On New Year's Eve I decided that I would mark my milestone 50^th Birthday year in a positive way by ensuring that I share it with family and friends while raising money for a good cause.

Many of you will know that I feel passionately about charity work and even more especially so of children’s charity work. I have been privileged to work for a national charity and during that time, I realised that there is a real need for ongoing support for numerous groups of people within the UK, as well as many worthy causes abroad.

I am also privileged to be a Trustee of Hope House Children’s Hospice. Hope House support people up to the age of 25 years old with life shortening illnesses. Remarkably they also support families and siblings, offer bereavement counselling and outreach work. 80% of their income comes from fundraising. 

More recently as part of my legal career I have learned just how delicate life can be and how quickly our circumstances change.

Finally, as with the rest of you, sadly I have lost family, friends and colleagues over the years, again making me realise how lucky we all are to have the lives we lead.

So let’s help…..

The plan is to share my birthday, embrace an evening of entertainment and simply enjoy our busy lives while giving to Hope House.

The Lion Hotel have generously given us the Ball Room free of charge, Paul and Sean are performing at a greatly reduced fee. I am paying for the food on the night and I am in the process of ‘obtaining’ a few auction prizes. Therefore, we already have a great start as our overheads are minimal.

Between us, let’s make this work - please make a donation. 

May I suggest a minimum donation is made of £7 per person to join me for an evening of canapés, desserts and entertainment. There will also be an Auction at the event where we hope to raise further funds. 

If you are unable to join us and would like to make a donation anyway please be assured it will be going to a very good cause.

Thank you.

Love Claire x