Bling Fling raises over £30,000 for Forget Me Not children’s hospice

A Queen’s Platinum Jubilee themed fundraising event organised by a group of local businesswomen has raised more than £33,000 for Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice in Huddersfield.

The annual Bling Fling, which to date has raised over £70,000, returned to The Arches at Dean Clough in Halifax following a two-year absence due to the pandemic.

Alex Beardsley, Bling Fling committee member said: “After two years away, the Bling Fling came back with a bang. The day was a roaring success, with the platinum jubilee theme to celebrate the Queen’s upcoming milestone making it even more special.

“The atmosphere was buzzing, and there were some real acts of generosity with people keen to raise vital funds for Forget Me Not.”

This year’s event featured a diamond pendant in 18ct rose and white gold designed and donated by Franklyns Jewellers who are long-term supporters of the Bling Fling. For the last three events, Franklyns Jewellers has also designed and donated a pair of specially commissioned Amethyst Forget Me Not Earrings as a prize, of which there are only three in the world.

Ms Beardsley said: “The lady who secured the special commission Amethyst Forget Me Not earrings designed and donated by Franklyn Jewellers in the auction bid £1,500 for them and then chose to gift them to the guest speaker – the mum of one of the children using the hospice – and the lady who won the diamond necklace in the balloon pop donated it back to the event for it to be auctioned.”

Ms Beardsley added: “Our committee is formed of some of the most dedicated and tenacious businesswomen who really want to make a difference, including our committee head, Vicki Davenport, former owner of The Pink Link, who has raised thousands of pounds for charity over the years.

Vicki said: “The Bling Fling is only made possible by the local businesses - from restaurants and florists to retailers and photographers - that come together to make the day a success.

“The donations and level of support we receive year after year shows just how much importance our business community places on supporting local charities and, even after the pandemic, the number of donations we’ve received for prizes is outstanding.

“We all came together to bring the Bling Fling back with a bang, and the result is an amazing £33,056.25 plus £506.25 gift aid raised towards continuing the vital work of Forget Me Not.”

Forget Me Not hospice supports families whose children have life-shortening illnesses. It must raise £4million every year to continue to care for the more than 500 families in its care.

Luen Thompson, CEO at Forget Me Not, said: “It is only with the support of fundraising events like these that we can continue to be here to help local children and families live the best lives they can. Thank you so much to everyone involved in organising this event for all your hard work and continuing commitment to raise vital funds for our charity.”