The Larkfleet Group has raised £8,500 for The Willow Foundation charity with an event hosted at Peterborough’s Holiday Inn West.
The Willow Foundation offers ‘special days’ for 16 to 40 year olds with terminal or life-threatening illnesses. The special days – which can be anything from a just a quiet holiday to experiences such as balloon flights and car racing – aim to help these young adults escape the pressures of their daily routine and share quality time with family or friends.
The substantial sum of £8,500 was raised by Larkfleet Group through the sale of tickets for the event, an auction of items, a tombola and a raffle with a wide range of prizes. Games of stand up bingo and casino tables also contributed to the total raised.
Throughout the evening, staff and guests were entertained by magician David Penn from the children’s television show The Sorcerer’s Apprentice.
Former Arsenal and Scotland goalkeeper Bob Wilson and his wife Megs founded the Willow Foundation in 1999 in memory of their daughter Anna who died of cancer aged 31. The charity's name, Willow, stems from Anna's nickname and its aim is to replicate the positive impact special days had on both Anna and her family during her treatment.
The charity has a special significance for Larkfleet Group managing director Karl Hick and his wife Helen who organised the event. Helen’s sister Maureen died from cancer at the age of 24 and the couple now support the work of the Willow Foundation in providing help to young adults who are fighting similar illnesses.
Karl commented: “We have had tremendous support in putting this event together and people have been extremely generous. The £8,500 raised tonight will contribute to the fantastic work the Willow Foundation does for so many young adults. I would like to thank my wife Helen Hick and colleague Helen Jones for organising such a successful evening for such a worthy cause.”