Burnham-On-Sea’s summer lighthouse trail raised a final total of more than £8,000 for charity, it was revealed last night (Sunday).
The final figure was announced by organisers from Highbridge and Burnham Artists (HABA) during a special event at Burnham’s Lighthouse Inn to thank all the supporters and those who had bid for the 34 mini-6ft wooden replicas in an auction.
A cheque for £8,053.39 was presented to Scott Woodberry from Burnham cancer support charity Petal, which is run in memory of Christine Woodberry who died after a battle with ovarian cancer.
Speaking at the event, he told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “This is a sensational amount to have raised which far exceeds our hopes. Huge heart-felt thanks go to all who have contributed and made this possible. The funds will help local cancer sufferers during their time of need.”
HABA’s Sarah Berryman thanked those who have helped make the trail such a success – including the businesses and organisations where the lighthouses had been displayed, the HABA artists, sponsors, and all the auction bidders.
Special thanks also went to volunteer Paul Plume, who built the lighthouses over many months, despite battling ill health caused by cancer.
“Paul has been a tower – a hero – to us and we cannot thank him enough for all his work in building the lighthouses alongside his helper Les Roper,” said Sarah.
Paul said: “I have made so many brilliant new friends during this project. It has been great to be a part of it, especially as I have cancer myself, and I thank you all so much for the support.”
Sarah also thanked fellow HABA member Verity Trevor-Morgan for all her backing, adding that she had originally come forward with the idea to launch the lighthouse trail and had then ensured it had become a reality.
Sarah said that half the total funds raised had been raised from the silent auction with the remainder coming from collections, with Burnham shop Material Needs raising the most of the venues.
Noah, a six year-old who had visited the roaming red lighthouse every week during the trail, was named the raffle winner.
HABA is now working on a 2015 calendar, which is set to go on sale soon featuring photos of the colourful lighthouses.
Pictured: From top: the artists, supporters and bidders at Sunday’s event; The cheque handover with Sarah Berryman, Paul Plume, Scott Woodberry and Verity Trevor-Morgan; The artists with one of the lighthouses earlier this year; Above HABA’s Sarah, Paul and Verity with Lesley Filce and Cora Stock
