Charity fete puts the beat back into summer

Published by Gareth Holmes for Sanctuary Housing Association in Communities and also in Environment, Health, Housing

Residents of a Farnborough sheltered housing scheme wore their hearts on their sleeves as they helped raise money for Frimley Park Hospital’s Heart 2 Heart appeal.

Touched by the nearby hospital’s plea for donations, residents of Sanctuary Housing’s Wimborne House came together to host a fete and raise much needed funds.

The event featured a raffle with prizes donated from local companies, a tombola and a table top sale. Bakery items literally sold like hot cakes and a stand hosted by staff from Sanctuary helped boost the final amount.

But, the highlight of the event was the soaking of John Battersby, a Sanctuary Housing officer, who showed his generous side by spending a day in the stocks. John said: “I can’t say I enjoyed getting drenched, but it’s all in the name of charity!”

Residents and attendees raised £427.00 on the day, all of which will go towards the Heart 2 Heart scheme.  

Resident, George Garwood, who attended the Wimborne house summer fete, said: "It was a fabulous day and everyone enjoyed themselves. The residents and scheme manager of Wimborne House worked really hard. People were so generous, and it was all in aid of such a good cause."

Sally McLaren, fundraising manager for Frimley Park Hospital, added: “We are very grateful that the residents of Wimborne House have selected the Heart 2 Heart Appeal as their charity for the year.”

The appeal, launched by Frimley Park Hospital, aims to raise £1.5 million to purchase highly specialised, state-of-the-art equipment for a new regional heart attack centre providing the gold standard treatment for heart attack patients.