We all had a great night on Saturday 14th January at the beautiful Tithe Barn in Symondsbury – it was a huge success with over 200 attending. There was a wonderful atmosphere and amazing party band Jess Upton and the Guilty Pleasures kept the dancers on their feet all night long.
We are so grateful to the Symondsbury Estate for allowing us to use the barn and also to our many friends, customers and suppliers who have generously helped us to raise over £3,000 which will be divided between Young Epilepsy (for research to help provide a better future for young ones with epilepsy), St. Catherine’s Pre-School and the Bridport Arts Centre.
Young Epilepsy is a charity close to our hearts as our grand-daughter Matilda suffers from a rare form of epilepsy which doctors and specialists have so far been unable to treat. Matilda has been prescribed numerous drugs over the past year including very powerful steroids that have been unsuccessful. We are now aware of how important research is into this complex illness.
After learning about Matilda’s condition friends have been so supportive. Monica and Robbie Teague raised £300 with their fabulous Christmas lights display and Gloria and Brian Dodge, landlords at The Ilchester Arms in Symondsbury kindly donated £250 proceeds from their Christmas raffle.
Other kind donations and prizes for the raffle and auction helped us boost the funds. We are so grateful to you all. Also a big thank you to all those who attended, it was such a friendly and fun night and we all enjoyed catching up with each other and letting our hair down!
Cheques for £800 each were presented to St Catherine’s Pre-School (who are outstanding in their care and have funded additional help for Matilda) and the Bridport Arts Centre who are struggling to raise much needed funds for their refurbishment.
So far we have raised £1,500 for Young Epilepsy and the fundraising is still ongoing – Monica Teague has compiled a quiz (entry £1) with a £20 cash prize. Quizzes are available from Creeds design and print, Groves Nurseries and Bridport Tourist Information Centre.
Charlie Challis, Matilda’s godmother is organising a Spinathon on Sunday 26th March at The Bridport Leisure Centre, if you would like to take part or leave a donation please contact: charliespinsformissy@gmail.com. Sarah Horton is back in training for a half marathon in aid of Young Epilepsy later in the year, more info to follow.
You can also read Matilda’s story on our fundraising page –
https://www.justgiving.com/Cath-Murphy2.
Matilda handing a cheque for £800 to Emma at St. Catherine’s Pre School
Gloria and Brian Dodge (Ilchester Arms, Symondsbury) handing Cath (Matilda’s Mother) a cheque for £250. Money raised from their Christmas Raffle for Young Epilepsy. Also in this picture Matilda and brother George, and Harry, their Granddad.
Laura at Bridport Arts Centre receiving a cheque for £800 from Harry.
