A FUNDRAISING garden party was held last month in Sandbach to raise money for Crewe charity Ray of Hope, which supports the neonatal and maternity unit at Leighton Hospital.

Having both suffered the sad loss of their own little boys, Nicola Marshall and Jen Poulton wanted to raise as much money as possible for such a deserving charity, which is personally very close to their hearts.

The garden party was well supported and activities included a bouncy castle, penalty shoot out competition, cake stalls, face painting, hook a duck, craft stalls and games.

The event was supported by Crewe Alexander Football Club, which donated a signed football and a pair of match tickets, and Barclays Bank, which donated £750 as part of their pound for pound scheme.

Support and contributions were also made by friends, neighbours, family and members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Christine Cooper, of Ray of Hope, attended the event and collected a cheque for £1,720.

The money raised will go towards a 'cold cot' for Leighton Hospital, which allows parents who have sadly suffered the loss of a baby to spend a little more time with their child before they have to say goodbye.

For more information on the charity go to www.rayofhope.co.uk or to make a donation, visit http://sites.google.com/site/rayofhopefundraiser.

Based on information supplied by Nicola Marshall.