ Skewers with Pita Pockets

Roasted Mesquite Vegetables and Halloumi

Sticky Sausage and Onion Skewers served with a Zingy Slaw

Stir-fried Lamb with Fruity Rice Pilaff

Please will you have a Star-B-Q© in aid of Starlight to help raise funds to grant the wishes of seriously and terminally ill children?

It’s easy to get involved.  Just invite your friends to a BBQ and ask them to make a small donation via ‘TEXT TO DONATE’, the codes are illustrated in the image to the right.  You can also click on the image to download a copy.  Please donate whatever you and they feel comfortable with – and have a great party!  Starligth will recieve the full amount sent.  Each donor will receive a thank you text and be invited to sign up to gift aid.  If they do this, Starlight will recieve a further 25% from the tax man at no cost to the donor.

Alternatively, please collect your guests donations and send a cheque made payable to ‘Starlight Children’s Foundation’ to: STAR-B-Q for Starlight, PO Box 4257, Goring, Reading RG8 OWY

Finally, you can donate now via the website by clicking on the ‘DONATE‘ button top right of the screen.

Have a fun party!

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Run the 2013 Virgin London Marathon with Starlight!

From the moment you sign up, we’ll help you to make the most of your challenge and spoil you at the end!

There are two ways to run:

1. Starlight has charity places for the race. Apply now – download the application form!

2. Use your own 2013 Virgin London Marathon ballot place – if you are successful in getting a ballot place, we would love to have you on our team

Before

· Training plan provided for all fitness levels and a pack of fundraising ideas and inspiration
· Training day with Mike Gratton, previous London marathon winner
· Choose which Starlight project to support and see the difference you are making
· We will help you with any worries or questions you might have
· You can visit Starlight’s running shop for all your training requirements

During

· You’ll be able to hear us before you see us at any of our three cheering points!

After

·  Post race party including a massage to relieve tired muscles
·  See how your blood, sweat and tears have transformed the lives of seriously ill children

Check out some great photos from the 2012 Virgin London Marathon if you still need inspiration!

After the performance, which was rightly greeted with a standing ovation, Starlight and its supporters were invited to enjoy a wonderful champagne celebration with Tom and the cast in the theatre’s dazzling Circle Bar.

A number of Strictly stars, including Gethin Jones and professional dancers Ian Waite, Brendan Cole, Darren Bennett and Lilia Kopylova were also keen to show their support for Tom, who is a former Strictly champion.  During the reception, they joined Starlight’s supporters in listening to a moving speech from Tom on his involvement with the charity, before getting to imitate some of Tom’s moves with a few Top Hats of their own!

Tom said. “I have supported Starlight for some time now and, as I finally get to live my dream of playing Fred Astaire’s leading role in Top Hat, it seemed a fantastic opportunity to help Starlight help poorly children live theirs. I have seen first hand how a Starlight wish can transform the life of a seriously ill child and I am thrilled that our debut West End performance of Top Hat will help Starlight to bring fun, laughter and happy memories to lots of very deserving children.”