A women’s group is hosting its annual special spring lunch fundraising event in support of three Bolton charities.

The Ladies Spring Luncheon and Fundraiser 2024 is taking place today, Wednesday, April 24 at Rivington Barn, organised by the Lancashire Ladies Fundraising Group.

Now in its 28th year, the annual event has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for local causes.

This year the group has chosen to support Our Bolton NHS Charity, Bolton Hospice and Rivington Heritage Trust.

The money raised for Our Bolton NHS Charity will contribute to the Neonatal and Paediatrics Specialty Fund.

Jill Turner, chair of the Lancashire Ladies Fundraising Group Committee, said: “We’re really excited to welcome nearly 200 people to our 2024 event to raise vital funds for charities that mean so much to our communities.

“We all have something that links us to the NHS, and in December 2023 my own grandchild was cared for by the staff on the Neonatal ward.

“Raising money in this way provides us all with a great sense of purpose as it’s nice to be able to give something to our community.”

The Bolton News: ‘Lancashire Ladies’ to raise vital funds for three Bolton charities‘Lancashire Ladies’ to raise vital funds for three Bolton charities (Image: Bolton NHS Foundation Trust)Read more of our top stories here:

The event includes a three-course meal, retail stalls, charity introductions, a raffle with more than 60 prizes and an auction.

One of the original Calendar Girls, Tricia Stewart, will also share her insight into the value of fundraising, 25 years after the infamous Women’s Institute Calendar, that has gone on to raise millions of pounds.

Sarah Skinner, charity manager at Our Bolton NHS Charity, said: “We are so thankful to the Lancashire Ladies for choosing to support our charity.

“Over the past couple of years, fundraising events like the spring lunch have enabled us to purchase reclining chairs so parents and babies can enjoy vital skin-to-skin contact in comfort, and a new sitting area so families can take some time to relax and seek support from staff and relatives.

“The money raised from the spring lunch will allow us to invest in similar projects and help us to make a meaningful difference to our smallest patients and their families.”

If you have a story or something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at chloe.wilson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on X @chloewjourno.