The CKDCF would like to give an enormous thank-you to everyone who came to the 16th annual October Fundraising Weekend, as well as all of those who sponsored our fundraisers – you all helped to make this year’s event possibly the best one to date!
Photos courtesy of Mark Andrews and Robert Haile
This year, we celebrated 15th anniversary of the inception of the CKDCF, which was formed back in 2002.
Friday 20th October saw the beginning of the annual CKDCF fundraising weekend, with John Lynn’s memorabilia collection being displayed for supporters to look through.  Additionally, scrapbooks collated by Mark Andrews displayed photographs and local news reports on the CKDCF and its work over the last 15 years. With people from all over the world heading to the west coast of Cumbria, this was one of our greatest weekends yet.
As always, the Friday evening kicked off with a delicious hot buffet dinner and opening speech from our Founder and Chair of Trustees, Francis Dunnery, who thanked everyone involved in our work.  Soon after, guests heard from five guest speakers: Gill Wykes, from Cumbria Cerebral Palsy; Marie Scott and Darren Blanks, from the West Cumbria Society for the Blind; Suzanne Smith, from St Bridget’s Catholic Primary School in Egremont; and Rachel Holliday, from local homeless charity, Calderwood House.  Mrs Wykes was presented with a £3,000 cheque from the CKDCF to fund a support worker for children suffering from cerebral palsy. Guests were entertained by Eric and the Ogres, Buzz Elliott and took part in a drumming circle!
Our tenacious fundraisers woke up early on Saturday morning to make the journey to the annual ‘Joy in the Rain’ Sponsored Walk around Loweswater.  Everyone successfully made the 6km walk around the lake, with some even having a go on the rope-swing on the shore.  Although the rain largely stayed away, walkers were challenged by the high winds brought by Storm Brian – with some ending the walk muddier than others!  Luckily, Calderwood House were on hand to reward walkers with tea, coffee and snacks.
In the afternoon, CKDCF supporter Mark Wardle held his annual CKDCF pub quiz at the Seacote Hotel, followed by two rounds of ‘sticky 13’.  Mark’s fundraising efforts were a great success, raising over £140 for the charity, and we look forward to a similar event next year!
That evening, Francis Dunnery took to the stage of Egremont Market Hall with a number of special guests, including Quint Starkie, Danny Dunnery and Dorie Jackson.  Francis played songs from his Man album.  A great night was had by all – both local and international fundraisers.  A silent auction (including items generously donated by Dick Nolan and Buzz Elliott), raffle and the sale of other items on Saturday evening raised almost £1,000.
We look forward to seeing all of this year’s fundraisers, and new fundraisers, at next year’s October Event (19th & 20th October 2018).
Sunday 22nd October 2017