A BROTHER and sister festival organising team have raised over a quarter of a million pounds for hospice care.
Woo Fest organisers Ria and Luke Simons are celebrating after the proceeds from this year’s event helped them reach a huge fundraising milestone.
The siblings, along with a dedicated group of volunteers, have surpassed a quarter of a million pounds raised for St Richard’s Hospice across the festival’s history, with the total standing at £270,785.
While St Richard’s benefits from ongoing and committed support from the community, no individuals have ever raised a sum of this kind in the hospice’s 42-year history.
Inspired by the care given to their music-loving dad John before he died at the hospice, the duo set up the family-friendly festival in 2015 to help hospice care live on for others.
From tiny beginnings in a field in Upton-upon-Severn, Woo Fest is now an award-winner and sellout event annually. It was crowned the UK’s Best Small Festival at the National Festival Awards in 2019 and 2022.
Ria said: “A quarter of a million pounds has been smashed, and that’s all because of an amazing community coming together for a cause that means so much to so many.
“Everyone gives their time, talent and energy to Woo Fest simply because they want to make a difference. It’s a truly beautiful thing.”
Luke continued: “There are many ordinary people doing extraordinary things to raise money for the wonderful St Richard’s Hospice, while putting on the best weekend we possibly can.
“Thank you to every single person who bought a ticket, came along, danced, sang, chilled out and donated. Quite simply, this wouldn’t happen without you.
“We’ll see you all next year.”
Abby Holliday, director of business and income generation at St Richard’s, added: “Ria and Luke have raised an incredible amount, especially for a charity like us that relies on our community to help raise 80% of the £12million it costs to keep our services running each year.
“We couldn’t be more grateful to them for choosing to turn their own experience of loss into help and support for those who need us, including bereaved children.”
