NEWS & EVENTS!
This is where we will post all of our latest news & upcoming events
​NEWPORT PAGNELL CHRISTMAS LIGHT SWITCH ON
Saturday 29th November 2025
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DAFS will have a stall at the above event - we will be there all day from 8:30am to around 5:30pm. We will be selling handmade goods (thank you to everyone who has taken part in the various crafting sessions to create some amazing items ready to sell). We will also have a Tombola, a Spin-To-Win game for the kids & a raffle so please come along & say hello to some of our volunteers & show your support!​​​
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REES'S RUN for RECOVERY
Christmas Day 2025
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Rees’s Run for Recovery - Online Social Fundraising Donation Platform | Givey
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A little about me - my name is Rees Bettell, & I’m a recovering alcoholic & addict. I struggled with substance misuse from the age of 16, & after countless failed attempts at moderation & abstinence, I reached an emotional, physical, & spiritual rock bottom during 2021-2022.
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On 30th October 2022, I took my last drink - & life has transformed since.
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Over the past three years, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to rebuild my life. I’ve reconnected with family & friends, & continue to focus on my emotional, physical, & spiritual wellbeing every day.
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This Christmas Day, I’ll be running a marathon around Bedford to raise money for a wonderful organisation called Drug & Alcohol Family Support (DAFS), who work in & around Milton Keynes, Bedford & Leighton Buzzard. DAFS was founded in 2018 by two women, Val & Lynn, who recognised a real gap in support for families affected by alcoholism & drug addiction. They are a small, volunteer-led organisation providing safe spaces & support groups that help families find connection, hope, meaning, & empowerment during incredibly difficult times.
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Any money raised will have a huge impact on their ability to reach more families, improve their services, & continue the vital work they do for those often overlooked by the healthcare system.
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As this isn’t an official race, I’ll be measuring the distance using my Garmin watch. To ensure validity, I’ll be running 26.5 miles (42.65 km). I’ve got a rough idea of my route & will share updates once confirmed. I plan to start between 7–8am on Christmas morning.
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I’d be incredibly grateful if you could help me reach my fundraising goal - every donation, no matter the size, will make a real difference. Thank you for taking the time to read my story, & for any support you can give. Rees.
​Saturday 21st February 2026
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This is an annual fun day that’s raised over half a million pounds for local charities since 1994.
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Each year, between 7 & 9 local charities are identified to benefit from the Swimathon.
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21 February 2026 will be Rotary MK’s 33rd Swimathon
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It’s free to enter & held at Wolverton Pool.
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50+ teams of six swim on a relay basis for 55 minutes in a 25-metre pool.
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No special swimming ability is needed.
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Children of any age are welcome but must have parental permission.
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Each swimmer collects sponsorship from family, friends, work colleagues, corporate donations, etc. by:
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Online sponsorship via Just Giving, which automatically claims 25% Gift Aid on all eligible donations, &/or
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Using Rotary MK’s sponsorship form & bringing the money to the event or paying it into Rotary MK’s Swimathon bank account. The Club claims Gift Aid from HMRC.
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The link to Just Giving & the Rotary Sponsorship Form will be available here soon!
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DAFS will be entering 3 teams for the event & would love any support on the day. Come along and join the fun!
There will be a presentation day in May 2026 to present each charity with the monies raised, & also award a number of prizes.
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