More than £6,600 has been presented to Peasedown cancer mum Becci McCafferty at a special presentation evening at the Waggon and Horses Inn.
The event on Saturday night was the accumulation of several months of fundraising and charity events to raise enough for her and her family to go on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Disneyworld Florida.
Karen Walker, a close family friend and Vice-Chairman of the parish council, has led the fundraising efforts. Earlier this year she set up the Fund for Peasedown, a new initiative to support Becci and other residents diagnosed with terminal illnesses.
She said: “Our local community has really come together to support Becci and her family. Thanks to the generosity and support of so many people we were able to present this money, with more set to come in over the coming weeks.
“I can’t thank all those that have raised funds, hosted quiz nights, taken part in charity walks and donated money enough.”
Ever since Becci was told the devastating news at the end of last year, local people have showed overwhelming support for the 30-year old mum and her family, and a whole host of fundraising events have been held across the area – including a massive 20 mile walk from Peasedown St John to Cheddar two weeks ago, which saw almost 50 people taking part.
Despite being diagnosed with terminal bowel cancer Becci remains positive. No stranger to a challenge, she is well known around the community for campaigning against unwanted housing developments, helping to organise Party in the Park, and has spent many mornings leading community clean-up events.
Last Saturday’s presentation evening was compered by village councillor Nathan Hartley, with help from Andy Larcombe from Barclays PLC.
Nathan said: “We are grateful to all the organisations and individuals to have enabled us raise this figure. With more money set to come in, we won’t know for certain yet whether we have raised enough for the dream holiday.
“Whatever happens, we know we will have made a big difference and helped the McCafferty family create lasting memories for the future.”
On the evening a number of organisations were thanked for their help and support. These included:
- Barclays PLC
- Emergency Response GTP
- Somer Valley FM
- BMT Defence Services
- Peasedown Residents’ Association
- Red Post Inn
- Prince of Wales Inn
- Waggon & Horses Inn
- Faulkland Inn
- Arleen Coach Hire
- Radstock Journal
- Somerset Guardian
- Bath Chronicle
- NOW Bath
- Waldegrave Arms, Chewton Mendip
- Tesco
- Somerset County Council
- Bath & North East Somerset Events Team
- Peasedown Youth & Children’s Centre
- Peasedown Party in the Park
- Avon and Somerset Police
- Running High
- The BBC
- The Cottage Beauty Salon, Holcombe
- Channel 5, Midsomer Norton
For more details about the Fund for Peasedown contact Karen Walker on 07968 401447 or email [email protected].
