Market Drayton Severn Hospice Support Group hosts record-breaking charity gin night

The Night of Gin event at the Upper House Farm in Almington attracted over 220 guests whose support contributed to the record total.

Guests enjoyed a talk by entrepreneur Tom Warner, founding partner at the Warner Edwards Distillery, who gave an insight into how he started his gin business and talked guests through tasting notes of six gins.

The event also included canapes, a two-course meal, promise auction and raffle.

Severn Hospice community fundraiser Mike Perry said: “This is an astonishing amount to raise on one night and we have once again been left overwhelmed by the generosity of our supporters and the dedication of our community fundraising teams. I can’t say a big enough thank you to the Market Drayton Support Group and everyone who made the night so successful, either by attending, donating, sponsoring or just helping make it all happen.”

Chair of the group Caroline Wellon said: “We had overwhelming support from local businesses including Barclays who match funded the raffle, NFU Mutual Telford, Hales Sawmills, Greenvale and Huntapac, Cherrington Farm Butchers, A R Richards, the Castle at Bletchley and Folly’s Luxury Toilets.

"The raffle was supported by local artists Rachel Walker and Polly Baines, a luxury hamper from IEC and vouchers from Talbot Garage, Weston Park and the Fields Kitchen. The promise auction was a huge success with donated prizes such as a days' simulated game from David Morris Sporting, meal at home from Like Nanna Made, beauty package from Emma’s Nails and Beauty and an evening with Phil Collins at Tern Hill Hall.

"The marquee was a beautiful setting for such a wonderful event. I particularly want to thank Tom Warner for so generously giving up his time – and gin – to support a cause that is very close to both our hearts.”

Tom graduated from Harper Adams University in 2001 and Warner Edwards was started in 2012 on the family farm of Falls Farm in the village of Harrington in Northamptonshire.

Founded in 1985, the Market Drayton Severn Hospice Support Group has raised over £300k to support the work undertaken by Severn Hospice.

The next Severn Hospice Coffee Morning was supposed to take place at Hodnet Hall on May 17 but due to unforeseen circumstances has had to be postponed to an unconfirmed date in early June.

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