Dr Kershaw's Christmas Fayre brings in almost £6,000 for patient care

Dr Kershaw’s staff and volunteers welcomed the community back to the Hospice for their Christmas Fayre.

The pandemic had prevented the fayre going ahead during the last two Christmases.

The fayre is just one of Dr Kershaw’s annual events which enables the Hospice to bring in vital funds for patient care in Oldham, as well as enabling the Hospice to develop their relationships with their many supporters.

With stalls situated in the Hospice and outside in a marquee, those who attended on the day had the opportunity to take part in a raffle, a tombola, name the bear, to peruse the array of festive stalls, as well as being able to visit the Hospice’s very specially made Grotto where children got to meet Santa and his elves and take home a special gift.

Attendees were also treated to live music from two amazing acoustic artists, while they enjoyed the hot food on offer including soup and rolls, hot dogs and veggie hot dogs, along with mince pies, cakes and beverages including gin cocktails.

Rebecca Bentham, Event Organiser and Director of Income Development and Marketing at the Hospice, said: “The event was a huge success with almost 600 people gathering to see Santa in his grotto, have a gin cocktail, shop for Christmas gifts in our marquee, listen to the singers, or indulge in a hot dog or mince pie.

"We are thrilled to announce that our Christmas fayre brought in just under £6,000 towards patient care at the Hospice.

"We'd like to say a huge thank you to everyone who came out to support the event, we hope you had a lovely afternoon and managed to pick up a few early Christmas gifts.

"We would also like thank our Hospice volunteers, Homebase (Bredbury), Park Cakes, Booths Garden Centre and our external stall holders: Josjoyas, Made by Victoria Plum, DD Crafts & Gemleigh Crafts, Nat's Crafts, Pawful of Treats, ‘By Design,’ Floral Craft by Christine, Utility Warehouse, Brookdale Bees and Cribs International.

"Your amazing support means so much to our Hospice, our patients and their loved ones, during the festive period and beyond.”

The Christmas Fayre marked the start of the Hospice’s festive events and will be followed by their annual Light Up a Life service on Sunday week (December 4) at 6pm at the Hospice, where the community can come together to remember their loved ones at a special multi-faith service.

The Hospice’s Christmas tree lights will be poignantly switched on to represent each of our loved ones that we have sadly lost.

The Hospice’s Christmas Concert will also be making a return on Thursday, December 15 at 6.30pm at Oldham Parish Church.

Rebecca added: “Get in the festive mood with our Christmas concert.

"Join us for a festive evening with readings and carols, as well as performances from Dr Kershaw’s Choir and Hope Singers.

"There will be festive refreshments including a tipple of mulled wine, and a Christmas raffle.

"It’s our first Christmas Concert since 2019, and we hope it will be a night to remember as well as raising more vital funds for patient care."

Tickets are priced at £5 for adults and £2 for children, and can be bought online at: www.drkh.org.uk/christmasconcert

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