Picnic blankets at the ready for family fundraiser

A picnic in the park which will be packed with fun for all the family will raise funds good causes.

The occasion, which is being organised by Loraine Skikunas and Julie Cowan, will take place on Tuesday, 25 July in Brandon Country Park’s orchard, in aid of St Nicholas Hospice Care and West Suffolk Hospital’s My WiSH charity.

Loraine and Julie, who became friends around two-years-ago after their daughters both started at the same nursery, are hoping the day will prove to be a great summer time event.

Loraine said: “I have fundraised for the hospice before, last year I had a coffee morning and after speaking to Julie we decided to organise the picnic together.

“We are already excited for the day and the planning so far has all been coming together well.”

The day, which will feature a range of entertainments for the children including a face painter and a bubble machine, will also include a cake stall, tombola, raffle and a guess the name of the teddy stall.

“We have had a lot of support from local businesses in Brandon, they have been wonderful, we have been overwhelmed with support and the country park has been really helpful too,” added Julie.

Loraine first starting supporting the hospice a couple of years ago when she took part in the charity’s annual moonlight walk Girls Night Out.

She said: “I have done the walk twice now. I first did it by accident really, my sister was in a team and someone couldn’t do it because they hurt their ankle so I stepped in. I think the hospice is such an important charity. We have all probably all lost someone close to us so it is a way to say thank you.

“We have chosen to fundraise for My WiSH as we have both experienced the wonderful care their neonatal ward gives.”

Everyone is invited to come along to the event and there is no need to book – just make sure you take your picnic blankets, chairs and food.