Kind-hearted regulars at the Red Lion pub in Irlams o’th Height pushed a fundraising night to huge success, raising £6,320 for St Ann’s Hospice.
Jessica Smyth sold blind auction tickets, St Ann’s fundraiser Jill Kirkham was there to give support and Karen and landlord Norman Rowcroft provided a complimentary buffet and live music.
The pub was decked out in bunting and refreshments laid on while DJ Tony Wood donated his services for free to add to the fun of the evening.
Friend Sean Smyth also volunteered to act as auctioneer on the night and donated Manchester United and City memorabilia.
Organisers Lorna Matthews, Jackie Rowlands and pub landlady Karen Rowcroft were so pleased with the response they are planning to hold another event next year.
Landlord Norman Rowcroft told SalfordOnline.com: “We were only too glad to help raise money for the hospice, we all know somebody who has been affected.
“Our initial target was £1,000 but we raised that much before the charity night even started. We do have some great customers in here and some donated £100 with others offering as much as £200.
“The pub was packed with people only to eager to help raise cash and have a good night out.
“It was so successful that we are planning on having another one next year.”
For family, friends and local businesses who all rallied round it was an emotional occasion.
For many, their lives have been affected in some way by the hospice, including Lorna and Jackie who had close relatives treated at St Ann’s.
Jackie’s father Donald Belfield, a retired drayman from Salford, died there in October 2014 aged 78.
Lorna’s late father-in-law Brian Matthews, 56, also from Salford, was a patient in 2004.
Lorna was a volunteer at St Ann’s and is now a Community Specialist Palliative Care secretary at the Little Hulton hospice.
She said: “Most of the people who donated or were there on this great night have been touched by the hospice in one way or another.
“Local businesses and superstores contributed money, auction, raffle and donation prizes.”
Jackie, from Irlams o’th Height, said: “The care and compassion shown to my dad and our family by St Ann’s was really appreciated and comforting.
“He liked a pint and loved his holidays and visited many places, during his time in the Merchant Navy.”
The customer services team at Salford City Council where Jackie works held a dress down day and sold raffle tickets.
Jackie added: “Lorna persuaded me to help organise the event and we’d like to thank everyone for their generous donations in so many ways. We’re now looking forward to the next St Ann’s Charity night in 2016.”
