Being avid World of Warcraft players of many years standing, it’s somewhat amusing that Alan is now in charge of a guild which is called Mid Life Crisis by sheer coincidence. Obviously, as Al’s lost without Jamie, he pulled in his hetero life-mate to act as Social Officer. Then, they had a plan.
As the guild is filled with loveable rogues from all walks of life, they put out the call to see if there were any particular charities which the guild members supported and suggested that social events could be organised which doubled as fundraising opportunities. The response was immediate and heart-warming and Mid Life Crisis, aided by ourselves, are proud to support the charities below.
The Sophie Lancaster Foundation
Sophie Lancaster was a young woman who was murdered for being different. She and her boyfriend were creative, artistic people who dressed in their own unique way. They were attacked by a gang of five boys in a park in Bacup, Lancashire on 11 August 2007. The gang attacked Sophie’s boyfriend first and then turned on her, carrying out a brutal and sustained attack. Sophie remained in hospital for 13 days, before following medical advice, the family agreed to life support being switched off. Sophie died on 24 August 2007; she was just 20 years old.
Sophie’s mother, Sylvia, had seen at first-hand the abuse and prejudice her daughter had previously been subjected to, because of how she dressed. During the long hours at hospital, Sylvia decided that when Sophie was better, they would go into schools and talk to young people about difference, and how it is ok to be who you are and express yourself in your own way. Sadly, Sylvia never got a chance to do this with Sophie.
Sylvia was determined that she would carry on this work and The Sophie Lancaster Foundation was established as a lasting legacy to a beautiful life cut short by violence. The charity works to promote tolerance and acceptance for others – however we are different, and champions alternative people in our communities. The Foundation’s mission to stamp out prejudice hatred and intolerance everywhere, can be summed up in one word.
S.O.P.H.I.E
Find out more: The Sophie Lancaster Foundation
Donate: MLC – Supporting The Sophie Lancaster Foundation (JustGiving)
SADS UK
The cardiac charity SADS UK aims to save lives, providing information, funding research and medical equipment to prevent premature sudden cardiac death. Working in the areas of Research, Prevention and Emergency Care lives have been saved as a direct result of the work of SADS UK. SADS UK holds the Annual National Lifesaver Awards to honour people who have saved lives in the community using CPR and the defibrillator.
SADS UK highlights the fact that young people and even children can be affected by potentially fatal cardiac conditions. SADS UK is one of the founder members of SADS International, a worldwide network of SADS Organisations. The SADS Organisations are led by people who have been affected personally by SADS, or work closely with those who have.
Find out more: SADS UK
Donate: MLC – Supporting SADS UK
Children’s Hospices Across Scotland
For over twenty years CHAS have been offering a full family support service for babies, children and young people with life-shortening conditions. This includes palliative care, family respite and support – through our hospices, homecare services and hospital presence.
Find out more: CHAS
Donate: MLC – Supporting CHAS
Scotty’s Little Soldiers
Scotty’s Little Soldiers is a charity dedicated to supporting bereaved British Forces children and young people.
Inspired by the experience of Army widow Nikki Scott, the charity honours husband Corporal Lee Scott’s memory – both as a loyal soldier and a loving father – and provides a practical yet personal way for the public at large to show their appreciation for those brave individuals who make the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their country.
Find out more: Scotty’s Little Soldiers
Donate: MLC – Supporting Scotty’s Little Soldiers
We’ll be hosting a variety of streamed fundraising events to support these charities so keep your eyes peeled for announcements!