Comedian, novelist and broadcaster Jenny Eclair joined around 140 guests at Katharine House Hospice’s Bubbles & Blooms fundraising lunch, which raised almost £5,000 for local hospice care.
Held at Aston Marina near Stone, the event brought supporters together for an afternoon of dining and fundraising, including a Q&A with Jenny hosted by BBC Radio Stoke presenter Susan Hanks.
Funds raised will help Katharine House Hospice provide specialist care and support for local people living with an incurable illness and those important to them, from day one of diagnosis.
Jenny, whose own family members have experienced hospice care, spoke about the importance of people feeling understood and supported during difficult times.
She said: “Most of us need some help at some point in our lives. To be able to go somewhere you feel understood is essential. Everybody deserves kindness when they’re going through a difficult time.”
Many of those attending had a personal connection to the hospice, including June, whose husband received care from Katharine House Hospice.
June said: “I support Katharine House because of the marvellous care provided to my husband. Everyone was so professional and compassionate, and our whole family was supported. It was the best care I could have wished for.”
Another supporter had travelled from Doncaster while staying with a family member who is currently receiving care from the hospice. She praised the outstanding support he has received, particularly the way nurses have helped manage his symptoms and support his wellbeing.
Describing the venue as “delightful”, she said the event was another opportunity to support a charity that was doing so much for her family.
Comedian Jenny Eclair shares a laugh with BBC Radio Stoke presenter Susan Hanks during the Q&A at the Bubbles & Blooms fundraising lunch.
Guest Michelle added: “Jenny was hilarious – really relatable, down-to-earth and refreshingly honest. What an amazing event!”
Bubbles & Blooms was sponsored by Davison Law, with local businesses also supporting the fundraiser by attending, donating prizes and hosting gift stalls.
Lyndsey Howard, community fundraiser at Katharine House Hospice, said: “Bubbles & Blooms was created to give our supporters the chance to enjoy a special afternoon while raising vital funds to help more people receive specialist hospice care.
“We’re incredibly grateful to Jenny and Susan for making the afternoon so entertaining, and to everyone who attended, volunteered, donated prizes, hosted a stall or supported us in any way. Every ticket purchased and every act of generosity will help us continue caring for patients and those important to them when they need us most.”
Following the event’s success, the hospice hopes to make Bubbles & Blooms an annual event.
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Katharine House Hospice is here for you. Palliative care support is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Call the advice line on 01785 270832.
Katharine House Hospice provides free specialist care for local people living with an incurable illness and support for their families.
The hospice supported more than 2,600 local people and their loved ones during 2025–26.
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Lead photo: Hannah Fahy, head of fundraising at Katharine House Hospice, with Jenny Eclair and Susan Hanks.
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