Dorset fundraisers: Bingo organisers boost kidney fund with £625 cheque (From Thisisdorset)

Dorset fundraisers: Bingo organisers boost kidney fund with £625 cheque

5:30pm Tuesday 14th August 2012 in Latest By James Tourgout

BINGO organisers had another number to announce – 625 – for the amount in pounds raised in memory of the late Brian Richards.

Brian’s daughter Hazel Richards, friends and family held a Rumble in the Jumble sale followed by a bingo in aid of the Dorset Kidney Fund.

Former scrap metal merchant Brian died in January aged 71 after spending nine years on dialysis.

Hazel and supporters handed over the £625.80 proceeds from the fundraiser to kidney fund chairman Stephanie Vincent as well as committee members Alan and Diana Crowder.

Hazel said: “It was an amazing day.

“We all pulled together. We did make quite a good sum. I would have loved it to be more but I am sure that dad is very proud of everyone that helped “We managed to raise £625.80 but hope to match it or beat it at the bingo I am going to be holding on November 3 at the same place.”

She added: “Thank you to everyone that did support us and please come again as one day it may be a loved one of yours that may need the kidney fund’s help or maybe even you.”

Brian’s daughter Hazel, his widow Alison and grandson were among those up early for the fundraiser in June to set the ball rolling.

But Hazel said that the day would not have happened if she did not have the help and support from a couple of other family members and her friends.

She hailed them as totally amazing.

“I would like to express my thanks to them all.

“They are Pat Travers, Dawn, Ricky and Rachael Carter, Jenny Way, Kevin Turner and their daughter Kelly Turner, Brian Burton and Janet Bagg from Salway Ash.

“There are a few others and they know who they are.”

She added that Sally Burwood was absolutely brilliant as the caller on the night.

Hazel also paid tribute to her family members, son Brenton, daughter Marita, son-in-law Dan Sweet and sister Wendy Warr and niece Heidi Warr.

Hazel said that businesses were great with vouchers and donations for prizes – including those who did not know her father and others who got in touch on their own initiative.

They included Dawn Newberry from Pete’s Pantry, Olds at Portesham and Graham and Pauline Davies of Long’s fish and chips.

Four members of the kidney fund committee helped at the fundraiser. They were Diana and Alan Crowder, and Sue Bithell and her son Paul.

Hazel said that she had dealt with Diana and Alan throughout the preparations and they were a great support.

She added: “Sue and Paul are a very special mother and son.

“They underwent plasma exchange so that Sue could become a suitable donor for her son after he had been waiting on the national register for 25 years.”