A STAGGERING target of £20,000 looks set to be smashed by the Saddleworth Ladies Lifeboat Guild as their successful fundraising continues.
The Guild missed out on the ambitious total last year by just £800 – spurring them on to go all the way in 2015.
They have banked just over £13,000 this year already from an array of events, including their popular annual Cream Tea at the Civic Hall, garden events and coffee mornings.
And treasurer David Haines is confident they will top their target, particularly with sponsorship money still flooding in from the Cross Morecambe Bay Walk.
David said: “We should raise well over last year’s figure of £6,143 for the walk.
“The £20,000 seems within easy reach with the Luncheon and other events coming up and so far I have not included any money from the sale of souvenirs.”
This year’s walk saw Queen’s Guide Cedric Robinson MBE lead more than 350 RNLI supporters across the infamous sands at Morecambe Bay to raise funds to support saving lives at sea.
The nine-mile walk is organised by volunteer Helen Francis in memory of her dad who enjoyed the walk for so many years.
Helen also works closely with RNLI Community Fundraising Manager Sophie Wood and the Saddleworth Ladies Guild, where her mum was a devoted member for many years.
Helen said: “The walk is beautiful and uplifting. You are out there in the open sands with the knowledge that in a few hours the tides will be in.
“You are completely in God’s hands but with the knowledge that we are safe with Cedric and his guides!”
Community Fundraising Manager Sophie Wood added: “This really is my highlight of the events calendar. You wade through water up to your thighs and go barefoot across the sands.
“In 2015 we had lots of different people walking from all over the UK and even a guest from America! It is an essential ‘bucket list event’.”
Next, the Guild will hold their Annual Lunch at the White Hart, Lydgate, on Sunday September 27, arrival 1pm for 1.30pm with a guest speaker from the RNLI’s Flood Rescue team.
There will then be coffee mornings at Uppermill Methodist on Wednesday October 28 from 10am to 12noon then at Delph Methodist on Saturday November 14 from 10am to 12noon.
Both events will be well stocked with home-bake produce and Souvenirs stalls, including Christmas cards, calendars and diaries.
The final event of 2015 is the very popular Quiz Night at Greenfield Conservative Club on Friday, 20th November at 8pm. Admission £3 per head, pay on the door, teams of up to 6.
Tickets for the Annual Lunch cost £30 for a four-course lunch and include a welcoming drink. For more details or to purchase tickets, please contact chairman Joan Halkyard by calling 01457 875375 or emailing j.halkyard113@icloud.com
