Inspirational families raise thousands for EACH at Holkham gala dinner
Organisers Nick Loades and Kyra Welch, right, with Tina Burdett from EACH. Picture: DISS EVENT PHOTOGRAPHY. - Credit: Archant
Two inspirational families have thanked the community for their “incredible” support after raising thousands of pounds for a children’s hospice charity at a gala dinner.
Kyra Welch and her son Kaiden Griffin at the gala dinner at the Holkham Estate. Picture: DISS EVENT PHOTOGRAPHY. - Credit: Archant
The event at the Holkham Estate, near Wells, on Saturday raised more than £6,000 for the East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).
It was organised by Nick Loades, from Colkirk, near Fakenham, whose daughter, Ellie, died after a brave battle with cystic fibrosis, in 2013, aged 16, and Kyra Welch, from North Creake, near Fakenham, who now lives in Holt, whose son Kaiden, five, has a terminal illness.
A total 170 people attended and it is estimated that around £6,100 has been raised to help support EACH’s ongoing services.
Both families say EACH has provided invaluable support for them in difficult times.
Nick Loades with wife Elaine at the front and other family members at the gala dinner at the Holkham Estate. Picture: DISS EVENT PHOTOGRAPHY. - Credit: Archant
Mr Loades, 50, said: “Ellie and Kyra were good friends and Ellie would be delighted to see all of this good work being done in her honour. It’s just sad she couldn’t be here to see it.
“It was absolutely amazing. The support we’ve had from the community has been incredible and Holkham have been amazing.
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“I’m glad that Ellie and Kaiden have been able to inspire people in this way.
“Their stories are well known and really mean a lot to people.”
Miss Welch, 23, said it was the biggest fund-raising event she has been involved in.
She said: “I’ve never done anything like this and I was really nervous at the start of the night.
“I just thought it wasn’t going to work out, but it was a massive success and we’re so grateful to everyone who supported us.
“I’ve had ambitions to do this for a long time and it’s taken a whole year of planning to make it happen.
“I can’t thank everyone enough for their support.”
Mr Loades and Miss Welch have already started making plans to hold another fund-raising gala dinner at the Holkham Estate next year.
Mr Loades said: “People has such a good time, the dance floor was full all night, it was so great to see everyone enjoying themselves, so we’ve decided to do it again next year.”
Mr Loades is appealing for businesses to come forward to sponsor next year’s event.
For more information, call 07889 157895.
