A mother-of-one from York is hoping to boost the funds of
two local hospices by organising a craft fair at a city centre hotel.
The Park Inn by Radisson in North Street is letting Gemma
Clark use their Henley Suite free-of- charge on the day, to help her raise as
much money as possible for St Leonard’s Hospice and Martin’s House children’s
hospice in York
Gemma is a member of Tree of Mums, a local group set up
on Facebook to help bring parents and carers together, and offer support and
advice on all aspects of parenting.
Some mums from the group will be running stalls on the
day, and others will be bringing along their families to enjoy the activities
and help raise funds for the two hospices.
Gemma said she has met parents through the group who have
suffered tragedies, and been helped greatly by the two charities, and felt she
wanted to do something to help.
“I want my event to support adults and children alike,
which is why I chose the two hospices.
As a parent, you can’t imagine how difficult it must be to be in a
position where you need help from these hospices, but thankfully, these
selfless, caring people are there, and need our support to keep doing the
wonderful work they do.”
The event, which is being held on February 18th
2012, from 10am to 4.30pm, will include a number of stalls, offering a range of
items including handmade chocolates, soaps, cakes, gifts, baby products, Forever
Living products, Jamie Oliver at Home, books and handmade cards, plus a number
of activities to entertain the children, including face-painting and a clown.
Gemma will also be running a tombola, with some wonderful
gifts on offer, and is also hoping to arrange for a health visitor to be on
hand, to offer additional support and advice to parents and carers.
“We want the day to be a real family event, and to raise
as much as we can for the two charities,” she added.
Carol Ward, marketing manager at the Park Inn, said the
hotel was delighted to be able to help host such an event.
“We have outstanding conference and meeting facilities
here, and were only too pleased to let Gemma have one of our suites for her
event, which we have offered free of charge to ensure that all the money she
raises will be going to the hospices,” she said.