People are being invited to put their pool skills to the test and take up their cues as part of an exclusive event to raise thousands for a Cumbrian hospice.
A pool tournament in aid of Eden Valley Hospice, in Carlisle, will be held on September 11 and will pit 30 players against each other in a knockout tournament.
The event will be hosted by hospice supporter Catherine Watson at her home in the Eden Valley, with play distributed across three outdoor pool tables and with food and fizz provided.
Catherine, an interior designer and marketing consultant, has worked on a number of projects with the hospice, most recently mentoring its digital marketing apprentice, Adam Chubb. She said she wanted to do something to help the charity, which marks its 30th anniversary in October.
The hospice provides care for adults with life-limiting illnesses both as in-patients and day patients from its home on Durdar Road.
Catherine said: “We all know what an essential service Eden Valley Hospice provides for the local community. I’ve worked with them on a number of projects over the years and I’ve always been left in admiration of the compassion and professionalism they show patients and their families.
“I was talking to my husband Jonathan about what we could do to support them in their 30th anniversary and the pool competition seemed a great option. There will be a pop-up pizza oven and we are getting in some champagne and, of course, hiring the best quality pool tables for the event.
“It will be a good opportunity to get together and have a bit of fun, but there will no doubt be a competitive edge as well. It promises to be a fantastic experience with only a limited number of tickets so anyone who is interested should get in touch as soon as they can.”
The event is being sponsored by Grafix Signs, a sign-writing and vehicle wrapping company based on Kingstown Industrial Estate, Carlisle, and all proceeds from tickets will go to Eden Valley Hospice.
There are 30 tickets on sale for £300 each with the potential to raise a total of £9,000. Tickets can be bought by emailing [email protected]
Stephanie Lacaille-Burton, head of income generation and marketing at the hospice, said: “It was wonderful to hear of Catherine’s fundraising idea and we’re so grateful for her support. The last year has been particularly challenging for our staff as they’ve adapted to the different ways of working during the coronavirus pandemic.
“At the same time, we’ve also faced reduced funding as our shops have been closed and lots of fundraising activity has been cancelled.
“We depend on donations and fundraising to keep providing the service and we are so grateful to anyone who can help. We are always keen to hear about more fundraising ideas people might have for our 30th anniversary year.”