Splashfest is going '˜from strength to strength' for Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice

The third annual event, Splashfest, which sees people bring their dogs along and camp out for the weekend at a lake in rural Nottinghamshire, was organised by Retford’s Tim and Vicky Crossland.

Part of the proceeds will be going to Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice in memory of Marcus Richmond, who recently passed away from cancer at the age of 12.

This year’s event raised £1,150.

Tim said: “When we started three years ago, Bluebell Wood was at the front of my mind.

“Having been blessed with three beautiful children, we felt it right to support a local charity, especially one in the village that I grew up in.

“Splashfest has gone from strength to strength.

“The weekend not only raises money for an amazing cause, it also helps people build their self-confidence.

“We had a visitor from Glasgow this year who had never camped before, and was coming on her own, having just purchased a tent and camping gear.

“And we were especially delighted to have the company of George, the dog who is Bluebell Wood’s mascot. He was a big hit.

“I’m very lucky that my employer NatWest gives me time off for volunteering, which I use to run this event.

“We’re all looking forward to it again next year and I’m certain we will be fully booked again.”

Melanie Rose, community fundraiser at Bluebell Wood, said: “We’d like to say a big thank you to Tim and Vicky for thinking of local families facing the toughest of times by supporting Bluebell Wood.

“Splashfest has become a much loved local event and it’s great that people can come together to enjoy themselves and make a difference for our children and young adults too.”

For ideas to support children and young adults with life-shortening conditions and for more about Bluebell Wood visit www.bluebellwood.org.