Customers and staff at Wellingborough cafe bar raise more than £1,300 for Irthlingborough charity

Castello Lounge in Wellingborough has been raising money for Chelsea’s Angels throughout June with numerous events, including selling mocktails during the Waendel weekend, bake-off competition and Father’s Day fun day.

Their efforts have raised £1,360 for the charity, which was set up in memory of Chelsea Knighton from Irthlingborough who lost her two-year fight with childhood cancer neuroblastoma in 2009.

A post on the Castello Lounge Facebook page said: “We are delighted to announce that after a month of fundraising that we have raised a grand total of £1,360 for Chelsea’s Angels children’s cancer charity.

“We would like to thank everyone who has generously donated to this charity that is close to our hearts here at Castello, and to the staff for their tireless efforts in running fundraisers and raising the profile of this amazing charity.

“We cannot wait to see what amazing things this money will do for children and families affected by cancer.” ❤️

The month of fundraising was part of Lounge Aid, an initiative run by the Loungers chain during June which encourages its venues to do something for charity.

Staff at Castello Lounge chose Chelsea’s Angels because the charity has supported Jack Warboys, who is the little brother of team members Harriet and Lewis.

Jack from Wellingborough was diagnosed with leukaemia at the age of seven and has been helped by the charity in various ways.

Vanessa Young, a supervisor at Castello Lounge as well as its charity ambassador, said: “We were overwhelmed with everyone’s support.

“It was really kind of everyone to support us.

“It was customers and staff as well as people just walking by if we were doing something outside.”
Vanessa said they are looking to support other charities in the future, and they would love it to be local charities like Chelsea’s Angels.

Michelle Tomkins from Chelsea’s Angels said: “Thank you to everyone that supported Castello with their fabulous ideas, events and our pots and merchandise.

“We are absolutely over the moon and extremely grateful to Castello, their fantastic committed staff and the amazing Vanessa.

“Thank you for everything you’ve done and continue to do in the future for other amazing charities.”

Chelsea’s one wish before she died was for her family to help other poorly children like her and this led to Chelsea’s Angels being set up in 2010.

Since then, the charity has raised thousands of pounds and worked tirelessly to help other youngsters going through treatment and their families.

One of the ways it helps families is buying something to put a smile on the child’s face or by offering financial support to the family.

They also donate care packs to youngsters being treated at Leicester Royal Infirmary where Chelsea was treated.