Black tie ball at Orchardleigh in aid of We Hear You

Three supporters of local cancer counselling charity, We Hear You, held a black tie ball at Orchardleigh Estate on Saturday 16th February.

The event started with a drinks reception in the beautiful surroundings of the walled garden at Orchardleigh, followed by a three-course candlelit dinner in the Orangery, live music by local band The Hammervilles and dancing with a DJ till late.

Organisers Hannah Culff, Nicole Poa and Ruth Squires organised the event as a kind of ‘sponsorship with a difference’ ahead of taking on a trekking challenge across the Sahara, with all sponsorship proceeds going to We Hear You. 

Hannah says “Thanks so much to the many individuals and businesses who made this such a special event – we were overwhelmed by people’s generosity with food, drink and prizes for our raffle and auction. Tickets for the ball sold out almost as soon as they went on sale, so we’ve known for some time that we’d be busy on the night, but the extent to which everyone who came got involved with the raffle, auction and fun casino was amazing. The next step is trekking across the Sahara!”

Fundraising and communications manager, Gemma Wilkes says, “Huge thanks to Hannah, Nicole and Ruth, who pulled out all the stops and organised an amazing event on Saturday. We’re so grateful for your support and wish you all the best for the Sahara trek.”

To sponsor the team for their Sahara trek, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/nicole-poa2. To find out more about We Hear You’s free professional counselling service for children, young people and adults affected by cancer or a life-threatening condition, visit www.wehearyou .org.uk.

Above:  left to right, Nicole Poa, Ruth Squires, and Hannah Culff.