Jenny Eclair brings laughter to our first Bubbles & Blooms
31 July 2026 | View all news
Around 140 guests joined comedian, novelist and broadcaster Jenny Eclair at Aston Marina near Stone for our very first Bubbles & Blooms lunch – an afternoon filled with laughter, dining and fundraising.
The event raised almost £5,000 to help us provide specialist care and support for local people living with an incurable illness and those important to them.
Jenny took part in a lively Q&A hosted by BBC Radio Stoke presenter Susan Hanks.
Kindness during difficult times
Jenny, whose own family members have received hospice care, spoke about the importance of people feeling understood and supported.
She said: “Most of us need some help at some point in our lives. To be able to go somewhere you feel understood is essential. Everybody deserves kindness when they’re going through a difficult time.”
Guest Michelle added: “Jenny was hilarious – really relatable, down-to-earth and refreshingly honest. What an amazing event!”
Personal reasons for supporting our care
Many of those attending had a personal connection to our hospice, including June, whose husband received care from us.
June said: “I support Katharine House because of the marvellous care provided to my husband. The care was professional and compassionate, and the whole family was supported. It was the best care I could have wished for.”
Another supporter had travelled from Doncaster while staying with a family member who is currently receiving our care. She praised the outstanding support he has received, particularly the way our nurses have helped manage his symptoms.
Describing the venue as “delightful”, she said the event was another opportunity to support a charity that was doing so much for her family.
Thank you for making it possible
Bubbles & Blooms was sponsored by Davison Law, with local businesses also supporting the fundraiser by attending, donating prizes and hosting gift stalls.
Lyndsey Howard, our community fundraiser, said: “Bubbles & Blooms was created to give our supporters the chance to enjoy a special afternoon while raising vital funds to help more people receive specialist hospice care.
“We’re incredibly grateful to Jenny and Susan for making the afternoon so entertaining, and to everyone who attended, volunteered, donated prizes, hosted a stall or supported us in any way.
“Every ticket purchased and every act of generosity will help us continue caring for patients and those important to them when they need us most.”
Following the success of our first Bubbles & Blooms lunch, we hope to make it an annual event.
