Fundraising evening exceeds target

Catherine Eves with entertainers Tony Grant and David G Hollington

A fundraising evening to raise money to buy a special piece of equipment for a Rochdale woman has been hailed as a huge success after it raised £1,844.

The evening was held in aid of 26-year-old Catherine Eves, who suffers from Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS), Autonomic Dysfunction and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS).

Mrs Eves needs a special chair so that her legs can be raised to help normalise blood flow and heart rate and the back can move independently to allow the best possible support of her weak, loose joints.

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/58657/mums-mission-to-raise-money-to-improve-daughters-quality-of-life

Around 130 people packed into China City for the fundraiser on Tuesday night (2 August). Guests enjoyed a meal and entertainment courtesy of David G Hollington and Tony Grant.

The fundraiser was organised by Mrs Eves mum, Heather Pautard. Ms Pautard had hoped to raise £1,200 for the chair and was delighted to exceed the target amount.

She said: “We needed £1,200 for the chair, so we have covered that and we are going to buy some other bits of equipment such as a special phone and a stand for Catherine to put her hair dryer on so she can dry her hair.

“It was such a fantastic evening, the food was good and every one had a lovely time.”

Ms Pautard praised the support of the people who turned up – some who she had never met.

She said: “Some people we knew from different local churches and some people contacted us through the news article. The support from the New Life Church in Milnrow was exceptionally good.

“People have been really kind.”

Ms Pautard hopes to hold more fundraising events in the future to raise money for a special bed. She said: “I think this is the start of many events.”

Ms Pautard concluded: “As Catherine’s mum my priority is getting what she needs, when she has got what she needs we hope to do some fundraising for other people and research.”