Duo organise a tasty way to raise funds for good cause

Pauline Robinson and Verena Harrigan decided to fund-raise for St Oswald’s Hospice after the death of Pauline’s husband Barry, who received care at the facility in Gosforth in 2011.

The charity nights at Manzil Tandoori in Oldgate encompassed a three course meal, a raffle and a quiz. A total of £500 was collected.

Verena said: “The evenings went extremely well. They were very well attended, people had a lot of fun and they raised a lot of money for such a worthwhile cause.

“I want to say thank you to everyone who supported them. The restaurant was fab too, it really got involved and was great with everyone.

“We hope to do another one in the future.”

The guests at the charity evenings included friends as well as staff and volunteers from the St Oswald’s Hospice shop in Morpeth, where Pauline has volunteered for one year, and staff from the Morpeth and Blyth branches of Leeds Building Society – Verena is a customer service advisor at the Morpeth branch.

Pauline said: “The charity is amazing. Its support and care really changes people’s lives for the better.

“When Barry was first diagnosed with cancer and found out it was terminal, St Oswald’s were extremely supportive. It’s such a worthwhile cause that helps people of all ages and conditions, not just cancer.

“They were extremely helpful to me and my family. I really wanted to help afterwards.”

The manager of Manzil Tandoori, Abdul Zabid, said hosting charity evenings at the restaurant is “the least we can do for the community”.

He added: “The nights are a good way of having a good meal, enjoying a night out and helping a charity.

“We hope the community continues to get behind them.”