THE family and friends of Melksham woman, Emma Rodger, who died last year, have raised over £6,750 for the Royal United Hospital in Bath, by holding a family fun day and an online raffle and tombola.
Following Emma’s death, the family established the Emma Rodger Tribute Fund in August and have been raising funds for cancer services at the RUH in Bath.
One of the key fundraising events has been a family fun day at the Forest Community Centre on 10th June, that raised £2,000. The day involved a mini fun fair, stalls with Melksham businesses and performances by local bands including headliners Band X, as well as performances by Melksham Music and Drama, local indie band, The Sunnies, Chloe Caine and Sarah Deer.
Emma’s sister, Lisa Caine said, “The fun day was a really good day. It was rather hot! We had lots of stalls there and music right the way through from 12pm to 12am. It was like a mini music festival. We had some trader stalls with different bits and pieces. Local small businesses such as Hazelnut Creations and Cobbee Crafts. We had a mini funfair with bouncy castle, swings, candy floss cart.”
At the event, Emma’s daughter, Lauren, had her head shaved in tribute and donated her hair to The Princess Trust.
Lauren said, “I was very nervous at the beginning but with all the amazing support around me I knew I could do it. It wasn’t until during having it done, I found out my hair could be donated to The Princess Trust to help create wigs for little girls. It has been an emotional journey, but I’m so proud that I did it for my beautiful mum and I would do it all over again in a heartbeat!”
Thanking the fundraising efforts of family and friends, a spokesperson for RUH said, “We are thrilled that Lisa has been able to raise an incredible £6,752.65 with her family fun day in tribute to her sister Emma. It was such an achievement and everyone who was involved on the day should be proud of their participation.
“The funds raised will make a huge difference to the RUH cancer services and every penny raised will go towards improving the health, happiness and wellbeing of our patients and the wonderful staff who care for them. With Lisa’s generous support, RUHX is able to continue to improve on the already incredible work of the NHS. We look forward to Lisa’s upcoming fundraising events over 2023-2024!”
The next fundraising event will be bingo on 17th September at Melksham Liberal Club.
Lisa said, “Thank you to anyone who has donated or supported us in any way, we are truly grateful for your support.”
