The Helen Straker Charity has announced it raised £80,000 during 2018 in aid of two local charities, The Forever Friends Appeal and Dorothy House Hospice Care.
Both charities received £40,000 each at a cheque presentation held at The Bear Hotel in Devizes and were the two favourite charities of Helen Straker, late wife of Gordon Straker, who died in 2013 and was an active fundraiser throughout her life.
This year’s fundraising total by the Helen Straker Charity was raised across the year at a number of events including the Helen Straker Charity Ball held at the Apex Hotel in Bath and their annual golf day at Castle Combe.
The compere for the Ball on 27th October was former rugby player Matt Powell and the auctioneer on the night was TV host, Jonny Gould who is known for getting the audience to dig deep.
A proactive fundraiser for both Dorothy House Hospice Care and the new Cancer Centre to be built at the Royal United Hospitals (RUH) Bath, Helen Straker sadly lost her brave fight against cancer in 2013.
Her husband, Gordon Straker, continued Helen’s impressive fundraising efforts and The Helen Straker Charity was officially registered in 2014.
The charity now organises a variety of fundraising events each year including golf days, clay pigeon shoots, dinners, balls and comedy nights.
Gordon Straker, Trustee of the Helen Straker Charity said: “My thanks to all the companies, individuals and sponsors who supported the charity this year.
“Well done to all involved it’s a great achievement. We are proud to have raised £80,000 in funds for Helen’s two chosen charities this year as her aim in life was to help others and it is very satisfying to be able to continue her legacy as she would have wished.”
Henrietta Beard, Corporate Fundraiser at Dorothy House Hospice Care added: “Many congratulations to the charity for raising such significant funds once again in 2018, it is greatly appreciated and will help Dorothy House continue to provide specialist care for people living with a life-limiting illness.
“We are extremely grateful to Gordon Straker and the charity trustees for all their hard work and fundraising efforts.
“Dorothy House cared for Helen during her battle with cancer and we’re proud to remain a beneficiary of the Helen Straker Charity.”
Jan Witt, In Memory & Legacy Officer, The Forever Friends Appeal said: “On behalf of the Appeal, I personally would like to thank the Trustees of the Helen Straker charity for their continued support, commitment and raising funds for the RUH’s pioneering new Cancer Centre which will provide a highly beneficial healing environment, transforming care for patients and their families.
“In recognition for their superb fundraising efforts, the Helen Straker Charity are now Principal Family Partners of The Forever Friends Appeal, meaning they will have a naming opportunity for one of the specialist areas or departments within the new Cancer Centre.”