A PRESTIGIOUS event has raised more than £5,000 for Warrington Disability Partnership (WDP).

The wonderland-themed fundraising night, which celebrated the work of Daresbury’s Lewis Carroll, has been hailed a ‘roaring success’.

The March Hare Ball saw characters including the Cheshire Cat, Queen of Hearts and Tweedledee and Tweedledum descend on Stock Farm Barn in Ashley for a magical evening of music, fancy dress, great food and entertainment.

Guests were treated to a hare-raising night of entertainment, including a Wonderland-themed musical performance from performing arts school The Hammond, and a they also enjoyed a delicious three-course meal.

Volunteers from law firm Aaron & Partners, who organised the whole evening, also hosted a series of ‘curiouser and curiouser’ fundraising games with an Alice in Wonderland twist.

Warrington Guardian:

The event was set up in aid of WDP and marked the start of a fundraising journey for the charity to buy a new accessible holiday home in North Wales, allowing affordable holidays and getaways for disabled people.  

The current accessible holiday home, a caravan in Pensarn, was first bought back in 2007, and since that time, more than 2,500 holidaymakers have enjoyed over 800 stays and short-term breaks in the area.  

But the caravan is now in dire need of replacement to ensure guests can continue to enjoy a comfortable stay and benefit from the latest technology supporting disabled people and those living with long-term health conditions. 

Dave Thompson MBE, chief executive of WDP, said: “We’d like to say a huge thank you to all who attended the March Hare Ball and played their part in making it such a memorable night.  

“This was one of the biggest fundraising events we’ve ever hosted and from the feedback we’ve had, it was a roaring success. 

“The vital funds we raised on the night will be crucial for our plans to continue providing great experiences for so many through a new state-of-the-art holiday home.” 

Adam Haines, who is an employment law partner based at Aaron & Partners’ Altrincham and Warrington office, sits on the WDP’s Trustee board.

He said: “This was a spectacular night in aid of a wonderful charity that supports so many people. The work WDP do often goes under the radar, which is why we wanted to organise this event to help shine a light on its work and raise vital funds. 

“I know the holiday home offers a lifeline for so many people right now and we’re very proud to have helped kickstart the fundraising effort to help WDP acquire a brand new one.”