20 Oct 2018 Community

Inspirational Garden Party for the Jackie Morgan Tribute Fund

Mirfield couple and long-term supporters, Darren and Jackie Brooke, raised a staggering £7,060 for Kirkwood Hospice at their annual Garden Party on Sunday 2nd September. The event, now in its third year, has raised a total of £38,660 taking the Jackie Morgan Tribute Fund total to an amazing £61,747.91.

Jackie and Darren have hosted an annual garden party with good friend Peter Morgan since 2016, in memory of Peter’s wife, Jackie Morgan, who was cared for by Kirkwood at the end of her life in 2014.

This year saw 102 guests arrive dressed for the occasion as they enjoyed a floral themed traditional afternoon tea in the garden of their Mirfield home.

Setting the scene for a wonderful event, the sun shone bright as guests gathered in a marquee beautifully decorated with homemade bunting and floral umbrellas hanging from the ceiling.

 

Guests were invited to have their photograph taken against a floral wall whilst sipping prosecco and artisan gin from a vintage horse box and jockey bar.

An array of talented performers, sponsored by ChemResist, entertained guests well into the afternoon, with local acoustic duo Tom and James and swing singer Richard Daniels just two of many performers on the day. Peter Morgan’s comedic alter ego ‘Max Lemon’ pulled the event together as compere for the day.

Some amazing auction and raffle prizes were also up for grabs, with gifts donated from local businesses and contacts helping to boost funds for Kirkwood.

The team behind the Garden Party.

 

Peter, after witnessing first-hand the care Kirkwood offer, is now a long-term supporter and started the Jackie Morgan Tribute Fund in 2015.

Peter revived his 80s persona ‘Max Lemon’ and began fundraising on the Kirklees club circuit before teaming with good friends Jackie and Darren to organise the sell-out garden parties.

The last three years have seen themes ranging from the 1940s to a day at the races. But no matter what the theme, the garden parties have remained hugely popular, with guests making it a firm date in their diaries year after year.

Community Fundraiser, Lyndsey Richardson, who attended the annual Garden Party back in September, was delighted to see the Tribute Fund reach the amazing total of £61,747.91.

Lyndsey said: “We are all so grateful for the continued support from Peter, Darren and Jackie. Thank you to all the guests that attended the Garden Party and helped to raised £7,060 for Kirkwood and thank you to all the volunteers, friends and family that helped make the day possible.

“We can only continue to provide care for anyone with a life limiting illness in Kirklees because of your support.”