Tommys In Yorkshire

Tommy’ in Yorkshire ‘A bit of a do’

• The Yorkshire branch hosted their annual fundraiser ‘ A bit of Do’, at David Lloyds Leisure Centre in Leeds, on September 22nd. The evening comprised of a buffet supper, celebrity memorabilia auction, balloon raffle, games and dancing.

• The event was attended by 90 guests and deemed a huge success, raising a massive £2250 for the charity. This took the total raised by the branch to an excess of £31,000.

Sharon Underwood branch chair told guests during her welcome speech…

‘Tommy's exists to save babies' lives through funding research, and providing information on the causes and prevention of miscarriage, premature birth and stillbirth. By 2030 we want to halve the number of babies who die during pregnancy or birth.

The Yorkshire branch is a small group of committed and like minded women, who despite our own personal tragedies, are passionate about raising funds to support the research, to provide answers and support Tommy’s vision.

Despite family and work commitments we have been an active bunch this year – we have raised funds by hosting pamper evenings and raffles, as well as being invited to local companies and groups who have been fundraising for us.

‘Much of our success is attributed to you our supporters; however these events would not take place without the wonderful team of enthusiastic ladies, their husbands & families, who all work hard behind the scenes.

So I would like to say a big thank you to Elaine, Jayne, Wendy, Diane, and Claire, who along with myself, have strived to make this evening a success.

Thanks also to one of our newest members, Zoe Howarth from Mr Louis Balloon Decorator, providing the decorations and balloons for this evening, which were kindly donated in memory of her precious daughter, Tallulah.

As a Tommy’s fundraising group we the most northerly fundraising branch and also the longest running branch. We also have a reputation for our events, enthusiasm and for offering a ‘real Yorkshire welcome’. Something we hope you will enjoy this evening’.’’

Sadly, Samina Sheik, Tommys Community Fudraising Manager from Tommy’s HQ in London, was unable to attend the evening. However, she sent a message of support to the Yorkshire Branch…

‘’Some of you I’m sure have been longstanding supporters of the girls here who work so very hard to raise vital funds for our work into pregnancy related problems and who have been doing so for 11 years! As Sharon mentioned earlier, they have raised nearly £30K – a staggering amount – and with your support I’m sure we will raise even more tonight.

All that it remains for me to say is a heartfelt thanks to Sharon, Elaine, Jayne, Wendy, Diane and Claire for staging this wonderful night and donating the proceeds to Tommy’s and of course to you all for making tonight the success I know it will be.’’