Kentish Express Ashford & District
Thousands raised for good cause at Christmas market
Organisers of a Christmas fair have hailed it a huge success after raising more than £17,000 for the Pilgrims Hospice.
The annual Christmas fair and craft market was held at Towers School on Saturday to raise money for hospice care across east Kent.
A new children’s activity area proved very popular among youngsters, as children decorated plates to leave out for Santa and gingerbread men, as well as participating in explosive Christmas-themed science experiments.
Father Christmas also made an appearance in his new grotto - lighting up the faces of many children who attended the fair with friends and family.
Visitors browsed through a variety of stalls containing handmade clothing, soaps and chocolate treats, as well as sampling Christmas puddings from the food market.
Volunteers also set up stalls selling wooden snowmen, homemade jams, knitted items, needlecraft and table decorations.
The hospice’s education team brought its “before I die” chalkboard to the fair, encouraging people to talk more openly about death and dying.
Lou Newman, community fundraising manager at Pilgrims Hospice, said:
“This was my first fair since becoming manager and I have been bowled over by the amount of support the fair has received and the generosity of the public in donating so many items. We could not have put on such a wonderful day without their kindness.
“I would also like to say a huge thank you to all the staff and volunteers who made the day happen.
“The Pilgrims Hospice needs to raise £11 million per year to offer care free of charge to the people of east Kent.
“A massive thank you goes to everyone who came.”