TWO Chard fundraisers are appealing for help to get them over the finish line after their ‘blast from the past’ disco raised more than £1,300.

Becky Hawkins and Rob Boaler held a 1980s and 1990s themed disco at Chard Rugby Club in aid of Catherine Wells-Burr Foundation, and to purchase a special bed for parents at Musgrove Park Hospital’s children’s ward for when their children are kept overnight.

The event featured an array of old school uniforms, Madonna, Guns n Roses and 80s Queens, but the pair were left £600 short of being able to buy the bed for Musgrove.

Becky said: “Blast from the Past was a roaring success. In total from ticket sales and raffle we raised £1381.00.

“This will be split equally between Musgrove Park Hospital Children’s Ward and to the Catherine Wells-Burr Foundation.

“Everyone who came on the night came with a fun loving attitude, they danced all night and sang louder than the music could play. Without them it wouldn’t have been the success it was.

"Rob and I would also like to thank specifically the local businesses who supported us - Simon Mainwaring from Chard Rugby Club who allowed us to use the venue free of charge; Dan, Tony and Liz Coleman from DJ Dan Disco's who loaned us the disco equipment and worked so hard to get us set up on the day; Darren Rolfe for providing doorman services; and Eleos Cafe in Chard who donated £100 towards the charities. 

"We would also like to make a special thanks to all the local businesses who provided the fabulous raffle prizes. Cricket St Thomas Hotel who donated three seperate prizes, Numatic who donated two prizes, C&S Electrical Wholesale, Cricket St Thomas Golf Club, The Windwhistle Inn, Chard Tesco, City Plumbing, Paul Church Motors, Monks Yard, Hornsbury Mill, Chard Co-op Travel, Danny Wiseman Window Cleaning Services, Pure Beauty, Pet Portraits by Sue, Chard 1610 Gym, Chard Costa, and More than Gels by Katie Matie.

“We were disappointed that we didn’t raise enough money to be able to buy the hospital bed outright and make a sizeable donation to the Catherine Wells-Burr Foundation.”

Becky and Rob have now set up a Just Giving page and are appealing for people to help them reach their final target.

Becky added: “When children are admitted to hospital, parents want to be with them. But NHS budgets are limited and parents often have to sleep on a chair next to their child’s bed.

“By raising this money we will be able to buy a specifically designed parent bed which allows parents to be with their child at all times, and to still get a decent nights sleep during times of worry and distress.”

To support the fundraising effort, go to www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/becky-hawkins