More than £2K raised for charity at Bexhill dinner

The event at the Pebsham Club was organised by Tracy and Barry Baker who lost their grandson Jacob Nutt in September.

They were helped by the Ronald McDonald House who provided accommodation for the family while he was in hospital.

A charity raffle and three-course dinner raised £2,100 for the charity which may rise by £500 if a Halifax donation comes through.

“All round for a small venue, it was a really successful evening and if we end up with £2,000 it would double my target for the evening,” Tracy said.

“It went so well as everyone was so generous.

“I’m made up that we made that amount of money with a target of £1,000, which we wanted to achieve but we doubled it.”

The Ronald McDonald House helped the family deal with Jacob’s illness and death last year and Tracy wanted to give something back.

As they are members of the Seabourne Road club, they were helped by Dave and Tamara Wolfe who had also lost a child.

Dave’s 11-day-old son Kodi died eight years ago and were more than happy to help the Baker’s cause.

“Dave and Tamara have been amazing. I approached them about having a charity night in May but last year was very up and down.

“But after we explained what had happened they said Dave would support you all the way after losing his son eight years ago as he knows the grief we feel.

“They have been absolutely marvellous and put on an amazing night.”

It was a real team effort to organise the event with Tracy and Barry decorating the hall and the Wolfe’s in the kitchen.

Tracy was even serving guests on roller skates and in a 50s costume, suffering a bruised knee by falling over, but she said it was worth it.

The plan is to make it an annual event to keep raising money for the charity, and Dave said he is happy to help any event supporting children’s charities.

The Ronald McDonald House ‘took the pressure’ of Tracy and her family when Jacob was in hospital.

Tracy said she the family will always be indebted to the ‘invaluable’ work the charity does.

“Without Ronald McDonald Houses, many families wouldn’t be able to stay close to their poorly or terminally-ill children. It releases you from a massive financial burden,” she said.

“The staff are always there to help you after a stressful day on the ward.

“What the house offers is invaluable to families that are going through the worst time of their lives.

“For our family we will be always indebted to them, for being there for us and allowing us to spend precious time with our grandson Jacob.”

For more information or to donate to the cause, get in touch with the Observer and we will put you in contact with Tracy.

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