A STROKE victim from Barnard Castle is hosting a three-day festival to raise cash for the charity that helped her in her time of need.
Christine Duff and a band of friends are organising a “party in the park” at Riverview Leisure Park, in Startforth, on the August bank holiday weekend.
It will be the third time this year that they have hosted parties in aid of the Stroke Association – Rebuilding Lives. They previously held events at Easter and during the Queen’s platinum jubilee.
Mrs Duff suffered a stroke three-and-a-half years ago, and received support from the society during her rehabilitation and physiotherapy.
Mrs Duff, a former owner of a hotel in Blackpool, said: “I didn’t speak or anything for three weeks. I could think what I was going to say but it wouldn’t come out. I would have to write it down.
“The Stroke Association helps you rebuild your life.”
The effects of the stroke linger and despite Mrs Duff having to rely on a motorised wheelchair to get around, she has been able to arrange a weekend of fun, which begins with karaoke on Friday, August 26.
On Saturday, there will be a craft fair, bouncy castles and wipeout, face painting, Kevin Mangles’ magic show and stalls, including tombola, bric-a-brac. The evening’s entertainment includes bingo and “open the box” .
Sunday includes a variety of 60s and 70s entertainment, along with fancy dress from the same era.
So far the group, which includes Mrs Duff’s friends Karen Reid, Jane Grieveson and Jen Stephenson, have raised £3,500 for the charity from their previous events, and hope to reach a target of £5,000 by the end of the month. Mrs Grieveson said: “It has been hard work but we will do it.”
Leisure park tavern manager Warren Stowe commended the women for their fundraising efforts. He said: “They do put on a really good day.”
