Fun weekend in March provides big boost for armed forces charity

Families helped raise more than £1,000 for Scotty’s Little Soldiers when they enjoyed three days of fun at March Conservative Club.

The club put on a host of entertainment for all ages to enjoy when it held a family fun weekend in aid of the charity, which supports the children of men and women who are killed whilst serving in the armed forces.

The fun kicked off last Friday evening, August 14, when Doddington man Vern Harley, who is holding a 24-hour charity Status Quo tribute in October, provided a free disco.

Saturday night was a fun casino night, and on Sunday there was a family fun day.

There were a variety of games for the children, a barbecue, cake stall, raffle and tombola, as well as a chance to have a go at a game of bowls.

Tarnia Cornelius, of Mrs T’s Bouncy Castles, also provided a free bouncy castle on the Friday and Sunday.

Conservative club chairman Stephen Bradshaw said the event was organised by his wife, the club’s social chairman Diane Bradshaw, with a team of committee members and helpers.

He said: “It was a great success. We’re so pleased with how it went and how much money was raised, and can’t thank everyone who supported us enough.”

The fundraising totalled around £1,000, including £400 raised by Mr Bradshaw and club member Ian Flagg through a sponsored slim.

They lost several pounds in weight between them in just four months, with Mr Flagg shedding around four stone.

During the fun day, Kath Dudley, from March charity shop The Open Chest, also presented Scotty’s Little Soldiers with a £1,000 donation.

Mr Bradshaw said the committee wanted to support Scotty’s Little Soldiers as it was founded locally by Fenland army widow Nikki Scott.

She launched the charity in memory of her husband, Corporal Lee Scott, who was killed in Afghanistan in July 2009, leaving behind her and their two young children.