Stemster House Ladies' Day raises almost £4000 for Maggie's Highlands
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A Ladies' Day at a popular Caithness wedding venue raised almost £4000 for a Highland cancer support centre.
A total of 120 ladies enjoyed prosecco and afternoon tea at Stemster House before dancing the night away.
It resulted in £3933.60 being raised for the cancer care centre run by Maggie's Highlands in Inverness.
“It was so well supported by other local businesses," organiser Jacqueline Coghill said. "Everyone was so generous."
Maggie's Highlands is a cause close to Jacqueline's heart as her mum, Isobel Keith, benefits from the centre, located next to Raigmore Hospital.
Entertainment for the Ladies' Day was provided by singer Lisa Douglas and Thurso-based ADJ Events.
Jacqueline, who is wedding coordinator at Stemster House, said: “Our Wee Shop, out at Westfield, donated all the baking. There were 120 tickets sold for the event, so 120 afternoon teas were put on, and they provided all the baking for it, free of charge – and a couple of raffle prizes as well.
“They were just amazing at supporting us and they took tickets to sell for it as well.
“Lots of other local businesses supported us with raffle prizes, and local artist Katie Squires donated a lino print of Old Stemster House that she'd made especially for us. We were absolutely chuffed that she'd donated that and it actually went to one of the family who grew up here.
"Lisa Douglas provided entertainment for us free of charge. She is absolutely amazing – she is able to tailor make her shows to suit any occasion or event, and she keeps the crowd going.
"The dance floor was not empty at all.
"Andy Crawford from ADJ Events came along as well free of charge and provided a DJ service and then hosted our karaoke into the evening. That was brilliant.
“People arrived at about two o'clock and I think the last revellers left about half-eleven, so it was definitely a good day."
Other businesses that provided support included Isauld Farm Butchery, Fascination, A Bit o Bling, Tesco Thurso, R Henderson Mechanical and Welding Services, the Park Hotel, Laser Gifts 4U, Eye Candy, Geise Farm and McBeath Jewellers, while Stemster House staff gave up their time to work at the event.
Jacqueline explained: “I've done a few running things for Maggie's Highlands over the years because they have helped us as a family. My mum is going through treatment for cancer and has been for the last 10 years, so they've been a massive support to the whole family but especially my mum when she has been down there on her own.
“They have been invaluable, so anything we can do to support them is the least we can do.”
Maggie's Highlands cancer support specialist Pamela Wright said: "We're incredibly grateful to the ladies in Caithness for their generosity in hosting and attending this fundraising day for Maggie’s, and to Lisa Douglas, ADJ Events and all the businesses that supported the day as well.
"It sounds like everyone had a fantastic time.
"The money raised will help us to continue to provide much-needed support to people with cancer and their families across the Highlands and Islands."
