Charity Focus
Live Ribble Valley takes a look at ongoing fundraising projects that see thousands of pounds donated to good causes across the region
JUST THE TONIC
Brindle Distillery was proud to be able to play an active role in their village community recently when it raised money for Brindle St James’ Church and Primary School. Around £10,000 was raised from the sale of tickets for the event, a live promise auction, a silent auction and a raffle along with the proceeds from the distillery’s limited-edition Water Street Gin and donations from Fratellis Pizza. One of the evening’s highlights was the live auction and live music from local artists Steve Walton and Liz Long. The distillery team have thanked everyone who donated along with the church team led by Julia Dixon and the Rev Jon Price along with the school PTFA, fronted by Nicki McGrath.
TRACTOR RUN
At the end of 2023 Clitheroe Young Farmers hosted their fifth Charity Tractor Run, raising funds for the UK Sepsis Trust and Clitheroe YFC. It was their biggest and best fundraiser with 150 tractors, including a mobile DJ – Disco Jackers, taking part in the event which took them around the Ribble Valley. Hundreds of people watched the event, which saw Santa ditch his reindeers for a herd of tractors and drivers dressing festively. Numerous businesses sponsored competitions for the event, including best decorated tractor and best dressed spectator. So far the event has raised over £5,000, with links to justgiving which can be found on Clitheroe Young Farmers’ Facebook page. The run started from the outskirts of Clitheroe then made its way around local villages, through Clitheroe town centre, to Sabden via Whalley and finally lit up the nick of Pendle Hill, which could be seen for miles!
RIBBLE RIDE
The Ribble Valley Ride is back with a prestigious new sponsor for 2024 offering all participants the chance to win a Ribble bike worth £3,000. This year’s ride takes place in June, with various route options. The last event raised £4,000 for the Rosemere Cancer Foundation and other local charities and thanks to the support of major new sponsor Ribble Cycles, organisers Accrington and Clitheroe Rotary Clubs are hoping to significantly increase the total raised this year by scaling up the event.
This year’s ride has also received generous backing from a number of local sponsors, including Heidelberg Materials (formerly Hanson Cement) and Rufus Carr. The event, which is non-competitive, enables cyclists to shorten or lengthen their ride, should they wish to do so.
Thanks to Ribble’s generous support, entry fees remain unchanged from last year, starting at just £20 for the 25-mile route and the organisers are offering a discounted ‘family’ ticket to encourage active families to take part together.
Event founder Bill Honeywell, from Clitheroe Rotary Club said: “We are absolutely delighted to be working with Ribble Cycles to increase the profile of this year’s ride and attract cyclists from further afield to experience the delights of this beautiful corner of rural Lancashire.”
Entries will close on 6th June or whenever the 500 places have sold out.
ribblevalleyride.org
FASHION SHOW & LUNCH
A Charity Lunch is set to be held on Thursday 23rd May at Ferrari’s Country Hotel, Chipping Road, Thornley. There will be stalls from 11.30am, while lunch will be served at 12.30pm with a choice of menu on the day. Lunch will be followed by a fashion show presented by Barbara’s of Standish. Tickets for the event are £29 and prior booking is essential. All proceeds will go to Cancer Help, which incorporates Vine House and Croston House.
To find out more, or to book tickets call: 07801 267367 / 01995 640185.
If you have any charity news please contact: jan.woolley@live-magazines.co.uk
