THE Tonbridge children’s charity Tree of Hope welcomed 100 guests to Tonbridge Castle on June 21 to celebrate their 25th anniversary with a summer party.
As well as marking such a major milestone, Tree of Hope also wanted to thank the volunteers and supporters who enable the charity to support families of disabled and seriously ill children.
The Mayor of Tonbridge & Malling, Cllr Pam Bates, was one of the special guests attending the event on a glorious midsummer evening that coincided with the summer solstice.
She was joined by representatives of Tree of Hope’s many corporate supporters, including those from MCM Net, Thomson Snell & Passmore and Heartwood.
Marks & Spencer’s stores in Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge provided volunteers to decorate the setting and help run the event as part of the company’s nationwide Make Every Moment Special campaign.
Among the activities laid on for the event were croquet, quoits, a tombola and cake sales.
Tree of Hope is M&S Tunbridge Wells’ community charity once again this year, and the retailer managed to raise £15,000 in 2017.
Music at the party was provided by The Dad Pack, a local swing band who entertained guests with a selection of nostalgic hits.
On the food and drink side, wood-fired pizzas were served by Fire N Crust and cocktails were mixed by Chin Chin events – including a special Tree of Hope concoction.
The crowdfunding charity helps children and young people with a disability or illness by supporting their families to raise the money they need to pay for specialist care that is not freely available through the NHS.
Gill Gibb, Chief Executive of Tree of Hope, said: ‘We were delighted to have seen so many people at our 25th anniversary party, and would like to thank everyone who attended.
‘Without your help we wouldn’t be able to do the work we do helping sick and disabled children get the medical treatment they so desperately need.
‘We really appreciate all the support we receive, and look forward to the next 25 years.’
For more information, visit www.treeofhope.org.uk
PICTURE: BRIGHT SPARKS: M&S staff volunteers helped to run the party
