Accrington fundraising ball in aid of hospices
9:30pm Monday 31st October 2011 in News
LEGACY Brenda Bottomley, right, and Denise Dott will be raising funds for two hospices in memory of their niece Catherine Kearney, who died of a brain tumour, aged 24, in 2005
A FUNDRAISING group set up by a young cancer victim is holding a charity ball to mark a double celebration this month.
The night at the Dunkenhalgh Hotel in Accrington has been organised by the family of Catherine Kearney, who died of a brain tumour aged 24, in 2005.
Close relatives of the ex-Haslingden High School pupil vowed to continue the work of her charity, Catherine's Crusaders, which she set up while she was fighting the cancer, and to date they have raised a staggering £70,000.
Now Catherine’s aunts Brenda Bottomley, 53 and Denise Dott, 51, who run Heads Above Hair and Beauty in Haslingden, and her mum Joan Kearney, will host an event on Saturday, November 19.
Raising money for East Lancashire Hospice and Rossendale Hospice, the evening will mark Catherine’s aunts’ 30th year in business and also what would have been Catherine’s 30th birthday.
Joan, 57, who used to live in Broadway but now lives in Spinning Avenue, Guide, said: “Catherine was only about six-weeks-old when I first took her up to see them when they opened their first salon.
“They held a ball to mark their 25th year when it was Catherine’s first anniversary on November 11, 2006 and that was a great night.
“This is such a good cause - Catherine spent her last three weeks of her life at East Lancashire Hospice. They were wonderful.”
The evening will feature a four-course meal, a performance by the acclaimed Swing Commanders band, an auction and a raffle.
Denise said: “I think we raised about £10,000 last time and we’re hoping we can match it or get more, but it’s difficult because times are hard and people are feeling the pinch.
“The night is to celebrate Catherine’s life as well as our 30 years in business.
“The hospices really need the money. I don’t think people realise how much their running costs are.”
It costs around £13,000 a day to operate Rossendale Hospice and East Lancashire Hospice needs to raise approximately £7,500 per day.
Tickets for the charity ball, priced £40, are available from Heads Above, in Deardengate, Haslingden, or by calling Joan on 01254 689931.
