Proceeds from a disco in memory of a former nursery teacher have been presented to three worthy charities.
Denise Ward, of Warwick Avenue, Church, died on December 15 last year after she lost her battle with cancer, aged 56.
The grandmother-of-four worked as a nursery nurse and teaching assistant at Sacred Heart RC primary school for 25 years until her death.
Earlier this year a 1970s disco night was arranged in her memory by her husband John Ward at Oswaldtwistle Social Club – it was attended by more than 100 people.
A cheque for £400 has now been given to the Bethany Project which helps the most vulnerable people living in Tanzania, East Africa, as Mrs Ward was closely involved with the scheme.
Mr Ward said: “We had three children from the choir who sang at her funeral. It was heart rending but really nice at the same time.”
He thanked everyone involved in helping to organise the events and businesses who had supported them – including Tesco, Asda and Morrisons.
Charity coordinator Graham Pountain, who collected the donation, said it would continue to help the Bethany Project continue its work in Africa.
Mrs Ward’s daughter, Shirley Sharing, also presented a cheque for £400 to the Hyndburn and Ribble Valley domestic violence charity (HARV).
A further £1,000 from the disco event has also been presented to Cancer Research UK’s representative – the paralympic athlete Sarah McPhee.
A committee called Denise’s Do’s’ is arranging more fundraising activities including a tombola stall at the Accrington Carnival on Saturday, June 15 and an annual memorial dinner dance at the Adelaide Suite on October 4.
Tickets for the dinner dance cost £30 and this includes a five-course meal and entertainment.
To book tickets or get involved with the Denise’s Do committee call John Ward on 07809 442695.
