Derbyshire Clay Pigeon Shoot raises thousands for charity
Bluebell Wood cares for babies, children and young people from across South Yorkshire, North Nottinghamshire, North Derbyshire and parts of North Lincolnshire whose lives are sadly just too short
Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice is set to benefit from a generous donation following the Derbyshire Clay Pigeon Shoot at Chatsworth House.
A remarkable £300,000 was raised at the event, organised by Sally Eustace, and will now be shared between five charities, including Bluebell Wood.
Kelly Dungworth, from Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice said: “We are so pleased to have been nominated as one of the charities to receive funds from this wonderful event.
“One of the reasons we were nominated was due to a connection between a committee member and a family who used Bluebell Wood’s services when their daughter needed our support.
“The family were able to share their story and experiences, and that inspired our inclusion in the fundraising efforts.”
Nicola Spencer said: “Being on the committee for the Clay Pigeon Shoot is a huge responsibility, as we know we can make a real difference to local charities. We carefully consider who to support and aim to choose organisations with a meaningful connection to the room on the day.
“I wanted to nominate the children’s hospice to honour Astrid. I’ve known Amelia and Charles, Astrid’s parents, for some time. When we heard about their experience at Bluebell Wood, we wanted to do what we could to raise funds for the charity.”
Beautiful Astrid was described as “simply perfect” when she joined her mum, dad and two sisters, who had been excitedly awaiting her arrival.
Tragically, just two days after she was born, Astrid was diagnosed with a complex heart defect known as Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, meaning she had only half a functioning heart.
The family moved from hospital to the more homely surroundings of Bluebell Wood, where they stayed for the remainder of Astrid’s 21 days.
Nicola added: “We cannot begin to understand what the family went through, but we hope that our support will help other families who need the specialist care and compassion that Bluebell Wood offers.”
Bluebell Wood opened in 2008 and cares for babies, children and young people from across South Yorkshire, North Nottinghamshire, North Derbyshire and parts of North Lincolnshire whose lives are sadly just too short. Support is provided both in family homes and at the hospice, and all services are completely free to referred families.