Family plan sixth event for hospice

A family are holding their sixth fundraising event in support of Beaumond House Community Hospice, Newark.

The events are in memory of Mrs Ida Pannell, of Newark, who devoted her life to her family — she and her husband, John, had four sons and four daughters, 17 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren with two more on the way.

Mrs Pannell died in 2012, aged 78, from cancer, which was diagnosed about seven years before.

Her son, Clint Pannell, said when she was ill the family received great support from Beaumond House’s Hospice At Home service, which meant she was able to stay at home for much of her illness.

As a result, when she died her family decided to say thank you for the help with a fundraising event at St Giles’ Community Hall, Balderton, which raised about £1,000.

“We only had two months to plan it so we were really pleased with how much we raised,” said her granddaughter Sadie Brett-Hansen.

Since then the family has tried to organise a similar event each year — with a bouncy castle, bingo, tombola, raffle and music — and so far has raised about £6,000.

This year the family-orientated event will be at The Rutland Arms, Newark, on April 1 from noon.

It will feature the usual attractions with events for children and adults, live music and will end with a disco.

The family will be on a stall in Newark Market Place the day before dressed as superheroes to promote the event and sell raffle tickets.

“It is a day for everyone,” Sadie said.

“I think most people know someone who has been helped by the hospice.”

Clint said local businesses had been generous with raffle prizes — including an Eden Hall spa day, and vouchers from Masdings, the Greek Steak House, the Mint Leaf and Super Bowl — but they were looking for more.

Anyone able to help can contact him at c_pannell77@hotmail.com