AN inspirational dale family are holding their final ever “Bash in the Barn” , which has raised tens of thousands of pounds for good causes during the past decade.
The Metcalfe family, from Foxberry Farm, in Caldwell, have suffered more than their fair share of ill fortune but say keeping a positive attitude is crucial.
Phil suffers from progressive multiple sclerosis but still gets stuck in on the family farm. He is supported by wife Sara and 18-year-old son Jasper. However, the tables have turned after riding enthusiast Sara suffered a badly broken leg when she was kicked by a horse in April.
Phil, who jokes that he treats his mobility scooter like a quad bike on the farm, has been busy caring for his injured wife for the past couple of months. The leg break was so bad that she faces months of rehabilitation.
Sara’s nephews, Arthur and Charlie, suffer from ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T) – a life-limiting genetic condition. Because their immune systems are so low, they have been fighting cancer.
Every other year the Metcalfes hold a big fundraising bash in one of their barns with food, bar, bands, disco and raffle with top prizes.
It raises roughly £6,000 each time for the A-T Society and Multiple Sclerosis Society, on top of thousands collected over the years through other charity events and challenges.
Mrs Metcalfe said this year’s Bash in the Barn – which takes place at 7pm on Saturday, July 13 – will be the final one.
She said: “Over the years we have raised a lot of money and hope that, because it’s the last ever one, we hope people will really get behind it.”
She added: “My nephews are doing really well – both are in remission from cancer which is fabulous.
“It’s a rare condition and not many people have heard of it. I should be going to the Houses of Parliament for a 30-year celebration of the A-T Society to help increase its profile, but because of my leg, I can’t go. I’ll probably not get another chance for something like that so it’s a shame.”
The barn party, which Mr Metcalfe describes as a “good night out” will also raise cash for Butterwick Hospice, which provides a clinic at Richardson Hospital for patients with multiple sclerosis.
Mr Metcalfe added: “My multiple sclerosis is progressive and I have started to use the scooter, although I can still walk and get about.”
Because of Mrs Metcalfe’s broken leg, the family have appealed for people to help with things such as asking for raffle prizes from shops.
Prizes promised so far include sports tickets and Champagne. The Game Cart Catering, based in Forcett, will be providing food. Local band Blister in the Sun will perform and there will be a bouncy castle for children.
An estimated 200 people normally attend the fundraiser and all are asked to stand on a weighbridge. Everyone donates £1 and the person who has the closest guess to the total weight wins a prize.
Tickets for the Bash in the Barn event cost £20 and are available from Sara Metcalfe on 01325 718792 or 07793 444247. A Facebook page has also been set up.
