Clofty

Hi All

I am in the process of setting up the South East London chapter of the Chernobyl Childrens Project focusing on East Dulwich and Forest Hill. We will amongst other things, organise recuperative holidays for children in remission from cancer or leukaemia. The idea is that a few weeks in the fresh air and eating clean food (not contaminated by radio-nuciles which damage their immune systems) forms an essential part of their recovery process.

Our aim is to host 5 children aged 4-7 together with their mothers next Summer 2017. They tend to arrive late July and usually 4 weeks are offered (2 weeks with one family and 2 weeks with another family). In fact most mothers find they cannot stay away from the rest of the family for that long so it is more likely to be 2-3 week visit.

I am looking for host family volunteers (10 families) but also volunteers to help arrange events while the children are here and to help with fundraising. We need to raise a whopping ?7k in order to fund the visit.

If you are happy to be involved (or think your school, work or church may be interested) please do let me know. We plan to have a public meeting in the New Year and will invite the Executive Director of the Chernobyl Children's Project UK as well as the National Groups Co-ordinator/National Treasurer in order to answer any questions you may have.

In the meantime you may wish to visit their website www.chernobyl-children.org.uk

I have very sadly suffered a miscarriage at 18 weeks but one thing that gave my husband and I comfort was how good Kings was about the whole thing. From their sympathy to the after care and support to the fact they are arranging a post mortem and funeral. They even gave us a free blanket and teddy bear to be buried with our little girl. I have never been so glad to live in East Dulwich and near Kings. The NHS may get bad press but I was so impressed. Hopefully if I get the chance to have a second child they will be able to share good news with me

All

I hope this isn't a bad time to bring this up as I'm pretty sure noone wants to hear any horror stories. I'm currently on a drip at kings having had an emergency scan this morning. Sadly they could find no heart beat and now I'm waiting to give birth at 17 weeks. I hope noone minds me raising this and i wont be at the meet on 19th. Thanks for everyone's support so far. Claire

Wonderful thanks for organising!

7pm at the edt sounds great! What name is it booked under so we can ask on arrival (although I'm goin to wear my baby on board badge as I picked one up yesterday!)

Hmm yes same here. I can't wait to show properly at all times and not just feel fat all the time!

Ginster thanks! That makes me feel better. And I like the idea of the baby on board stickers-although I have noticed that while in the mornings my belly isn't bad by the evenings it has doubled in size! So I should be an easy spot!

Congrats Marlene! And Astrid83 Don't worry i'm sure all will be fine although I know what you mean. I've got to wait until 5 march for my second scan and so I'm kind of jealous (kings told me that they do the 20 week scan at 23 weeks which is why I've got to wait for ages-does that sound nuts to anyone else or is it normal?)

Thats really helpful. It looks like I might be having a planned c section so that answers my question about nct classes! I worried it woukd be birth biased which wouldn't be useful for me and I'd be uncomfortable. I think I'll do the parenting class and also breast feeding class as well.

That's good for me!

How about the Sunday of that week (17 feb) or Tuesday or Wednesday the following week? I'll be guided by you all on a choice of venue as I'm still fairly new to ED!

Perfect for me! I would normally have suggested a bar but of course we are not drinking now. Does that matter do you think as not many (any?) coffee shops are open in the evening.

Week of 4th is only week I can't do this year as I'm away on business! Any chance of a different week at all? If not I'll wait for the next one but I'd love to come if I can

Twins!!! Surely the duchess can't beat that! So exciting!! I'm up for a meet in feb/march. Coffee (decaf) and cake maybe?

There seems to be so much choice so if I was you I'd do what I'm doing and narrowing it down to the top 3 each with reviews to back them up! I'm ensuring one is far too expensive and one seriously flawed in some way (eg it only comes in pink or something) so I get my own way! Also I am pretty sure some pushchairs need to be ordered well in advance (that's what I am telling my husband anyway!)

Has anyone thought about what type of pram they are going to get? Hey I might be thinking ahead but need new shopping focus as I will shortly be too fat for any of my clothes and I'm not looking forward to pregnancy shopping!

I agree it's my first as well and I'm not sure what I am supposed to be doing!

I need to have a second arial socket installed inthe bedroom (I have one in the lounge already) does anyone know a reputable person who can help and how much it might be

Many thanks!

Yes good luck! I didnt know this until I left but you can apparently buy "tokens" for extra scan pictures at reception for ?1.50 a time. I got a free picture but it was just the head which was a bit disappointing

I am also impressed by kings- I didn't have to wait for ages and everyone seems nice so far

Had my scan today which confirmed my due date of 8 July. Apparently everything is fine and I was surprised at how much the baby wriggled around (the dr called it a naughty baby as it wouldn't stay still for the scan!)

Thanks bonfire2010! I was worried!!!!!

What a great idea! I'm only 11 weeks pregnant but as soon as it's safe I'm popping in for a pregnancy massage (I think I have to wait until 15 weeks)

I'm having my first scan 2 January and am due with my first baby (and I'm 36!) on 8 July