Cocktail Night raises funds in sister’s memory

A cocktail night held in memory of a special sister and mother has raised an incredible £4,840 for St Catherine’s Hospice.

Julie Telford was cared for at the Lostock Hall hospice in the summer of 2016. She was an enthusiastic charity supporter who also helped her local school and church.

Her sister Catherine Kershaw explained: “Julie had battled breast cancer for almost eight years. She was an amazing person and had done so much for the local community, organising social and fundraising events.

“One event Julie really wanted to hold was a cocktail night but unfortunately she became too poorly to carry this out. As we wanted to raise funds for the hospice in Julie’s memory, a cocktail night seemed fitting. We wanted to do her proud so we pulled out all the stops! Her daughter Holly brought along some friends who helped out on the night and provided the entertainment.

“JT’s Cocktail and Canapes Night was a sell-out; the overwhelming support we received was a true testament to how loved and admired Julie was.”

Julie died at the hospice on 1^st August 2016 aged 48. The fundraiser was held at Brindle St Joseph’s Parish Hall in November.

Catherine added: “It was a wonderful but emotional night enjoyed by everyone. We can safely say that Julie would have loved it.

“What’s more, one of the organisers works for Marks & Spencer and she applied to the M&S charity scheme. They contributed an amazing £1,500 bringing the total to £4,840; a fabulous donation for a remarkable woman and an amazing cause.”

Julie’s daughter Holly has also raised money for St Catherine’s through selling Christmas cards.

Emma Jacovelli, head of community engagement at the charity, said: “Julie’s family have chosen some very meaningful ways to support the hospice in her honour, and we’re so grateful for their brilliant efforts which have helped raised a wonderful amount for St Catherine’s.

“We depend on the generosity of our supporters like Catherine and Holly, and everyone who helped organise the cocktail night, to enable us to continue caring for local people with life-shortening illnesses, so we’d like to say a very special thank you for their amazing support!”

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