From left to right: Caroline Opsblum, Paula Broughton, Una Taylor and Catherine McIntosh
Catherine McIntosh spent six months planning a charity ball to remember her brother and to raise money for the hospice who cared for him
A total of £11,000 was raised for local charity St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice at a fundraising ball last month.
Richard’s Ball took place on Saturday 24th October at The Bentley Hotel in Lincoln and attracted 215 guests. The evening featured live music, a casino and a raffle and a tombola with 120 prizes donated from the local business community.
The ball was organised to mark the 50th birthday of Richard Taylor who had died from cancer at the age of 42.
It was Richard’s sister, Catherine McIntosh, 44, and their cousin Paula Broughton, 42, from Lincoln who decided that they should mark the golden milestone birthday.
Catherine said: “Richard was the happiest and most cheerful person you could ever hope to meet. He was the kind of person that would light up a room when he walked into it and his fun loving nature was infectious to all that met him.
“Myself and my cousin Paula thought the ball would be a fitting tribute to Richard and we are absolutely delighted to have raised such an incredible amount for St Barnabas, who cared for Richard in his final days.
“We ensured the ball was personal to Richard and the colour scheme on the night reflected Richard’s love of Manchester United Football Club.”
The evening also included an auction with prizes such as a signed Manchester United football shirt, a signed Chelsea FC football and a water colour painting of Lincoln at night.
The evening was also supported by The Nags Head Public House in Bardney, Goldmsiths, Lindums, Branston Potatoes and Belvoir Lettings.
All the money raised from Richard’s Ball was donated to St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice after the charity had cared for Richard and their family.
Catherine said: “When I first heard that Richard was being transferred from the County Hospital to the Hospice my heart sank. I imagined the hospice as a dark and gloomy place full of sadness and people at the end of their lives. It wasn’t the kind of place that I wanted Richard to be in. How misinformed I was.
“Richard’s room was bright, light and airy and better still it looked out over a beautiful garden. The staff were quick to make us feel comfortable and welcomed Richard’s friends and family, regardless of what time of day it was.
“Before entering the hospice there had been times where Richard had been in real agony but the staff at the hospice ensured that Richard’s pain and symptoms were managed promptly, effectively and with the utmost dignity.
“They treated him with real warmth and compassion, recognising that while he was a stranger to them, he was the world to us.”
Catherine concludes: “The hospice allowed Richard the freedom and dignity to be able to spend precious time with his family and friends and for that we are forever grateful. Our last memories are happy ones knowing Richard passed away peacefully with his family around him.”
Richard’s Ball is to return next year at The Bentley Hotel on 22nd October 2016.