The Brighouse Friends of Overgate group, set up in 2007 by Angela Curran, have surpassed all expectations and have so far raised £200,000.
The group have fundraised for Overgate for 16 years hosting a variety of events including annual fashion shows, bake sales, jumble sales, walks, raffling hampers, and also supporting Overgate Hospice events.
Angela began fundraising in 2007, whilst her husband Nigel was being cared for at Overgate Hospice. The care they both received prompted Angela to set up a fundraising walk along the Brighouse canal from the Red Rooster pub to Sowerby Bridge on August Bank Holiday 2007. As the event approached sadly Nigel became too ill, so Angela was at his side whilst friends continued the planned walk with fundraising buckets in hand.
During his time at the Hospice Nigel and Angela were able to celebrate their Grandson’s
2nd Birthday. They gathered outside Nigel’s private room on the terrace, a memory the family will always cherish.
Prior to this time Angela wasn’t aware of the Hospice’s existence which is one of the reasons why the group aim to raise awareness of Overgate Hospice as well as fundraising.
The group was initially made up of friends and family, including those who had worked with Angela at Halifax Bank. Members now include Angela, Treasurers Sue Lambert and Pat Barlow, “Admin Star” Jean Richardson, and Dawn Turner, Jhansie Chadwick,
Leonora Dale, Kath Ellis, Doreen Green and Diane Atkinson who all volunteer their time and efforts to raise significant funds for Overgate Hospice.
One of the group members said, “It’s a social group as much as a fundraising group, it’s how much FUN we get out of FUNdraising and making friends in the process!”
Angela said “We’re always looking for fresh and new ways to raise money and keep people interested. We can’t raise money without the amazing people in the Calderdale community. There are so many kind people. As a group we would encourage other members of Calderdale communities to set up Overgate friends groups to support Overgate Hospice”.
Some of the Brighouse Friends group have also raised additional funds for Overgate Hospice by taking on a number of overseas challenges. The Great Wall of China Trek and Cambodia Cycle Ride raised thousands of pounds.
The most recent event was a Fashion Show at the Old Brodleians Rugby Club, and upcoming events include an evening with Robbie as Michael Bublé at Rastrick Bowling Club to be held on 16th March, followed by Norfest on 18th May to be held at Norland Working Men’s Club.
The Brighouse Friends will also be supporting Brodstock on 22nd June, an event they have been involved with since its inception over10 years ago.