Bath Widows’ Club raise £650 for Dorothy House

A Bath-based group of women have raised £650 for Dorothy House after holding a Christmas carol service and raffle in their local pub.

Pictured: Gwenda Bryce, Jane Brown, Penny Iles, June Overment, Pauline Lewis, Jill Bright, Libby Grimes, Angie Bell, Penny Ashton, Sandra Wheeler, Brenda Coombes, Diane Starke, Ali Taylor, Annie Mortimer, Linda Knowles, Lesley Bees.

The ladies, who refer to themselves as the Widows’ Club, hosted their fundraiser in their local pub, The Bladud’s Head, based in Larkhall, Bath. They performed a series of traditional Christmas carols and were supported by the pub regulars, who generously donated and bought raffle tickets.

“It’s a community thing”

Club Chairperson, Brenda Combes, told us that their initial plan was to do the rounds of a few nearby pubs, but the cold weather meant that they stayed in the Bladud’s Head to serenade the locals! Wanting to support a local charity was one of the reasons why the Widows’ Club chose to fundraise for Dorothy House, but they also had other connections to the Hospice, some having family members who had been cared for by us.

“I have two sisters in law who have received care from Dorothy House. One was twenty years ago, Gina, and my sister-in-law Sandra, which was about fifteen months ago. The value of the work they do with people at the end of their lives – it’s a community thing with a local charity, and many of us may use it at some time or another.” – Brenda

Not only that, but group member Jane Brown’s son, Gary, is a Business Partner in our HR team, bringing their connection to Dorothy House even closer.

“We had a really great time, everybody was really happy to donate, and we’d like to thank everybody who bought raffle tickets, as well as the girls of the group who took part.” – Brenda

The pub is looking to support Dorothy House more over the coming year too, already via collection tin in the bar, and they’re planning a potential 80s night to raise funds too. Meanwhile, the Widows’ Club are in talks for another fundraiser for the Hospice at Easter.

Stand with Dorothy House

Hosting your own fundraiser like the Widows’ Club is one of the many ways in which you can stand with Dorothy House in the face of adversity. At a time when hospices across the UK are facing unprecedented financial challenges, we’re relying on the support of our community now more than ever.

Through our Together in Adversity campaign, we’re appealing to anyone who might one day need our services to support the Hospice in any way they can. Whether it’s attending one of our fundraising events, shopping in one of our 27 charity shops, leaving a gift in your will, or simply by donating, you can help us protect our vital core services now and into the future. You can also download and display our poster in your window at home, work or in your car to show that you are standing together in support of Dorothy House.