Community news roundup: 21-30 June

This week’s community news roundup. Got a story to share? Email your news and photos to community@thejngroup.com

• Pink ladies raise £30k!

Friends of two women fighting cancer raised just under £35,000 after taking part in Cancer Research’s Race For Life. Sara Nathan helped form a group of 150 women and children, who ran on behalf of Sara Collins and Pipa Oliveri. Sara Nathan said: “I felt I had to do something as I was unable to have treatment on their behalf.” To donate to team ‘Sara n Pipa Kick Ass’, visit www.justgiving.com/sara-n-pipa-kick-ass

• Yavneh shows its creative side

Yavneh College held its fourth annual GCSE art exhibition when the art department joined forces with design and technology, resulting in an exciting mix of exhibits on show; from traditional painting, sculpture and textile design to furniture and product design. Wine and nibbles accompanied “outstanding” pieces of work, with feedback commenting on the creativity and imaginative approach that pupils had applied to their projects.

• Wolfson Hillel’s liberal rabbi

The refurbished library at Wolfson Hillel Primary School was opened recently by the honorary principal Rabbi Yisroel Fine, in whose name it has been dedicated. During a moving ceremony in which the school choir performed, and pupils gave readings of their work, Rabbi Fine said how honoured he was to have his name associated with such a wonderful place to read and learn.

• Nightingale has breakfast

More than 140 guests attended the inaugural Nightingale Hammerson Business Breakfast in the West End’s Park Lane Hotel. Guests were welcomed by Nightingale trustee Greg Scott, while Lloyd Dorfman CBE, was the guest speaker. Scott said: “We were thrilled when Mr Dorfman accepted our invitation to speak at our Business Breakfast.” Lloyd Dorfman, Travelex founder and chief executive said: “This event was a great opportunity to share experiences and engage in meaningful discussion about the business challenges we face today. Nightingale Hammerson is clearly an outstanding care home group and I am incredibly happy to have helped it fundraise for its vital work with older people.”

• Cyclists get on their bike to raise money for Norwood

More than a thousand cyclists helped to raise more than £250,000 for Norwood, the Down’s Syndrome Association and Action Medical Research as part of the LA Fitness Capital to Coast Cycle Challenge for Charity from the London Eye to Brighton. Among the riders were Nick Ivil, Ian Spellman and Richard Tooke, all of whom have learning disabilities and are supported by Norwood. Riding on tandem cycles, they all completed one of the four routes, covering either 60 or 75 miles. Nick, who was taking part in the challenge for the fourth time, said: “It’s a life-changing experience!” Julian Primhak, another cyclist supported by Norwood, was so inspired by the challenge he is already thinking about next year’s. He said: “I’d like to do another Capital to Coast in 2015 when I’m 59!”

• Langdon rides high in Provence

Langdon, the learning disabilities charity, held its annual International Cycle Challenge, this year in Provence, France, raising a record-breaking £70,000. A total of 40 people took part – the most on a Langdon ride – and included first-time participants to veteran cyclists, including two Langdon service users, four Langdon trustees and seven grandparents. Howard Morgan, a Langdon supporter, who set up the challenge, said: “The 2014 ride exceeded our expectations as a cycling challenge, in terms of camaraderie among riders and funds raised.”