AN EGG-CELLENT Easter weekend saw families on the hunt for chocolate in Covingham and friends flocking to Town Gardens for a fundraiser.
Sweet shop owner Hannah Fruen said she was overwhelmed by the response to her Easter egg hunt around the neighbourhood which she organised in memory of her best friend Stephanie.
Hannah set up tables outside her Mallard Close home with the help of her mum Carol Trueman and friends Laura and Becky, offering goodies from Mama’s Sweet Treats and Fudge and raffle prizes to little ones in bunny ears who looked high and low for hidden eggs.
The event proved to be more popular than expected as the bright sunshine brought dozens of people out and about over the course of the day.
Enjoying a coffee in Town Gardens Picture: DAVE COX
All the money raised will go to St Anne’s Hospice, which looked after Stephanie before she died of a brain tumour at the start of this year.
Hannah said: “I kept getting emotional because it went so well, and it was lovely seeing people enjoying themselves and all the little smiles on children’s faces.
“The turnout was phenomenal, the weather was perfect, and we’ve raised hundreds of pounds in one day.
“While I was setting up, a robin arrived right in front of me and, as I’m quite superstitious, it felt like Steph saying it’s all going to be alright.”
Hannah’s mum Carol added: “I think Stephanie would have been proud.”
Daniella Robins of the Beauty Bar popped over from North Swindon with her parents and two-year-old daughter Millie.
She said: “It’s Millie’s first proper Easter so she loved it, all she did yesterday morning was eat chocolate.”
To donate, visit gofundme.com/f/5b3rg
Meanwhile, the Rotary Club of Swindon Old Town briefly took over the iconic cafe in the Town Gardens to host a fundraiser for Brighter Futures, the president’s chosen charity.
Before its new owners Marie Kilford and Frances Tucker take on the long-standing landmark, the rotary club served drinks and snacks to queuing customers.
Treasurer Melodie Beevers and her granddaughter Giorgia Manzi took on the Saturday morning shift.
Giorgia Manzi, Melody Beavers and Debbie Vincent at Town Gardens Picture: DAVE COX
Melodie said: “It was great fun, people were so generous and supportive, the time flew by. It was so nice to talk to everyone, a super morning.”
Coun Junab Ali volunteered in the afternoon. He added: “There was a constant flow of people, which was great to see. We’d like to thank the parish council for giving us this wonderful opportunity.
“It’s great to support our hospital and the NHS.”
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