[T]here was no mystery to the success of Rosemere Cancer Foundation’s first ever Gatsby-themed murder mystery cruise on Lake Windermere.
The venture, a first also for Windermere Lake Cruises and the After Dark Murder Mystery Theatre Company, raised £1,500 for the charity’s 20 Years Anniversary Appeal and by popular demand, looks to set sail again next year to possibly become an annual event.
With the support of Windermere Lake Cruises and Helen Barlow, of Baycliffe’s Premier Outside Catering Company, who prepared the sumptuous two-course “Sailor’s Feast” that guests enjoyed, more money from tickets sales was able to go into the coffers. This was then further boosted by an on board raffle.
A delighted Tammy Hoskins, Rosemere Cancer Foundation’s South Cumbria area fundraising co-ordinator, said: “We were all a little nervous beforehand as the murder mystery cruise was something new to everyone but the amount it raised and the feedback from guests has been fantastic.
“The actors acting out the whodunit were so professional and so clever that very few people were able to guess the murderer and the food and boat were great. Some guests came in 1920s costumes and although most were local, there were also some holidaymakers too. I have had people saying they would love to come on it again next year and bring friends so we’re definitely looking to repeat it and hopefully, it will become an annual event.”
Rosemere Cancer Foundation’s 20 Years Anniversary Appeal is funding a trio of ground-breaking projects at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust’s Rosemere Cancer Centre at the Royal Preston Hospital. It is South Cumbria and Lancashire’s local specialist cancer treatment centre, providing all local radiotherapy among other specialist care, and this year, it is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its opening.
Further information on the appeal, how to donate, the cancer centre and Rosemere Cancer Foundation, whose work also extends to another eight
hospitals in South Cumbria and Lancashire where cancer patients are treated, including Westmorland and Furness General Hospitals and Lancaster Royal Infirmary, visit www.rosemere.org.uk
