Panto fundraisers smash £5k target for hospice

This latest season was the third year that Bluebell Wood was adopted as the pantomime charity. As January came to an end and money was collected and counted, it became clear that another superb amount was going to the hospice.

Nicola Walters, of the Palace Theatre, was again promoting a busy panto programme and invited Bluebell Wood Mansfield Support Group to collect at the event.

Bluebell Wood Mansfield Support Group Trevor and Christine Hippsley, who coordinated the collection, said they looked forward to the palace collection every year.

They became members of the group after their grandchild was supported at Bluebell Wood and feel the panto started off their festive season in just the right way, contributing to a cause so close to their hearts.

Christine said: “Bluebell Wood is such a wonderful cause and it’s a privilege to do our bit in supporting the fantastic things they do.”

Russell Hall, fundraiser at Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, said: “We provide specialist care and support for more than 250 children and their families, both in our hospice and in the community.

“We’re extremely lucky to have so much support from the Palace and the good people of Mansfield. The funds they send to our hospice each year are vital to ensure we can carry on supporting children and families.”