Heavenly Bodies help for Haiti

Photo: Laura Wild

Sarah Ashworth and Denise Fleming decided to raise money for the Haiti appeal after seeing the terrible footage on the television of the disaster that struck the island.

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The people of Rochdale joined together today (Saturday 27 February) to raise money for the people of Haiti who were left devastated by the horrific earthquake that ruined homes and took away lives in January.

Heavenly Bodies beauty and holistic clinic in Milnrow held the fundraising event as East Bar this afternoon. People turned up to show their support for the cause by buying gifts of the stalls and taking part in the raffle. One familiar face was Sam Aston, Coronation Street's ‘Chesney.’

The fundraising appeal consisted of stalls set up by businesses from near and far and all will be giving a 10% donation from the money they earned at the event.

Sarah Ashworth and Denise Fleming decided to raise money for the Haiti appeal after seeing the terrible footage on the television of the disaster that struck the island.

Ms Ashworth said: “We knew we wanted to do something and being in a business meant we had the opportunity to get people together and organise something. The word has just spread and everybody has joined together.

“We were originally going to hold it at the salon but it just got too big so we approached East who let us have the bar free of charge for the afternoon.”

Ms Fleming added: “Everybody has made a tremendous effort, so many people have got involved and this has taken off beyond our dreams.

“All the money raised today will go straight to the Red Cross and directly to the people in Haiti who need it.”

“Local businesses have been fantastic in supporting us, either by holding a stall, donating prices for the raffles and providing the catering for the buffet.”

Ms Ashworth, added: “We didn’t realise how many people we knew, so many people have contributed. It is lovely for everyone to come together.

“We didn’t really know how it would turn out but it has been a great day and all for a really good cause.”

Guests at the appeal were also treated to a catwalk show and live dancing throughout the day.

A raffle of 45 prizes, including a spa day at the Norton Grange Hotel, a photography package from Esther Marie, a pamper package from Heavenly Bodies were drawn by Sam Aston.

Sue Howarth, a fundraiser and stall holder said: “We knew we wanted to do something, and other people did to but they need to know how they can do it.

“It escalated from there really and this is a really positive thing for a sad issue.”

Karen Jones from the Red Cross, said: “This is a fantastic way of raising money, they have brought it all together really quickly. The response from the public has been great.”

The event raised £1056 and all the money will go to the people of Haiti.