A HOSPICE in Guatemala run by a woman from Bury can now go ahead with plans to replace windows thanks to a fundraiser in Rossendale.

Former nurse Betsy Keating organised a meet the owls’ fundraiser at her home in Bridleway, Newchurch.

She raised £600 for St Mary’s HIV/Aids Hospice in Guatemala.

Betsy said: “It was a very successful event with more than 100 people attending including 35 children.”

“The main attraction was five gorgeous owls from The Owls Trust, positioned in the garden surrounded by attractive plants for sale. Everyone was so pleased to have a chance to hold an owl and learn more about the conservation work the trust does.

“As a therapist and a nurse I think the owls are very healing and the experience of holding the owls seems to change people.

“Some people appeared frightened at first however holding the owls seemed to take their fears away .One woman could not believe how calm she felt after holding an owl.”

A selection of old fashioned games such as blind man’s bluff and team games organised by Polly Ricards, a gymnastic teacher, proved very popular with the children.

A locally-made Thai green curry was enjoyed by the guests along with a cheese and egg pie and cakes.

Sister Dee Smith MBE, who was born in Bury, was called to Guatemala in 1993 to continue her ministry establishing HIV clinics across the country.

Betsy went out to visit her in 2013 when she spent a month at the hospice teaching the nurses massage and reflexology to ease patients’ pains and make their lives better.

Betsy is looking forward to presenting Sister Dee with the proceeds of the event when she returns to her home town in August.

She said: “The hospice’s windows have been broken allowing mosquitoes to get in and giving the patients and staff malaria. This fundraiser has given her campaign to replace the windows a good start.

“Sister Dee was thrilled that we were raising awareness of her project.”

Sister Dee said: “The fundraising is important, but more than anything is your work of raising the consciousness around mission and the solidarity of working together for the common good.

“My sister Viv was overwhelmed by the day and the hard work put into the event.”

Isaac Snape, 7, in his Harry Potter cape and Hogwarts tie, with an Indian collared scops owl from The Owls Trust.