A Netherton woman has raised almost £5,000 in tribute to one of her best friends after taking on a challenge ‘harder than climbing Ben Nevis’.
Intrepid Healey House resident Kath Basnett did not expect to fill her bucket with the impressive amount of £4,710 after deciding to organise a charity ball in aid of the Multiple Sclerosis Society.
She and the other friends, who go by the name of Classy Birds, were put up to the fundraising challenge by friend and Golcar woman Pam Ward, who was diagnosed with the condition 10 years ago.
A total of 164 people dug deep into their pockets at Kath’s glamorous event, which was held at Bertie’s Banqueting rooms in Elland and also raised awareness of the condition, which affects the nervous system and affects 100,000 people in the UK.
Kath, 60, said: “Last year Pam gathered us all together and gave us a challenge to raise as much money as possible for the charity.
“Sadly it doesn’t get as much public funding as other charities because it doesn’t tug on the heart strings quite like more sudden illnesses because, although a chronic and disabling condition, it is one which can develop over a long time.
“I suggested either doing a ball or walking up Ben Nevis and Pam was all behind a bit of glitz and glam.
“It took a lot of work and I think it was a lot harder than trekking up the mountain would have been but it all paid off and it was a fantastic night.
“I’d just like to thank everyone who came and supported the event and to Barclay’s Bank, who agreed to give us £1000 if we raised over the same amount.”
Kath and Pam’s other friends now plan to host more fundraising stunts to help the society, which raises awareness of the condition and money to enable more research to be undertaken.
Early signs of multiple sclerosis can include problems with vision, balance, dizziness, memory difficulties and speech.
