Teen who has raised more than £40,000 for charity in memory of best friend invites residents to latest event

A teenager who has raised more than £40,000 for charity in memory of her best friend is looking forward to her next fundraising event this weekend.

Clara Powis, aged 17, has been fundraising for Hope House Children's Hospices since she was eight, and raised more than £41,500 so far.

The teenager from Ryton, near Shrewsbury, began fundraising for Hope House after losing her childhood best friend Maya, who was born with a life-threatening condition. 

Maya received care at Hope House until she died in 2015, aged seven. 

Since then, Clara has arranged numerous fundraising events including classic car/vehicle convoys, comedy nights, charity balls, head shaves and more to raise funds for the charity. 

And she has recently spent time organising a 'Summer Fete-ival' bonanza event, which will take place at Ryton Village Hall this Saturday (June 28).

Starting at 3pm, the event will feature live music from the start until 11.30pm, as well as food trucks, a bar, stalls from local businesses, and more.

Other attractions on the fun-filled day will be a tug of war, silent auction, raffle, classic vehicle display, and dog show.

Residents are being encouraged to bring camping chairs, shop, eat, drink and enjoy the music.

Anyone who would like to display their classic or vintage vehicle is being asked to arrive by 2.30pm, and the driver will be provided free entry.

The dog show will feature prizes for 'puppy love', top rescue, best fancy dress, junior handler, and 'golden oldie'. Rosettes will be awarded to the top three dogs in each category. 

Entry for the Summer Fete-ival costs £10. Under-16s can attend for free.

Christmas comes early to Condover with charity Santa event

Two Shropshire youngsters will be bringing a touch of festive cheer to their community and have organised a Christmas in Condover event to raise money for Hope House children’s hospice.

Clara Powis, Lucas Bennett and Andrew Powis

Clara Powis and Lucas Bennett have arranged for Santa to tour the roads in Condover spreading cheer and handing out treats, while there will be bucket collections raising money for the charity.

Clara, 16, has been fundraising for Hope House for many years, raising £40,000 in memory of her childhood friend Maya.

Maya was born with a life-threatening condition and received care at Hope House until she died in 2015. Since the age of eight, Clara has thrown herself into hosting charity balls and cake sales, a colour party, collected donations at Theatre Severn and Shrewsbury Folk Festival, taken part in runs and organised raffles and auctions galore, all in Maya’s memory.

Friend of the family Lucas, at pupil at Church Stretton School, thought Christmas was a perfect opportunity to raise a bit of extra money.

“I have seen all the great events Clara has done, and thought why not do something a bit Christmassy to raise more money,” he said.

The event will take place on Saturday, December 14th from 4pm and will finish at the Condover Social Club, with Santa stopping along the way for pictures.

“We are looking forward to seeing everyone in Condover for a fun night which will raise money for Hope House,” added Clara.

For more information see hopehouse.org.uk/condover-christmas.