Festival fun in Gail's memory

Crowds turned out in force for this year's Big Strawberry Festival, despite the typical British rain showers.
Asda staff (from left) Georgina Newton, Donna Worrall-Soper, Alison Scrace, Shelly Walters and Debbie Kara help out at Asda Rugby's Strawberry Tea at Rugby Lions Clubhouse.Asda staff (from left) Georgina Newton, Donna Worrall-Soper, Alison Scrace, Shelly Walters and Debbie Kara help out at Asda Rugby's Strawberry Tea at Rugby Lions Clubhouse.
Asda staff (from left) Georgina Newton, Donna Worrall-Soper, Alison Scrace, Shelly Walters and Debbie Kara help out at Asda Rugby's Strawberry Tea at Rugby Lions Clubhouse.

Visitors were recently treated to an assortment of music, dancing, fashion shows and more at the Rugby Lions ground, with plenty of fun activities for all the family.

The festival was held in memory of Rugby woman Gail Dunkley, who lost her battle with cancer in July last year.

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It followed on from last summer’s Big Strawberry tea party and raised money for Breast Cancer Care in Gail’s honour.

Chelsea Hemmings-Hastings, Holly Diggens, Casey Brightwell and Nicole Moyse.Chelsea Hemmings-Hastings, Holly Diggens, Casey Brightwell and Nicole Moyse.
Chelsea Hemmings-Hastings, Holly Diggens, Casey Brightwell and Nicole Moyse.

Caroline Turner, who organised the festival alongside her friend Nickie Brightwell, said: “I think the day went exceptionally well. The aim was to raise lots of money and that’s what we did – we raised around £7,000 on the day and the donations are still coming in.

“It’s a shame the weather wasn’t on our side but everyone still had a good time.

“This kind of money will make a huge difference to Breast Cancer Care.

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“It will help anyone, anywhere, who has been diagnosed with breast cancer from day one.”

Julie and Karla McKeever.Julie and Karla McKeever.
Julie and Karla McKeever.

She added: “Gail said when she was first diagnosed that she wanted to raise money for a breast cancer charity.

“This is our legacy to her. We want it to continue year on year.”

Staff at Asda helped raise thousands for in Gail’s memory.

The store’s Community Champion Alison Scrace, said: “Gail worked with us for over four years and as colleagues we wanted to support her friends and the local community has responded really well, raising thousands for charity.

Caroline Turner helps raise funds.Caroline Turner helps raise funds.
Caroline Turner helps raise funds.
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“We would like to say thank you to everyone who too park and contributed, helping to make the event a success – raising money in Gail’s memory.

“Asda has partnered with Breast Cancer Care for 20 years and supports the event to help raise awareness and funds to provide support and services to people affected by breast cancer.”

Hannah Branch, community fundraising manager at Breast Cancer Care, said: “We’re delighted Asda colleagues and customers are supporting Breast Cancer Care and Strawberry Tea this summer.

“The funds raised through each and every Strawberry Tea enable Breast Cancer Care to continue to be there for anyone facing breast cancer, from day one.

“The people of Rugby really have done themselves proud and in memory of their friend and colleague have raised thousands of pounds, which we are really grateful for.”