Barn bash is a smash for town’s cherished hospice
A GROUP of friends are celebrating smashing their fundraising target at a charity barn dance.
The six pals decided to organise an event to raise money for East Cheshire Hospice.
The gang – made up by Katie Hankinson, Jennie Pardon, Vic Jackson, Kerry Ward, Sarah Dale and Emma Dixon – all have personal connections to the hospice, which has helped their family members, and they wanted to give something back.
They set about organising their Barn Bash at Symondley Farm in Sutton.
They had never arranged an event before, so had a big challenge on their hands to transform the barn into a fantastic venue.
The girls signed up local businesses to sponsor the event and donate items for an auction and lined up entertainment for the night including a ceilidh band and bucking bronco.
And within hours of going on sale, the girls sold 300 tickets.
They hoped to raise enough money to cover the cost of running the hospice for a day, a hefty £7,500.
But they are pleased to announce they smashed this target, raising £18,500 in total.
Katie Hankinson said: “The barn bash was arranged by six girls who wanted to raise money for the care and love received from the hospice for our loved ones.
“The hospice is fantastic and we wanted to give something back.
“We are truly grateful for the fantastic support we had from friends, family and sponsors and couldn’t have done it without them all.
“The evening was a huge success and enjoyed by all who came.
“We’re over the moon and are considering making this an annual event, so watch this space.”