MEMBERS of the Friends of the Richardson Hospital braved the chilly winds and rain to fundraise on Barnard Castle market.
However, despite the dreary weather the charity, which have been unable to organise any of their normal fundraising events due to the Covid-19 pandemic, still had plenty of interest in their handcrafted items.
Hand carved wooden mice, home-baked cakes and a tempting array of pickles and preserves were on offer as well hand knitted items. Taking turns manning the stall during the day were Pauline Harrison, Pam Bell, Elaine Shaw, Suzanne Thomas, Carol Atkinson, Iris Hillery, Allan Jones and Irene Baker.
Ms Hillery said: “Sales were somewhat dampened by the persistent rain, but we did take £370, which is brilliant. Many thanks to the town council for allowing us to have the stall and to all who donated or purchased goods.”
In normal years the Friends deliver gifts on Christmas morning to patients in Richardson Hospital. However, this year the gifts were delivered on Monday so they could be quarantined for 72 hours before staff handed them out on Christmas Day.