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Date of release: 31st October 2024
‘Spooky’ Surinder makes donation to children
A self-styled ‘Halloween Queen’ got into the spirit of the season to raise more than £1,000 for poorly children in Wolverhampton.
Civil servant Surinder Mann raises money every year for charity and this time chose the Children’s Ward at New Cross Hospital.
The mum of two, 48, from Oxley, has so far raised £1,095 – her biggest amount and more than double last year’s total – following a Halloween event she held at her workplace.
She organised several Halloween-themed activities such as Bhangra dancing, a bake off, and origami activity.
Local businesses generously donated a driving experience in a Porsche, go-karting, a Merrythought Bear, a trip to West Midlands Safari Park, and a spa day, among the highlights.
The money has been used to buy pens, colouring books, games, puzzles and toys for sick children in hospital.
Surinder has spent much of her spare time over many weeks organising the event and is grateful for the help she has had from her work colleagues, and her husband Suky Mann, 51.
“I just like to give back to the community and do my bit,” said Surinder, who is donating to The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust (RWT) Charity for the second time in her five years of fundraising. “It will be great to see the children’s faces.
“I’ve had a lot of support from work colleagues, so special thanks to Sarah Johnson and Amie Fewtrell for their tireless work and fantastic support promoting and selling raffle tickets, and Amie for helping with obtaining the prizes.
“I could not have done it without these wonderful colleagues. A huge shoutout too to our local Indian food suppliers who supplied more than 300 samosas, onion bhajis, and eggless cakes which added a boost to our fundraising success.”
Suky contributed towards food supplies, as well as collecting and delivering them.
“It was hard work, but it paid off as we had a lot more prizes this year – and people have said they are the best prizes they have seen,” added Surinder.
Sarah Lewis, Matron, Acute Paediatrics at RWT, said: “It’s a lovely way to celebrate Halloween and bring some joy, so we’re very grateful to Surinder.
“It will make such a difference to our patients and bring Halloween to the ward.”
Amie Rogers, Fundraising and Lead Digital Engagement Officer for The RWT Charity, added: “It’s brilliant what Surinder has done, and we thank her very much.
“It’s not just an overnight thing – she has spent a long-time fundraising for this so it was a massive effort on her part.”
Surinder has already started on her next fundraiser and people can donate via this JustGiving page: Surinder Mann is fundraising for The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust Charity.