26 Apr 2018 Community

Inspiring fundraiser Ann is backing local Hospice’s latest event

A woman who helped to raise thousands of pounds for her local hospice is looking forward to hearing from another inspirational fundraiser at an upcoming Ladies’ Evening.

Ann Silver, is a local supporter with an inspiring story to tell. After witnessing the compassionate care that her friend, Helen Galsworthy, received at Kirkwood Hospice, she took it upon herself to launch a fundraising event in her memory - raising over £2,000 for the charity.

Now she is putting her support behind Kirkwood’s latest event, An Evening with Tricia Stewart, which takes place at Bertie’s in Elland on Thursday, 3rd May.

Inspirational speaker Tricia Stewart, the driving force behind the alternative WI Calendar that took the world by storm, will be Kirkwood’s guest at the event this May. Guests will be invited to hear Tricia’s amazing story as they enjoy an unforgettable night of fabulous food and even better company.

Tricia’s idea to create a risqué alternative to the WI calendar had only ever been an idea until her friend’s husband was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. His death led to the now famous calendar being brought to life in his memory.

It’s a story that resonates with Ann, who was determined to do something to remember her friend and former colleague.

“Helen had a real joy for life.” said Ann. “She was a real party girl and we always had a great time together.

“I worked opposite Helen for a number of years and I am not sure how we ever got any work done!

“She was such a positive person; always smiling and never down. So when we found out that she was ill, we were all devastated.”

Ann, who worked with Helen at Huddersfield based solicitors Ridley & Hall, decided to hold a Ladies’ Evening for colleagues and friends on what would have been Helen’s birthday. And it proved so popular that people were queuing out of the door.

“If I am honest, I was worried that no one would show up,” said Ann. “but I really put my heart and soul into organising the evening.”

“I shouldn’t have worried. We were bursting at the seams and within two hours we had made a massive amount of money for Kirkwood.

“It was Helen’s birthday and I know she would have loved the evening. Everyone wanted to talk about her and it brought so many people together. In some ways, it felt like she was in the room with us.”

Pictured: Helen Galsworthy

 

Ann recalls the visit to Kirkwood Hospice with colleagues Alison, Ann and Nicky, which made her realise how special the charity is.

“We visited Helen when she was being looked after at Kirkwood. We took some wine and shared it with Helen as we reminisced about old times.

“We had such a lovely time with her in those few hours that we forgot how all about how poorly she was for a little while. We were having such a good time that we were a bit worried that we might be asked to leave.

“There is just an indescribable feeling when you visit Kirkwood, a personal touch that you feel. I wonder how we ever managed without our local hospice; it’s just a brilliant cause.”

Although Ann is reluctant to take the credit for her fundraising efforts, she is determined to continue supporting them.

“I am really looking forward to attending the Hospice’s evening with Tricia Stewart. She is a really inspirational woman and, by all accounts, a wonderfully entertaining speaker.

“I hope lots of people will come along for a great evening’s entertainment in support of such a wonderful cause.”

Tickets are now available for An Evening with Tricia Stewart, which takes place on Thursday, 3rd May at Bertie’s in Elland. Tickets are £35 including a two course meal. You can also book a table of 10 for just £300 by contacting the Hospice directly.

To book tickets, click here or call the Fundraising team on: 01484 557911.