Bike ride in memory of Toby
by Louisa Felton
(Gazette 15/8/2007)

ARTIST: Toby Russell-Winter painting in the studio and, below, with friends in a charity ride for the hospice last year.

A tragic cancer patient who died in a motorcycle accident last year will be remembered next weekend in a tribute ride from Berkhamsted to Brighton.

Artist, Toby Russell-Winter had been suffering from a rare form of cancer, Malignant Thymoma, when he fell off of his motorbike and died last September, just a month after doing a charity ride from Berkhamsted to Brighton for the Hospice of St Francis.
In his memory Toby's friends and hospice support¬ers will be hitting the open road for the 88-mile ride to the coast on August 19.

Liz Richards from the hospice said the 37-year-old was an active member of the hospice fundraising team: "Toby felt passionately that the work of the hospice should be supported by the community and he made several heroic fundraising efforts-these included freefall parachute jumps just weeks after surgery!"

The father-of-two was diagnosed with cancer in his 20s and spent six years visiting the hospice for care and support.
During that time he had many crisis admissions, was seen as an outpatient and received home visits.

Before Toby died the hospice helped him achieve his dream of holding a solo art exhibition which took place at the home of Christiane Kubrick in Childwickbury, St Albans.
He continued to paint in the studio up until he died.

Since his death the hospice has continued to help Toby's family and his seven-year-old daughter, Hope, was given the title of expert design consultant in decorating the family support room at the newly built hospice on Shootersway, Berkhamsted.

No size zero for this show

A model search for women of all sizes has been launched for a charity fashion show later this year.
To help raise money for the Hospice of St Francis two Berkhamsted business women, who started up their online second-hand clothing company Love Loopylou for just £30, are looking for 12 people to model in the show in November.

The only rule of the competition is size zero is banned.
As Kate Woodstock, part owner of Love Loopylou said: "We have real clothes so need real women to wear them - curves and all!"

The 12 models will be chosen from applicants who send their photograph to enquires@loveloopylou.co.uk or drop them in to the shop in Queens Square, Hemel Hempstead.
The event is to be held at Hemel Hempstead Sports Space on November 10 and all proceeds will be given to the hospice.

Harriet Karia, community fundraising manager at the hospice, said: "We are de¬lighted when local companies, such as Love Loopy Lou, support The Hospice of St Francis. We receive just 25 per cent of our funding from the Government, so are reliant on fundraising support from our local community."

An overall top model will be chosen by Daily Mirror columnist and GMTV pundit Polly Hudson on the night.
Kate said: "We are really excited to be exhibiting our Love Loopylou Christmas party collection while raising money for such a good cause. Featuring well known used designer and high street brands, the Love Loopylou Fashion Show will have everything you need in most sizes from 6 to size 30."
The evening starts with a drinks reception followed by the fashion catwalk show and later a charity raffle featuring prizes donated by local companies and organisations.
Finally guests will have an opportunity to buy any of the outfits modeled, jewelry, accessories and gifts from local craftspeople.

The show, on November 10, is from 7pm-9pm.
Tickets cost £5 in advance or £6.50 on the night and go on sale from October 1.
However Kate and Clare suggest people book in advance as they expect the front row seats to sell out quickly.
For more information visit www.loveloopylou.co.uk or call the shop on 01442 262233.