'Halloween Queen' raises biggest total yet for poorly children in Wolverhampton
A kind-hearted fundraiser known as the 'Halloween Queen' has raised her biggest total so far to help poorly children in Wolverhampton.
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Mum-of-two Surinder Mann raises cash for a good cause every year and this time chose to bring some cheer to the Children's Ward at New Cross Hospital.
Civil Servant Surinder broke a personal record this time around as she raised £1,095, which is more than double last year's total and her biggest amount yet.
The 48-year-old, from Oxley in Wolverhampton, said: "I just like to give back to the community and do my bit. It will be great to see the children’s faces."
Surinder raised the money through a Halloween-themed event at her workplace, where her colleagues were invited to take part in various activities including Bhangra dancing and a bake off.
A raffle also took place, which saw local businesses donate prizes from a spa day to a Porsche driving experience.
Surinder presented the money to staff at New Cross Hospital on Monday (October 28) along with books and toys for youngsters on the Children's Ward, all while dressed in her Halloween attire.
The cash has been used to buy pens, colouring books, games, puzzles and toys for sick children in hospital.
Surinder added: "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 would not have done it without these wonderful colleagues. A huge shout-out 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.
“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."
Sarah Lewis, acute paediatrics matron at The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust (RWT), said she was "very grateful" to Surinder.
She added: "It’s a lovely way to celebrate Halloween and bring some joy. 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. People can donate by visiting the Just Giving page at justgiving.com/page/surinder-mann-1730126206489?newPage=true.
