Raffle raises hundreds for poorly babies

Pub customers helped a family raise almost £600 for poorly babies and their families. 

Patrons of the Golden Lion in Broad Oak collected the amount for East Kent Hospitals Charity after landlords Colin Robson and Amanda Nicholson, and Amanda’s daughter Alisha Sharman, held a raffle.

The money helped buy items for the neonatal intensive care unit at the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford, including snacks and treats for parents, crockery for the parent accommodation and other items to decorate the unit and make it feel homelier.

It was the second year the trio have raised money for the charity – previously they held another raffle to benefit the children’s ward at the Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital in Margate after Alisha’s son spent some time there.

Self-employed Alisha, 24, said: “We raise money every year but after Arthur was in hospital we thought we would try and buy some more toys for the ward so other children could benefit.

“He is doing fine now but it was a worrying time and the toys were really important in keeping him entertained and distracted.

“This year we wanted to carry on supporting the hospital so we chose the neonatal intensive care unit, and next we hope to fundraise for the bereavement suite for parents.

“The customers have been fantastic in supporting us and we’re very grateful to them.”

As well as a raffle, Alisha, Amanda and Colin plan to hold quiz nights to raise extra funds.

For more information on East Kent Hospitals Charity or to make a donation visit https://www.ekhcharity.org.uk/