An astounding show of support for a Tunbridge Wells-based charity means nearly £10,000 has been raised for ill and disabled children through a single event.
More teams chose to raise money for Tree of Hope than for any other charity at the Dragon Boat Festival at Bewl Water, near Lamberhurst. The specialist children’s charity had six teams paddling on their behalf, including M&S, local businesses Southpaw and Infinity, friends of Tree of Hope staff and two families who are being supported by the organisation.
Fundraising manager, Emma Bourne, says they had so many people involved that there was, in effect, a Tree of Hope village at the event.
“It was absolutely amazing. Each of our teams set up eye-catching stalls with a raffle, fabulous cakes and face-painting. In fact, the M&S team won the £100 prize for best stand and donated that money to Tree of Hope as well.
“The four teams being sponsored directly for Tree of Hope raised almost £7,000 between them and the two families were sponsored for their own campaigns.”
