Winston’s Wish, the charity for bereaved children, would like to thank everyone involved at the John Lucas Charity Weekend, which took place on the 12th of June 2016. The popular fundraiser benefited two charities; Winston’s Wish and the Great Western Air Ambulance.

This year’s fundraiser, which took place at Longdole Polo Club, raised £12,000 for each charity, with the much needed funds allowing Winston’s Wish to continue its support for bereaved children.

The John Lucas Charity Weekend included a number of events and activities to fundraise for both charities. As well as children and adults polo matches, live auction lots and silent action items raised important funds for the charities. A gentleman’s waxing auction raised £2,400 alone, with attendees nominating friends and colleagues to receive a wax for charity!

A beach party was held for children, with 180 attending and the popcorn machine proving popular! 200 people attended the sit-down auction lunch and a 100 people attending Sunday evening’s Beach Carnage event.

Zahra Lucas said:

“We are so pleased with the way the whole weekend went.  It was a huge team effort by all of Longdole and our various party committees.

I chose these charities because in our game The Air Ambulance is paramount and Winston’s Wish is a charity I have wanted to do support for a very long time.  I am very lucky at the age of 45 to have both parents, 5 brothers and sisters and 5 children of my own, but I do however have 2 god children who both lost their fathers aged 6. Winston’s Wish was amazing with my first god daughter Tilly and her family and for that I will be forever grateful.”

Elizabeth Thatcher, Community Fundraiser at Winston’s Wish, added:

“We are so overwhelmed with the incredible generosity of all that attended the event and donated money to Winston’s Wish. £12,000 was raised for us, which enables us to continue to support children who have been bereaved, and another £12,000 for the Great Western Air Ambulance, which is a great cause.”

Lucy French, a Fundraiser at Winston’s Wish who attended the event, said:

“It was fantastic to be a part of the day and I especially enjoyed witnessing the auction, which was great fun and raised a fantastic amount of money!”

Winston’s Wish helps children and young people rebuild their lives after the death of their mum, dad, brother or sister, enabling them to face the future with confidence and hope. Each year the charity reaches over 40,000 bereaved children and young people through an array of dedicated services.