Golf club’s ‘Evening with Ann Widdecombe’ raises hospice funds

A Lancashire golf club hosted ‘An evening with Ann Widdecombe’ which raised more than £4,000 for St Catherine’s Hospice.

Tracey Mendham, a member of Pleasington Golf Club in Blackburn, organised the event welcoming the former MP, writer and star of Strictly Come Dancing.

The evening consisted of a three-course dinner and a talk from Ann featuring tales from her life as an MP, before finishing with question and answer session

There was also the opportunity to purchase one of Ann’s books complete with a personalised message.

In total the event, which attracted 130 guests, raised a fantastic £4,250 which will be used to fund the hospice’s specialised care for local people.

Tracey, who received help with organising the event from the current Pleasington Lady Captain Susan Caton, said: “My contact with Ann comes through my friend and fellow Pleasington member Gill Wild, and her friend Iona Worthington. We had initially hoped to organise the event a couple of years ago when I was Lady Captain myself, but unfortunately the dates clashed with another commitment she had.

“It was wonderful that she kept in touch and was still keen to help out – giving her time for free for the occasion and even donating a percentage of the book sales on the night to St Catherine’s.

“It was a fantastic night with a great atmosphere that everyone really enjoyed. I’m delighted to have raised this money for St Catherine’s, a charity which has always been the local cause my family and I like to support. Two of my very close friends have been cared for at St Catherine’s so I know how important their work is.”

Norman Cutler, senior fundraiser at St Catherine’s who attended on the night, thanked Tracey and the club for their support during the charity’s 30th anniversary year.

He added: “It was a wonderful evening and a fantastic event which has raised vital funds that we rely on.

“St Catherine’s is only here today, celebrating 30 amazing years, thanks to the support of clubs and organisations like Pleasington – we really are so grateful for their amazing contribution.”

If your club, organisation, business or school is interested in supporting St Catherine’s Hospice in 2016 contact the fundraising team on 01772 629171 for information and advice.

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