Literary Elite Support MS Charity

Some of America’s leading authors have donated signed copies of their best selling books to be auctioned online by a British Multiple Sclerosis charity BrAMS.

Top authors including Stephanie Meyer, Harlan Coben, Patricia Cornwell and Dean Koontz have all signed copies of their best selling work to raise money for the charity.

John Twelve Hawks has donated a signed copy of his New York Times Bestseller The Traveler and Paolo Coelho has given a signed copy of The Alchemist to be auctioned.

Many of the books are rare and some are first editions. The collection even includes a rare, first edition copy of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, taken from the “moonlight signing” at the Natural History Museum in London. The edition features a special hologram and will be sold as a package along with signed photos of the cast.

The collection also boasts several other British books and memorabilia including a signed poster of Dame Helen Mirren as Queen Elizabeth.

British MS victim Grant Thompson, 46, who masterminded the auction from has been working tirelessly for two years to contact authors and collect all 600 items in the collection.

Grant said: “BrAMS, in my home town of Bristol, England, is the leading MS centre in the world and it has done some great work researching and treating MS. I wanted to give something back but because of my MS I couldn’t do the standard marathon run which is when I thought of doing the book auction.

“Many of the US authors I contacted after reading online reviews in US papers. I never imagined I would get some of the gems I have; I started with a few books but the collection has grown to include novels by the big names in writing. The items will go up on the charity section of eBay and all proceeds will go to this great cause.”

Money raised by the auction will go towards the unique MS centre based in the UK which supports and treats sufferers of the illness locally, nationally and internationally.

The centre conducts groundbreaking research, drug trials and pioneering treatments. Funding from events like this will help sustain treatment of the symptoms and the progression of MS.

BrAMS volunteer and promoter Alison McCarthy said: “BrAMS is a world-leading MS centre and we rely on donations to keep our valuable work going. The time and effort Grant has dedicated to amassing this incredible collection in unbelievable.

“The end result has become a who’s – who of authors and celebrities and any of the items would be the perfect ‘money can’t buy’ Christmas present. Many of the books are not only signed but include a personal note from the author.”

All BrAMS items will be available to bid on for a 10 day period from Wednesday 2 December until Sunday 13 December. Find the link on the BrAMS website at http://www.brams.org.uk

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BrAMS, based at Frenchay Hospital (Bristol), provides comprehensive Multiple Sclerosis patient care and carry out disease-orientated research. The unit is well-placed to provide a regional MS Centre of Excellence, with three MS specialist consultants leading a steadily growing team dedicated towards clinical care and research in MS.

Afghan Charity Launches Single

A new song has been launched in support of the Afghan Heroes charity set up by the mothers of soldiers killed in the conflict.

Called ‘Afghan Dawn’ the song has been written by Newcastle brothers Danny and Neil Cox of The Cheap Suits, and was inspired by Neil’s service with the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers during the Gulf War between August 1990 and February 1991.

The song will now be adopted by the charity as its official theme and is available to download from various internet music retailers.

Neil said: “I have witnessed first-hand the devastating effects of conflicts on soldiers and their families, which is why I was inspired to write a song for those serving in Afghanistan.

“The work this charity does is so admirable, my brother and I had them in mind the whole time we were writing the song. We hope it will raise a lot of money for this great cause.”

Afghan Heroes was set up earlier this year by founder Denise Harris and other mums who all lost their sons in what was one of the bloodiest 24hrs since the conflict began.

Money raised by the charity will go towards supporting those on the front line, the families of those who have fallen and returning soldiers who have witnessed the losses of fellow comrades.

Denise said: “We can’t thank Danny and Neil enough for writing and recording a song specifically for the charity. We hope the song will provide comfort and inspiration to everyone involved directly and indirectly with Afghanistan.”

The single is available to download from itunes, Amazon, Tunecorps and many other leading music sources for just 79p, with all proceeds going directly to the charity.

A preview of the song is available on iTunes if you search for 'afghan dawn'.

Expansion At West PR Firm

Bristol public relations agency Empica has expanded taking on two graduates to join its team of experienced journalists and public relations specialists.

Clare Fowler, aged 22, who graduated in Public Relations from the University College Plymouth, Marjon earlier this year has been appointed as a full time account manager.

Kayleigh Sydenham, aged 21, an English graduate from the University of the West of England ,joins Empica as a part-time public relations manager. Both formerly spent work experience placements with the firm.

