Five friends on a mission to help patients at East Cheshire Hospice have raised a staggering £500,000.
The What Women Want group reached the magical milestone at a bingo night at Tytherington High School.
Ladies lunches, fashion shows and glitzy balls have been other highlights over 15 years of almost non-stop fundraising.
Throughout that time Julie Barnes, Jo Millward, Jill Harding, Elaine Burgess and Jayne Carter have remained firm friends.
Hospice Chief Executive Karyn Johnston (centre) receives a cheque for £500,000 from the What Women Want group. From left, Julie Barnes, Jill Harding, Hospice Clinical Director of Quality and Innovation Sarah Dale BEM, Elaine Burgess, Jayne Carter and Jo Millward.
Jayne, the group’s chair, said: “We’ve always tried to put the fun in fundraising and have always had the Hospice in mind.
“We all care passionately about the Hospice and have all been touched by it in some way.
“We’ve had some great speakers at our events. We had an amazing lady who lost her sister at the Hospice. She was incredible.
“We always try to promote the Hospice in the community and always try to have fabulous prizes to raise funds.”
The women realise that without community help they would not have generated such a big amount.
Jayne said: “We’re incredibly grateful to our sponsors. They’re local businesses who year after year have supported us.
The What Women want group. From left, Jill Harding, Elaine Burgess, Julie Barnes, Jo Millward and Jayne Carter.
“We also want to thank the people who come along to support us.”
Funds have bought three cars for nursing staff to visit Hospice @Home patients and a retail van for the shops.
Their generosity has also enabled the Hospice to buy reclining chairs, bed hoists and laundry items.
A patient lounge was furnished and a contribution made for the refurbishment of the Sunflower Living Well Centre.
The group’s efforts were recognised with a Mayoral lifetime achievement award two years ago.
There is no sign of the women slowing down.
Jayne said: “The enthusiasm is still there. You see how the Hospice touches you and think why would we stop doing this?
“Without fundraisers, the Hospice wouldn’t be able to give the care. It’s just a very special place.
“It’s great that we do it, but that’s because the Hospice is such a special place.
“People donate because it’s the Hospice and we get a following because it’s the Hospice.”
More than 300 supporters bought tickets for last month’s bingo night before it was advertised.
The £20 ticket income took the total past £500,000 even before any fundraising on the night.
The evening raised £12,000 while a separate raffle for a Rolex watch raised £2,183.