A FAMILY fun day held at Melksham House to raise funds for a Melksham family affected by illness has raised an amazing £7983.50.
The day was organised by a group of friends to raise money for a young family, one of whom has recently been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease, a terminal illness which sadly affects muscle functioning, making their lives as a young family extremely restricted. The money raised will pay for this family of four to have a relaxing holiday, enabling them to make many memories which will last forever.
The event attracted around 400 people and had a host of activities throughout the day for all ages including a barbecue, bouncy castle, penalty shoot out, pony rides, face painting, raffle, cake stand and a special visit from Peppa Pig & Gilbert the Bear!
Other features of the day included a auction where items kindly donated were sold with all proceeds going to the cause. The most profitable auction item was a signed Manchester United shirt which sold for £201. Next was a signed Bath rugby shirt which was presented by three of the main squad players and went for £200. A luxury stay in the Rudloe Hall Hotel, Corsham also sold for £115.
A charity wax also proved to be popular with some men from Melksham going through the pain, with the audience making donations to pull the wax strips. One of the organisers for the event Abi Reynolds said, “It was a great day and to raise so much money when our original target was £2,000 is fantastic.
With the money our original hope was to send the family on a special holiday, we have achieved this and so much more, we now have two holidays planned the first one being at Centre Parcs at the end of this month. This will provide something for all the family, the following break will be by the seaside next month.
“We now also have the opportunity to purchase specialist equipment for the family, that will provide welcome comfort during these very difficult times. All of the stalls were an absolute success. Children enjoyed having their faces painted that day, well over 200 children’s faces were painted during the course of the day. The cake stand was a also a complete sell out! So much fun was had by all including a game of play your cards right with lucky winner taking away £200 in high street vouchers.
“A massive thank you to all the amazing helpers and volunteers on the day, enabling us to put on an unforgettable event, Melksham community pulled together and supported us. A special thanks must go to Melksham House, Countrywide Farmers, Eye4Media and Doveton Press for our fabulous promotional material and printing, Mel who supplied and manned our bouncy castle free of charge, donating all proceeds to the event and Andy from Willmottsdjb for organising a fantastic package from Bath Rugby & some enjoyable live music from TedZed!”
One item from the auction is still available which may appeal to Swindon Town fan’s in particular. A hospitality package for four people at Swindon’s County Ground, as well as a signed shirt.
For more information on the auction item still available please contact Abi on abi.reynolds@btinternet. com.
