The Island’s first Fairlee Fireworks has raised a staggering £35,000 for Mountbatten.
More than 2,000 Islanders descended on Newport’s North Fairlee Farm for the debut event, organised by the Isle of Wight Festival, Isle of Wight Radio and Mountbatten.
Live music, children’s rides, a fire show, a fundraising firewalk and a spectacular fireworks display all went ahead despite Saturday’s bad weather.
Giddings: They all deserve a medal
Isle of Wight Festival organiser John Giddings said,
“We are so grateful to everyone who helped to deliver this event in the face of such adversity, they all deserve a medal.
“It was so good, we will have to do it all over again next year!”
Fire walkers
John’s wife, Caroline, walked across red-hot coals for the cause, so far raising an incredible £11,000 in sponsorship.
In total, 66 fundraisers braved the heat to take on the firewalk – sponsored by Wight Fire and Security – including Mountbatten CEO Nigel Hartley and IW Radio’s Oliver Dyer.
Hartley: Blown away by everyone’s support
Nigel said,
“Everyone worked together to pull off what was a fantastic event, the feedback has been brilliant and we cannot wait for it to be repeated again next year.
“We are completely blown away by everyone’s support. At a difficult time for everyone, this will make a real difference to us and the work we do. Thank you from us all.”
Topping: What a night
IW Radio’s Paul Topping added,
“What a night. It was wet and windy but that will not stop us from doing it all again in 2023.”
Next year’s Fairlee Fireworks will take place on Saturday, 4th November 2023.
News shared by Matt on behalf of Mountbatten. Ed