Managing Director Martin Powell said: “Increasingly public relations is about online communications as much as the traditional media and we are building a mix of those experienced in dealing with newspapers, television and radio and those who communicate through social networking and online.

“Many businesses have cut back on their marketing and publicity activities during the recession and we are building our team now so that we can help those who want to act fast as the upturn comes.”

Empica has gained national headlines with its work recently launching national charity Afghan Heroes, which included gaining coverage in every national newspaper including double page spreads in The Sun, the BBC Radio 4 Today programme and ITV’s Good Morning.

The agency was also involved in publicising what turned out to be the last ever concert of Boyzone featuring Stephen Gately before his untimely death. Gately’s last media interviews were with West Country radio stations and newspapers organised by Empica.

Other projects have included worldwide promotion of the Titanic Memorial Cruise – an anniversary cruise planned for 2012 as well as day-to-day publicity for West Country businesses such as Bakers Dolphin, Cadbury House and property agents Colliers CRE.

Said Martin Powell: “We love the fact that we are non-specialists and so have a wide range of clients from hotels and gyms through to chocolate shops and accountants.”

Porto Honoured In New Bristol Quayside

A quayside at Bristol’s historic harbour was today officially named Porto Quay, to mark the city’s historic links with the Portugese town of Oporto.

Bristol and Oporto were “twinned” in 1984 but links between the two cities go back more than 500 years through the port trade. Porto Quay forms part of the Crest Nicholson Regeneration redevelopment on the former Canon’s Marsh area.

The naming ceremony was carried out by the Portugese Ambassador His Excellency Senor Antonio Santana Carlos along with the Lord Mayor of Bristol, Councillor Christopher Davies.

Members of the Bristol Oporto Association attended and toasted Porto Quay, which is opposite the ss Great Britain and includes the newly created harbour inlet which was opened earlier this year.

The ceremony continues a tradition of naming the new quaysides after Bristol twin cities following the establishment of Bordeaux Quay in St Augustine’s Reach and Hanover Quay, alongside the Lloyds TSB headquarters.

Bristol City Council has incorporated the crests of both Oporto and Bristol into the signs that mark the walkway alongside the historic harbour.

Alderman Marmaduke Alderson, chairman of the Bristol Oporto Association said: “Oporto, like Bristol is an Atlantic port. It is a similar size to Bristol and shares many of its characteristics. The City Council has used the Portugese name of Porto Quay, rather than the British version of Oporto and it is a great honour for the city to welcome the Ambassador for this ceremony.

“Oporto is famous as a hard working city and the original links between the two cities came from trade, including the import of port through Bristol, which introduced such fortified wines into the UK. Today our links reflect more the culture of the two cities.”

Debbie Aplin of Crest Nicholson Regeneration said: “We are proud to host the naming of this piece of the quayside after Bristol’s twin city in Portugal. Bristol City Council agreed as long ago as 1997 that this area would be named Porto Quay and today, with many of the buildings here nearing completion, we are able to officially open up another section of the quayside to the public.

“We hope to reflect the links with Portugal further in other aspects of the development as it continues.”

The naming was marked with traditional toasts to the success of the two cities with port and a reception at which guests were entertained by traditional Portugese Fado singing.

Bristol Agency Makes National Headlines With Afghan Charity Launch

Bristol-based public relations agency, Empica was chosen for the national media launch of Afghan Heroes, which provides support for families of British troops who have lost their lives in Afghanistan.

Afghan Heroes was launched at Redwood Lodge, Failand, Bristol with seven mothers, whose sons died in July, facing the national media. The event was live on BBC News 24 and was covered on television, radio and in every national newspaper.

Martin Powell, managing director of Empica, said: “With such a topical subject we felt it was right to launch with a press conference. It is rare these days for press calls of that type to be held, except in a crisis situation.

“Of course the national media questioned why it was being held in Bristol rather than London but it was better for the mums involved to gather at a hotel in the countryside near Bristol. Bristol is a major media centre as demonstrated by the fact that we had six television crews and representatives of all the national media, as well as the regional press.”

Empica, based in Long Ashton, has a team experienced in dealing with the media for clients, who range from national names to local businesses. Last year Empica was called in by the Grand Pier, Weston-super-Mare to handle the worldwide media interest following the devastating fire.

Coverage of the launch included a centre spread article in The Sun, and was followed up by live interviews into Radio 4’s Today Programme and key media, such as British Forces Broadcasting Service programmes.

