Three siblings from Salford were “in disbelief” after raising more than £1,400 at their third annual fundraiser in Walkden held in memory of their mother.
Ashley, Jessica and Beth organised the event at Walkden Legion social club in support of Headway Salford, a charity that helps people living with acquired brain injuries.
The fundraiser was held in honour of their mother, Michelle Done, who died in 2023 after suffering a brain aneurysm, with the bulk of the proceeds from the event.
Michelle was found to have a dormant brain aneurysm after a fall and was placed in critical care, where she appeared to be slowly returning to full health. However, the Salford mum suffered a second bleed on the brain and passed away on 21 June 2023.
Determined to turn their loss into something positive, the siblings have since raised thousands of pounds for Headway through an annual event celebrating their mother’s life and remembering others affected by brain injuries.
With some of the family unable to attend this year’s event due to a wedding in Greece, Ashley Johnson-Done explained he was blown away by the amount of money raised.
“I was in disbelief,” he said. “It was really touching to see people that care turn out at the Legion.
“To see them give their time and effort to show up means the world to me. It was great to see family and my mum’s friends who I don’t get to see all the time and it is also nice when people attend who have family members who have passed away from brain injuries.”
Ashley explained that his mother would have been supported by Headway had she not suffered the second bleed on the brain. After speaking with staff from the charity, he became aware of the level of funding needed to provide services for people with acquired brain injuries.
“They require obviously a lot of money for the physio, the time, the staff, day trips and this and the other, the social care worker highlighted. “We thought what can could do and we decided to hold the fundraiser.”
The fundraiser has gone from strength to strength since it was first launched and is now held in the larger concert room at Walkden Legion to accommodate the increasing attendance.
Ashley said organising the event can be hectic, with family and friends helping to prepare food and run activities on the day.
“One of my mum’s friends does the hot food, we all chip in and make sandwiches and organise the raffle,” he said. “Our houses are a mess in the run-up to the event each year.”
To Ashley, the hard work was worth it to see “so many smiling faces on the tables.”
He said: “It was a massive success and we were shocked with the amount of money raised.”
More information about Headway Salford can be found on the charity’s website.
