9 Jun 2017 Community

Ridley & Hall’s Ladies’ Night – a Night to Remember

At the beginning of March, Huddersfield Solicitors, Ridley & Hall, held a Ladies’ Night in memory of former colleague and friend, Helen Galsworthy, and raised a whopping total of £2,005 for Kirkwood Hospice.

On the evening of Thursday 2nd March, Huddersfield-based Solicitors firm, Ridley & Hall, hosted a very special event in aid of Kirkwood Hospice.

The firm, who are commemorating their 90th Anniversary this year, put on a hugely successful Ladies’ Night in loving memory of former colleague and Ridley & Hall Costs Assistant, Helen Galsworthy.

Ridley & Hall's Karen Uppal, Nigel Priestley and Ann Silver with Kirkwood Hospice's Nicola Barber and Helen's twin brother, Richard Clayton.

 

Helen was sadly diagnosed with breast cancer seven years ago, which developed to her lungs, and died at the Hospice in December 2015.

On what would have been Helen’s Birthday, the Ridley & Hall premises in the centre of Huddersfield was full to capacity as friends, family, colleagues and supporters of the Hospice were invited to join together in a relaxed evening and raise funds for Kirkwood.

For just £2 a ticket including a glass of prosecco, attendees enjoyed nibbles, cake, complementary massages, a raffle and lots of fantastic stalls selling goods such as jewellery and clothes.

Selling over 250 tickets and raising an impressive £2,005 in aid of Kirkwood Hospice, Ridley & Hall’s efforts will make a real difference to those who rely on Kirkwood’s services throughout Kirklees.

 

Helen’s co-worker at Ridley & Hall and Ladies’ Night Organiser, Ann Silver, is delighted at their achievement and keen to thank everyone involved with the event.

She said: “It was such a fantastic night and its success is truly down to everyone’s help, support and donations. Everyone was so generous.”

“When I was told how much has to be raised annually in fundraising to keep the Hospice open, I said: ‘How on earth do you raise all that money in a year?’ and I was told ‘it’s because of people like you.’”

“Helen never complained and she was always positive, always smiling and that’s why everyone misses her so much. She fought it with such dignity and she never gave up. She was amazing.”

“I went to visit her in the Hospice for a glass of wine and a chat and I almost forgot where we were. It’s that memory, the sound of laughter, that I remember her by.”

“The Hospice is just an amazing place. When you walk in there, there’s a calm and tranquillity about it and you feel like you’re floating." Richard Clayton

Remembering what it’s all about, Helen’s twin brother, Richard Clayton, is keen to thank all of the staff at Kirkwood Hospice.

He said: “The Hospice is just an amazing place. When you walk in there, there’s a calm and tranquillity about it and you feel like you’re floating. All the staff in there are lovely and the nurse that looked after Helen, Anna-Marie, was unbelievable.

“On the morning Helen went into the Hospice, I sent her a text saying: ‘Good morning, are you ready for your five-star-hotel?’ and she replied saying: ‘I certainly am, let the pampering begin.’”