Big Heart Ladies Lunch celebrates the legacy of Lady Hilkka Brooking in support of Saint Francis Hos
Supporters came together for this year's Big Heart Ladies Lunch, raising vital funds for Saint Francis Hospice while celebrating the lasting legacy of the hospice's much-loved late Patron, Lady Hilka Brooking.
Held at Stock Brook Country Club, the popular event welcomed friends, corporate supporters and groups of local ladies from across the community for a special afternoon of fundraising, remembrance and celebration. Lady Hilka's family joined guests for the occasion, making it a particularly meaningful event and honouring a tradition she helped establish more than 10 years ago.
Guests enjoyed a welcome drinks reception followed by a delicious three-course lunch and an inspiring talk from special guest speaker Sinead Garvan. The highly respected broadcast journalist, who spent 13 years at the BBC, shared stories and insights from her career in broadcasting, including her work with some of the biggest names in music and entertainment.
The afternoon also featured a raffle with a fantastic selection of prizes, including a copy of Dawn French's book Enough, signed by the author.
The event was organised by hospice Trustee Anne Bender and her volunteer team, Kathy, Kim and Jenny, whose dedication helped make the day such a success.
Anne Bender said:
"It was wonderful to welcome so many people to this very special Big Heart Ladies Lunch, particularly Lady Hilka Brooking's family. We came together to remember someone who meant so much to Saint Francis Hospice. Lady Hilka helped establish this special event and it is a privilege to continue it in her memory. Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the afternoon so meaningful, while supporting the vital care the hospice provides to local people and their families.
The incredible support from friends, corporate supporters and many groups of local ladies from our community was overwhelming.
Thank you – from us all. Anne, Kim, Kathy and Jenny."
Chloe Winter, Head of Fundraising at Saint Francis Hospice, said:
"We are incredibly grateful to everyone who supported this year's Big Heart Ladies Lunch. Events like this bring our community together and play an important role in helping us raise the vital funds needed to provide specialist palliative and end-of-life care, free of charge. Every donation and contribution makes a difference to the people we care for and their loved ones, and we are so thankful to everyone who helped make the afternoon a success."
