Success for charity concert
A GCSE student who arranged a concert for the Alzheimer’s Society that raised more than £700 is now planning a tandem skydive.
Lauren Smithson, from Haslingden, wanted to raise money as a thankyou to the charity that has helped her family.
The 16-year-old also organised the Great British Tea Party at St Veronica’s Parish Hall in Helmshore on Saturday, June 25.
Lauren helped to set up the hall, baked cakes to sell and also played clarinet with Rossendale Valley Sounds which provided the entertainment.
The hall was packed, with every table taken and all the benches around the hall full.
Lauren said: “I expected to raise about £300 so I was delighted with the final total.
“I decided to do it because the charity has done so much for us as a family; I wanted to give something back.
“My tandem skydive is in October and will also be for the charity. I already have £190 towards it and I hope to raise £400.
“I am not scared about doing the skydive, but I probably will be when I am sitting on the edge preparing to jump out.”
It was also a family affair in Rossendale Valley Sounds because Lauren’s sister Abbie, 13, plays flute and dad David plays trumpet in the band.
In the future Lauren is planning to study fashion at Blackburn College.
To sponsor Lauren visit www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/LaurenSmithson.