A COFFEE morning organised by a youngster from Bidford in memory of her late dad has raised thousands of pounds for the Shakespeare Hospice.
Cake, coffee and the sound of brass were the hallmarks of a successful occasion held by 10-year-old Emily Butler and her mum Amy on January 25 at Alcester Baptist Church.
The event which made an incredible £3,631.46 featured a giant raffle with over 75 prizes donated by local businesses alongside musical entertainment by Alcester Victoria Silver Band.
Her dad Mark Butler, known as ‘Bud’ to friends and family, tragically took his own life in December 2021. January 25 would have been his 45th birthday.
Bud was a lifelong member of the band, grew up in Kings Coughton and worked at the woodchipper manufacturer GreenMech nearby.
In happier times, Amy, Emily and Mark Butler. s
Since his death, Emily, who lives with her mum Amy has received invaluable support from the hospice’s child bereavement services.
Amy previously told the Observer: “The most awful thing in the world happened to us but they picked us up when it was really hard. The confidence that they have brought out in Emily is absolutely amazing.”
More than two hundred people came through the doors to attend the event which was also supported by the friends of the Shakespeare Hospice and members of Alcester Baptist Church.
Amy said: “It went really well, it’s absolutely incredible. We can’t believe it!
“People told me it had such a lovely community atmosphere. All the volunteers pulled together and had a really nice time even though we were very busy. It really helped us too on Bud’s birthday.
“When Emily woke up in the morning I told her it was the Shakespeare Hospice day and she jumped out of bed. It made what could have been a really sad day, a happy one.
Emily said she was “very surprised” at how well it went and that day had exceeded her expectations. “I had a jokey email from the hospice saying when she is old enough there is a job on the fundraising team,” Amy added.
Hospice community and events fundraiser, Alison Stone, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Emily and her mum for their remarkable fundraising efforts.
“Raising over £3,600 is an outstanding achievement, and their generosity will help us continue providing vital support to our patients and their loved ones.
“Emily’s strength and dedication are truly inspiring, and we are honoured to have been part of her journey. On behalf of everyone at The Shakespeare Hospice, thank you for making such a meaningful difference.”
Last year the pair raised £600 by doing a sponsored walk for suicide prevention charity Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM).
“What a lovely way to honour Bud and keep his memory going by us doing different kinds of fundraising activities,” said Amy.
