29 May 2018 Community

Mirfield’s Motown Fundraiser

Company Director of Mirfield-based Tivoli Travel, Jo Richards, uses her positive experience of Kirkwood Hospice to raise huge funds at a Motown themed Ball.

Back in February of this year, Mirfield’s Independent Travel Agency, Tivoli Travel, hosted its very own Motown-themed ball to raise a huge £1,318 in fundraising for Kirkwood Hospice.

Held at Brighouse’s grand venue ‘The Casa’, 90 guests made up of family, friends and clients of the business came together to enjoy a fun evening of fine dining, live entertainment from Yorkshire’s own Motown and Northern Soul, Frankie Heart, as well as the chance to win the star auction prize of a week’s stay in Paphos, Cyprus.

Jo’s successes were recognised with a staggering £2,500 in fundraising on the night, which was split between Kirkwood and Elland’s Forget Me Not Hospice.

An additional £150 was scooped for Kirkwood at Tivoli’s Travel Show held in September of 2017.

Company Director, Jo Richards, wanted to raise money for the Hospice after seeing the positive impact Kirkwood’s Support & Therapy Centre has had on the life of her mum, Pauline Wright.

Jo said: “I’ve supported Kirkwood a lot since my mum was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in 2008. She came to Kirkwood for respite in the Support & Therapy Centre, and attended relaxation sessions such as Reiki.

“I’ve known people that have used the facility before, but had never actually visited the Hospice myself. I wanted to come to Kirkwood, and see what it was all about.”

"Kirkwood Hospice is about more than the end of life, and that’s the message that needs promoting." Jo Richards

Ten years down the line, Jo’s Mum, Pauline, has now made a full recovery, and was able to enjoy The Tivoli Travel Ball in February with her daughter.

Jo said: “I just want to thank Kirkwood for everything they do, for everybody that needs them. Be it for small things such as respite and Reiki, down to the end of life, it’s a fantastic place with a huge impact in our community.

“There’s a nice happy ending to my story and we will continue to support well into the future. Kirkwood Hospice is about more than the end of life, and that’s the message that needs promoting.”

Kirkwood Hospice’s Business Partnership Development Manager, Kate Leadbeater, said: “Through attending our balls, taking part in events such as our Midnight Memory Walk and now hosting her own events, Jo has been a truly loyal supporter of the Hospice for a number of years now.

“Jo’s story is an extremely important one to tell, as it shows the positive impact that our services can have on the lives of real people in the community.”