Kate Stanforth was sponsored by Rosedale Leasing in April 2017, to be able to come and stay Calvert Trust Kielder's respite care. Kate, 23, has a number of chronic illness, that have made her ill for over 10 years. Kate had never been given Respite before and was delighted to accept Rosedale's offer of a week away in the lovely Kielder Forest.

During her Stay Kate blogged about her experiences, adventures and at mischievous side and you can read about her stay here.

On Friday 13 October, Calvert Trust Kielder is holding it's annual Calvert Ball, at the Hilton Newcastle Gateshead. For the last nine years this ball has been the flagship event on our Fundraising calendar, as having become friends with Kate, we had to have her speak at this year's ball.

Due to Kate's anxiety, we wanted to help how we could and remove the pressure of her being a guest speaker, the best way was to pre record her speech, so that the pressure on the evening was removed.

HT Media kindly offered to film Kate as part of their contribution to  The Calvert Ball, and the Hilton gave us a spectacular space to film in.


With everything in place, Kate and her Mum Tracy met myself and Catherine, along with the HT Media team to begin an afternoon of serious hard work and filming - or in reality an afternoon of laughter and sharing stories.



We are so pleased with what Kate had to say and know that the finished video will be fantastic and highlight Calvert Trust Kielder in a perfect and honest way.

If you would like to come and see Kate speak at The Calvert Ball and help raise valuable funds for Calvert Trust Kielder, then contact our Fundraising Team on +44 (0) 1434 250232.