Thousands raised for Hospice from Memorial Fund charity night

Martin Pendlebury, Eddie Thompson, Rachel Ferguson, Ian Roydes, Tony Grant (Freddie Mercury) and Jonny Sax

A music night held at Bamford Bowling Club has raised over £5,000 for Springhill Hospice.

The event – which is set to become an annual event – was held in memory of the former owner of the Royal Toby Hotel in Castleton, restaurateur and businessman David Ferguson, who died last year. He had also, over the years, raised many thousands of pounds, for The Variety Club and local charities.

Over two hundred tickets were sold for the evening, which was organised by David’s daughter Rachel Ferguson and partner Ian Roydes, with support from family and aided by some of his many friends.

Thrilled with the amount of money that was raised, Rachel said: “On behalf of our family we would like to thank everyone involved in making the event such a successful and memorable occasion.

"My dad was a huge character and sadly missed by all.

"After dad retired he regularly socialised with his friends in the local pub and it’s a tradition now that this is carried on but with us going instead. We all wanted to do something in my dad’s memory, hence Fergie’s Memorial Fund being created.

"Springhill Hospice has given such wonderful support to many of our friends, so our family felt this was a great charity to support and give something back."

Entertainment on the night included Tony Grant doing his famous Freddie Mercury tribute, Terry Day and Jonny Sax, all of whom were close friends of David. Comedian Brian Sharpe and a couple more artists also added to the line-up.

The raffle and auction raised over £2,500 on the day.

A spokesperson for Springhill Hospice said: "Thanks go to all the local businesses and friends that donated their time and the wonderful prizes, which included hair and beauty, various meals including a gourmet meal at Nutters, a week in Tenerife, champagne, a helicopter ride, a golf day, signed Manchester City and Manchester United footballs and shirts plus much more."

The date earmarked for 2018 is Sunday 27 May.