Empica received enquiries from Brazil and Finland following the launch and a regional campaign was successfully implemented in each of the home areas of the mothers who have formed the charity.

Said Martin Powell: “We are a non-specialist agency making headlines every day for clients as diverse as restaurants to commercial property agents. We have two other national charities – British Wireless for the Blind Fund and LAM – that we also act for. We take just as much care and pride and use the same techniques in promoting a small local business as we do in the major stories.”

Empica, formerly Martin Powell Communications, has its head office at Long Ashton, Bristol with a satellite office in London.

Why Rent When You Can Buy On Bristol's Harbourside?

- 5% towards deposit at city’s premier waterside development -
People from across Bristol who are currently renting but want to buy their own home are being advised to visit Crest Nicholson’s Harbourside development in the city centre.

Once there they will find a number of properties ideal for that first move including a selection of both one and two-bedroom apartments and including five properties in the Keel and Tiller phases of the development.

Not only are these properties ideal for those looking to get a first foot on the property ladder but with Crest’s offer to pay 5% of the deposit the sales team believes there will never be a better opportunity to buy.

The offer is available on selected plots and means buying a first home is even more affordable. But with only five properties available on these two phases anyone thinking of buying will need to act quickly.

Vicky Dudbridge from selling agent King Sturge said: “With interest rates at an all time low means repayments on any loan have become much more affordable. The result is people can often buy an apartment in the heart of the city for less than many pay in rent.

“We all know that you never see rental payments back and many people are paying up to £1,000 per month to rent properties in central Bristol, so for those who see their long-term future in the city, buying makes complete financial sense.

“It is more cost effective and buyers have the added advantage of actually owning their own home. The value of their property is also likely to improve as the economy regains its footing, so in the long-term it’s a much better investment.

“This really is too good an opportunity to miss.”

Perfect for first time buyers the stylish, modern apartments are ideal for those wanting to take advantage of all the attractions Bristol city centre has on offer.

The development’s location is also a big draw with the centre only a few minutes walk away. And as it’s located right on the waterfront buyers will be privy to beautiful views of the docks and the city.

Vicky added: “We are in an enviable location and people realise that this is a fantastic opportunity to purchase a new property right on the water in the heart of the city. With all the amenities on their doorstep, purchasers cannot find what we have to offer anywhere else in Bristol.”

Prices for one-bedroom apartments start from £189,995 with two-bedroom apartments starting from £245,000.

For further information on apartments for sale please call 0117 908 8888 or visit http://www.harbourside.co.uk . Alternatively please visit the marketing suite on Cathedral Walk which is open daily from 10am to 5pm.

Ideal Plot For First Time Buyers on Bristol's Waterfront

- 5% towards deposit at city’s premier waterside development -

23 September 2009: First-time buyers wanting to live in style on Bristol’s waterfront are being encouraged to visit Crest Nicholson’s Harbourside development where just four stunning one-bedroom apartments are still up for grabs.

Included on this list is plot 9157, an exquisite apartment which is the ideal property for keen first time buyers get the keys to their first home.

Located in the Tiller House phase of The Crescent, the apartment offers plenty of natural light and the smart, contemporary design is topped off with fabulous views of the city’s historic waterfront across the beautifully landscaped gardens.

But the chance to live in the city’s premier waterside development isn’t the only reason why house hunters are being advised to take a look. That’s because Crest is offering 5% towards the deposit making this an even more attractive proposition.

Priced at £189,995 the apartment is located right in the heart of Bristol, which having been described as ‘the new London’ is perfect for those looking to take advantage of all the city has to offer.

With numerous bars, restaurants and leisure facilities right on the doorstep, gives Harbourside a true cosmopolitan feel. With the centre of Bristol a short walk away, Harbourside is also ideal for those who work in the city.

Park Street and Whiteladies Road are close by and the popular water taxi stops right outside the development and is a great way to get to places like Temple Meads and offices located near to Bristol’s main railway station.

Vicky Dudbridge from selling agent King Sturge said: “This apartment really is a brilliant opportunity for anyone wanting the city centre, waterfront lifestyle that Harbourside offers. The location is second-to-none in Bristol and no other development can offer what we can.

“The offer of 5% towards the deposit is also a one off and as the property market begins to make a recovery we’re expecting this particular property to be snapped up immediately. Anyone considering buying will therefore need to act fast.”

For further information call T: 0117 908 8888 or visit www.harboursidebristol.co.uk or visit the marketing suite on Cathedral Walk which is open daily from 10am to 5pm.