A star-studded Ladies Lunch has raised more than £25,000 for Martin House Children's Hospice.
Around 200 guests gathered for the event at Hazlewood Castle, near Tadcaster, hosted by the charity’s ambassador – TV presenter and journalist, Christine Talbot.
Gogglebox star Lara Fawcett was among those in attendance.
Alongside a drinks reception, two-course lunch, and fundraising games, guests heard from Martin House mum Mehreen Rehman, whose two-year-old daughter Ava receives care from the hospice.
Mehreen spoke about the support Martin House provides for her whole family, including Ava’s older sisters, Maya and Maysa.
Clair Holdsworth, chief executive at Martin House, said:
“We are truly grateful to the inspiring women who joined us, and to our sponsors who helped make the event possible.
"The Ladies Lunch not only raised vital funds for our hospice, but also showed the incredible impact we can have when our community comes together.”
Throughout the day, attendees bid in a silent auction, with prizes ranging from weekend hotel breaks to a signed Leeds United shirt, helping to raise an additional £4,605. In total, the event raised a fantastic £25,446.
The money raised could help fund one of Martin House’s specialty doctors for more than two months, enabling families to receive advice and care from a specialist in paediatric palliative medicine.
As a thank you for their support, guests enjoyed complimentary pampering sessions from the Clarins team at John Lewis, Leeds, and Cloud Nine hair care.
The day concluded with an inspirational talk by Helen Butters, who as part of ‘Yorkshire Rows – Four Mums in a Boat’, rowed across the Atlantic in 2016, beating experienced sailors in the process, and raising thousands of pounds for charity.
Clair added:
“Every year, we care for more than 500 children and young people with serious and complex health needs. Our services are available to families completely free of charge, 24/7, 365 days a year.
"It costs around £12 million a year to provide this specialist care, and the majority is funded by voluntary donations and fundraising.”
To find out more about Martin House and how to support the hospice, visit www.martinhouse.org.uk.
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