Garden party raises cash for Crawley Hospital stroke unit
Maria entertained about 50 guest at her home in Three Bridges on July 16, including some residents of Francis Court Care Home in Copthorne.
There was live music from country and western band Black Gold and, to Maria’s surprise, some belly dancers also provided entertainment.
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Hide AdOther guests included Crawley mayor Raj Sharma, mayoress Bhavna Sharma and Henry Smith MP.
Maria said: “It was amazing. The MP Henry Smith came. He told me ‘I couldn’t miss this - not for you’. We had old friends and new friends. The amount of food and cakes there were.
“Thank you to all the helpers I had. There’s no way I could do it on my own. It was such a lovely day; a happy day.”
People baked cakes, made sandwiches and the Crawley Leisure Park Pizza Hut donated 30 pizzas. The Ifield Co-op donated salads and sent Lorna Walton to help serve the food.
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Hide AdA total of £353.71 was raised towards the stroke garden project at Crawley Hospital.
Chairman of the League Lesley Marginson said: “The League of Friends is spending over £10,000 to make some improvements to the garden.
“The seating area has been enlarged and new furniture purchased, external speakers have been put in the flower beds so patients can do their exercises outside to music or just relax in the garden.
“Planting of dementia friendly plants and mobiles will be starting soon.”
helpers needed
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Hide AdOriginally from Italy, Maria, 73, spends all her spare time raising money for the League of Friends and other town charities.
She said: “I’ve been doing this for 30 years and I don’t know how many more years (I can do). We are all getting on. I have been here for 54 years and I wouldn’t go anywhere else. The people of Crawley are so generous.”
The League needs people to help them at their ‘good as new’ sale at the hospital every Monday and Thursday. They are also in need of donations.
For more information call Maria on 01293 403432.