Charity garden party is ‘amazing success’

Four principal charities – Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, Brainstrust, Helen’s Trust and the National Hereditary Breast Cancer Helpline – were the main beneficiaries of the event as crowds flocked to the stately home of entrepreneurs Emma and Jim Harrison.

Helen’s Trust chief executive Heidi Megaughin said: “It was a brilliant day. The weather was wonderful and the crowd absolutely fantastic – an amazing success.”

The head of the Bakewell-based charity which helps terminally-ill people throughout North Derbyshire and the High Peak district stay in their own homes, added: “We would like to thank Emma and Jim together with the whole team behind the garden party for organising such an incredible event and supporting the charities.”

Supporters of Bluebell Wood completed their three-day 35-mile circular sponsored walk during the afternoon. The team, who were raising money for the children’s hospice, had passed through 20 peak district villages stopping at every pub, cafe and tea room as they drummed up donations for the charity which provides care and support to children and young people in South Yorkshire and North Derbyshire with a shortened life expectancy.

Frances Milburn, community fundraiser at Brainstrust, which supports brain tumour patients and carers within South yorkshire and North derbyshire said: “We all had a superb time. The crowds were extremely supportive in all the charities. There was a great buzz around the event and we were able to spread the word of our charity and the services we offer.”

Wendy Watson, founder of the National Hereditary Breast cancer Helpline, said: “The public response this year was exceptional - possibly due to the glorious weather, showing off Thornbridge Hall at its very best.”

Emma Harrison, who champions small charities, said: “We would like to thank everyone for supporting this year’s event. It was an amazing success and we were happy to once again help raise the profile of the great work done by these superb organisations.”