Willow Burn Hospice raised over £27,000 at its biggest fundraising event in two years when it held its annual ball on Friday 25 March at Derwent Manor Boutique Hotel.
The sell-out black tie event was hosted by comedian, TV presenter and performer Steve Walls and featured dinner, music from SoulStreet, a live auction and the Diamond Raffle sponsored by Berry’s Newcastle, to raise money for the hospice.
Rachel Todd, Head of Fundraising and Marketing at Willow Burn Hospice said: “Not everyone knows this, but hospices need fundraising to survive. Willow Burn costs £1.2million to operate each year and receives less than 50% of its funds through government.
Events like this are very important to the future of hospice care in Derwentside. Not only do they raise much needed funds but they also shine a spotlight on the vital services our teams can provide to people living with a life limiting illness and their families.
A very big thank you to all our sponsors, auction prize donors and everyone who contributed by attending – including: Berry’s Jewellers, Crescent Homecare, Dere Street Homes, NPS Group, RMT Accountants and Business Advisors and Swinburne Maddison LLP.”
The event also saw the premiere of ‘We Are Willow Burn', the name of the hospice’s new film and campaign featuring patients, staff, volunteers and supporters. The campaign has been inspired by every single person over the last 30 years who has been part of the Willow Burn story, making it the special place that it is today.
As part of the event, the guests also heard from fundraiser and volunteer, Ian Lowther, 38, an ultra-runner from Annfield Plain who will take on his biggest challenge this year when he competes in the 215-mile Race Against Scotland in aid of the hospice.
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