Wishes raise nearly £1,700 for charity

A new after-dark event at Haughley Park, near Stowmarket, has seen nearly £1,700 raised for My WiSH Charity.

Visitors enjoying the Suffolk estate’s inaugural Spectacle of Light, in February, were invited to make a donation then make a wish, with contributions buying a ribbon to tie on a Wishing Tree at the end of an illuminated trail.

A total of £1650.59 was raised and will go towards the charity’s Butterfly Appeal which aims to create a dedicated indoor space, within a beautiful garden, for end-of-life patients at West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds.

Haughley Park owner, Robert Williams, said: “This is the first time we have held this event and it seems to have sparked such a wonderful response from those attending. We are very pleased to have been able to partner with My WiSH and I would like to thank everyone who came to Spectacle of Light and donated to this wonderful charity.”

Visitors to Spectacle of Light were taken on a magical walk through the usually-private grounds of Haughley Park, with illuminated trees, colourful light installations and a supporting musical score along the way.

My WiSH appeal manager, Sally Daniels, said: “The generosity of visitors was just overwhelming. Many tied ribbons on the tree in memory of loved ones which was just so moving and the children made some amazing wishes too. We have to say a huge thanks to Robert for allowing us to be part of this truly magical event and also to everyone involved in the Spectacle of Light. It was a great effort and lovely to have been part of it.”

Photo: Sally Daniels from My Wish Charity accepts the cheque from Spectacle of Light Director, Nic Beeby (left) and Robert Williams.