Bluebell Wood has the soul — and raises money in the process

Events held all over the region under the East Coast Soul Collective have been supporting the North Anston children’s hospice.

Soul organiser Rob Wigley got to know the charity through club night regulars June and Tony Salthouse.

June is the manager at Bluebell Wood’s Rotherham shop and Tony is a van driver for the charity.

Rob said: “When they told me about Bluebell Wood, I realised it was a really worthwhile cause. 

“Last year we told our clubs that any running a fundraising event could have a spot at our annual Bridlington Soul Weekender and 14 clubs jumped at the chance.

“Our tenth anniversary was on the horizon and we had set ourselves the challenge of raising £20,000, but we reached that four weeks early, so we stretched the target and reached £25,000.

“This year we wanted to get to £30,000 and we’re already at £31,300.”

Donations had come from across the country, Rob added, with a DJ in Norwich passing on his fee and plenty of cash being raised at 60th birthday parties.

He said: “I’ve visited Bluebell Wood many times to hand over the funds raised and have seen first hand just how well the money is spent and the amazing support they give to families experiencing the toughest of times.”

Bluebell Wood community fundraiser Melanie Rose said: “East Coast Soul Collective’s fundraising makes all the difference to our families. 

“We’re really grateful to Rob and all the members for giving so much time and energy to Bluebell Wood over the last eight years.”