MARKET traders turned their stalls green to raise money for their local children’s hospice – Derian House – in celebration of the charity’s 30th anniversary.
There was a party atmosphere on Chorley Market on Saturday (7 October) as all the traders and market staff put on their green T-shirts and blew up their green balloons – with collection boxes for donations.
Not only that, but there was live music coming from every corner as the event coincided with local music festival – Chorley Live.
The idea to turn the market green came from florist Naomi Moazzeny, whose daughter Riziah, seven, regularly visits Derian House for swimming lessons at the charity’s special hydrotherapy pool.
“It was an honour to help turn Chorley Market green to commemorate the years of love and care that the hospice has given us and many more families in our area,” said Naomi, of Chorley, who runs Blossom and Bloom Floristry in Chorley Market.
Riziah was born with a rare condition called Heterotaxy Syndrome, causing her internal organs to be abnormally arranged and her heart to mirror itself with two left sides.
“As we are new to Chorley Market, I wanted to raise awareness of how important the hospice is to our family,” said Naomi.
“Despite Riziah being in hospital, we managed to pull everything together in time. Everyone put up banners, balloons, we had T-shirts hung up on stalls. We had a raffle and a ‘guess how many dog treats are in the jar’.
“Derian House has been a lifeline for us. When we visit, it’s incredible to watch Riziah’s face filled with so much joy. Over the years we have enjoyed playgroup, family day sessions, and we had a great time in the charity’s holiday lodges. Riziah even began swimming lessons at the hospice last year. It’s an incredible place.
“The counselling at the hospice is amazing – I have been able to share my fears and worries. Knowing I can just visit the hospice when I need that extra support – there are no words to describe how much it means. And the relationships I have made with other parents who I know are just on the other end of a phone if I need them.
“I want to thank all the market traders and staff who came together to turn the market green for Derian House. It was a fantastic day and I’m proud to say we have raised money to help families like ours. Here is to the next 30 years of Derian House – happy birthday!”
Derian House celebrates 30 years of care this month, marking three decades since the Chorley hospice first opened.
Ann-Marie Fishwick, Community Fundraiser at Derian House, said: “What a fantastic way to celebrate Derian House’s big birthday – we are so grateful to everyone on Chorley Market who has shown their support and turned their stalls green!
“While care is free for families like Naomi’s, it will cost £6million to run services at the hospice in 2023 and we rely on the kindness of our supporters for 70p in every £1.”
Derian House cares for more than 400 babies, children, young people and their families from across the North West and is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Find out more: https://www.derianhouse.co.uk