Animal suit sleepover raises funds for charity

Published by Anonymous for Two Rivers Housing in Health and also in Communities, Environment, Housing

A leopard, a zebra, a monkey, cats, dogs and a baby all got together for a fundraising sleep over in Parkside, Coldeford last weekend.

The madcap scheme was another charitable drive by members of the Two Rivers community and their friends, this time to raise cash in aid of the Huntingtons Disease Association. The furry fun raised £750 for research into the disease.

The event started with a barbecue, an animal parade around the estate and then a bit of a knees-up outside the Two Rivers Community Centre. The friends then settled down to sleep in a gazebo.

Menagerie organiser Gwyneth Jacobs said they decided to go with the animal idea because the suits were so fleecy, warm and comfortable.

“I was the Zebra and my sister was the baby. We all had a brilliant time. There’s a great community spirit down here and we are always doing things together. Why not have fun and raise funds for a good cause at the same time,” she said.

Huntingtons Disease is a disorder of the central nervous system. Symptoms appear in middle age and can include clumsiness, stumbling, memory loss and mood swings. Later on sufferers need significant levels of care.

Only two weeks ago the fun loving friends raised £138 by holding a pyjama party.

Gwyneth and Co. are also organising a fundraiser with an event at the Orepool Inn in Sling which kicks off at 5pm on Friday November 9^th. They have engaged the services of professional entertainer Terry Osbourne. Tickets cost just £2.50 and all funds go to support Huntington’s research.   

“A coach load of us will be coming over from Coleford – so it should be quite a night,” Gwyneth said.

For further information about Huntington’s Disease go to www.hda.org.uk