Dr Kershaw’s Christmas Fayre raises an incredible £7,000

A dog, pony and lion helped Dr Kershaw’s Hospice to raise a whopping £7,699 at their Christmas Fayre.

The hospice’s mascot, Hartley the dog, welcomed over 600 visitors to the festive event.

He was joined by Oliver the pony from Narrowgate Farm, and Roary the lion, who is the mascot for Oldham Rugby League Football Club.

The Christmas Fayre saw the Oldham community brave the rain to help raise much-needed funds for patients and their families.

Along with stalls selling Christmas gifts, there was food and drink, an inflatable snow globe, a DJ from Mom's Spaghetti Radio, and a range of festive games and activities.

These included a Santa’s Grotto, raffle, reindeer food making, and a live performance from the Jayne Barnes School of Dance.

The hospice’s in-house café and many of the stalls were manned by volunteers, who kindly gave up their free time.

Sponsored by Booths Garden Centre, the Christmas Fayre received a huge amount of support from local businesses, who donated items or sent staff to volunteer.

Alice Entwistle, Fundraising Events Lead at Dr Kershaw’s Hospice, said: “We are so thankful to everyone who supported our Christmas Fayre.

"It was fantastic to see families having an amazing time whilst raising money for patient care.

“The Oldham community is at the heart of everything we do, and it was so special to be able to welcome people to our lovely hospice.”

Teams across the hospice united to make the Christmas Fayre extra special.

Plants and dried strawflowers were picked and sold from the hospice’s award-winning gardens.

And the hospice’s army of crafting volunteers, Kershaw’s Krafties, worked extra hard to create a range of handmade goods.

Angie Hamilton, who leads Kershaw’s Krafties, said: “The turnout was tremendous and we had a bumper day.

"If you missed it, we still have a selection of Christmas gifts at The Furniture Hub and hospice’s reception.

"And if you’re making your own, our Krafties Kave is open for your supplies.”

Rugby fans were also treated to a surprise visit from Roary the lion, who made the trip over from the Roughyeds.

George Riley, Head of Media and Communications at ORLFC, said: “We were delighted to offer our support to Dr Kershaw’s Christmas Fayre.

"To have Roary – who the kids love – and two of our players present at this fundraiser felt important and we will always be behind such vital work.”

Jayne Barnes, who runs the Jayne Barnes School of Dance, added: “The children love performing, but it makes it more special when it’s for Dr Kershaw’s.

"Our parents also commented on how lovely the atmosphere was and they stayed to join in the fun and visit the stalls.”

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