By Andy Hirst

A Huddersfield charity has three great fundraisers coming up and also needs help collecting presents for families in need this Christmas.

Slaithwaite-based Ruddi’s Retreat provides free caravan breaks for families with children battling serious illnesses such as cancer, have life-limiting conditions or have suffered bereavement.

There will be a Halloween party on Sunday, October 30, at the Royal British Legion on Scar Lane, Golcar, from 2.30pm to 5pm featuring a disco, party games, tuck shop and tombola. The cost is £4 for children and £2 for adults. Tickets are available from the Royal British Legion or Ruddi’s café and shop in the centre of Slaithwaite.

There will be a Christmas shopping event featuring clothing and accessories company Frenz on Wednesday, November 9, at Slaithwaite Cricket Club from 6pm to 9pm. Contact ruddisjoanne@gmail.com if you need more information.

Ruddi’s has been running for 10 years this year and so is having a 10th anniversary Christmas party night on Saturday, December 3, at the Woodman Inn, Thunderbridge, near Kirkburton.

Sarah, Duchess of York with Ruddi’s Retreat founder Ali Waterworth and her son Ruddi.

The charity was founded by Ali Waterworth after her son, Ruddi, battled cancer as a baby and young child. Ali said: “This would be a great one for businesses to attend as it could double as the staff party at the same time as helping the charity.”

Tickets for the event which includes a four-course dinner and DJ are £50 per person or £450 for a table of 10.

Ruddi’s has also launched a Ruddi’s Reindeer campaign. Families with disabled or ill children are often hit hard financially so Ruddi’s has also appealed for people to drop off gifts which they will then wrap and give to families in need for Christmas.

Ali said: “We need as many Ruddi’s helpers as possible with this if people or businesses can rally neighbours, friends or employees to each donate a gift or two. That would be amazing.”

Anyone who can do this or can help in any other way can contact Ali by emailing ruddisretreat@gmail.com or phoning 01484 766050.

* Copyright for this story belongs to freelance journalist ANDY HIRST who runs his own Yorkshire agency AH! PR (https://ah-pr.com/) specialising in stories for the media, press releases, blogging, copywriting, scriptwriting and applying for awards.