Over 200 people filled the Park Hall Pavilion last weekend to enjoy a ‘Scrumptious Wonka-themed’ charity ball which has raised over £4,000 for Hope House Children’s Hospice.
Prior to this event, inspirational local business woman Sally Rogers had already raised an incredible £89,000 for charity
Sally, who owns Lawrence’s Direct stationers’ shop on Church Street, has been fundraising for various charities for 20 years after her husband Stuart was diagnosed with Lymphoma cancer in 1999.
“It’s my twentieth year of fundraising this year, it all started when Stuart, my husband had cancer, we had our two sons who at the time were five and two, we were sitting in Shrewsbury hospital thanking the lord Stuart’s treatment had been successful and wanted to give something back.”
Inspired by photographs of cheque donations on the walls of the hospital, Sally organised her first event – a Beach Boys-themed ball at Park Hall.
“We raised a fabulous amount for Ward 21 at RSH and it went on from then doing two balls a year raising funds for Cancer Research, RJAH Children’s Ward, British Heart Foundation and others.”
Sally’s decided to support Hope House for her latest charity event after working for the local charity.
“I joined Hope House as a fundraiser and was very passionate about the work they do and how public donations are so vital, so I continued to support them. I had a break from balls for quite a few years in this time, instead taking on charity challenges. I trekked over Iceland and walked London to Brighton in 24 hours for British Heart Foundation.”
“Quite a few people have been asking me to do another ball, so it seemed right I did one this year to mark 20 years – and it had to be for Hope House.
“Prior to this event I had raised £89,265.00 since I started, which is amazing. I am so pleased that we have already raised an additional £4,117.00 from Saturday’s event, with still money to come in from “The Golden Ticket Ball”, it makes it so worthwhile. Although this was to be my last, after all the comments there may well be another ball next year. I would like to thank everyone for buying tickets, and all those who donated”.
