MORE than 150 people enjoyed an evening afloat on a Solent cruise that resulted in hundreds of pounds being raised for a local hospital unit.
Club members, along with friends and family, set sail for a trip towards the Isle of Wight and raised a total of £825 for the Friends of the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at Southampton General Hospital.
The cruise was organised by Maureen Lowry.
President Rosemary Coward welcomed everyone aboard and she mentioned various organisations including Southampton and Chichester Soroptimists, Hayling Island Sailing Club, Hornet Sailing Club, Gosport Active Group for the Blind and their dogs and the Airways Retired Group from the Isle of Wight.
“A very warm welcome to you all,” she said and thank you to the 18-strong Pompey Pluckers Ukulele Group who provided musical entertainment.
“And a big thank you to Maureen for organising this evening. I know it has been hard work right up to the last minute.”
Rosie Mitchell, a nurse at PICU, explained that they cared for children – from babies to teenagers – who required intensive care following major surgery or trauma. The unit treats youngsters from throughout southern England and many are transferred from their home areas to Southampton in the specially equipped ambulance funded by the charity along with other equipment and accommodation for families.
A raffle organised by club member Celia Veal raised £255.
*In the picture, president Rosemary Coward picks out winning the raffle tickets watched by Celia Veal, seated second left, and her helper Pat Caulton
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