Margate man stages charity event in memory of his wife

A man from Margate is staging a musical, dance and comedy event on Sunday afternoon to raise money for charity. Gordon Clarkson has organised the event, which will take place in Margate Winter Gardens, in memory of his wife Joy, who died almost a year ago.

The event, called ‘Jumping for Joy’, will take place from 2.30 - 5.00 pm and the money raised from it will be donated to Macmillan, the Royal Variety Charity, the Royal Theatrical Fund, the Equity Benevolent Fund and Turn2us.

Joy worked at the Margate Winter Gardens and the event will feature some of her friends and colleagues from the entertainment industry, all of whom are giving their services for free in order for all the proceeds to go to the charities. Gordon chose the charities because of the help that each gives to people.

Speaking about the event, Gordon says:  “Had Joy been here, she would have been eager to try to help the charities help others who find themselves in our situation last year, and so it is in her name that her friends and family in the entertainment industry wish to give their time and talent to this event, and what a wonderful tribute to her.

“Some of her beautiful handmade costumes will be worn, and so her legacy will live on for a long time. In the programme notes, we conclude by saying that the show will be like her: fun, light, sometimes poignant but never mawkish. The cast and musicians, plus the management and staff of the Winter Gardens, are delighted to be ‘Jumping for Joy’ for the good causes that will benefit."

Thanking Gordon for supporting the charity, Namita Harvey, Head of Fundraising at Turn2us, said: “We are so grateful to Gordon for organising this amazing event. It is a wonderful tribute to Joy and the money raised will go towards making people’s lives easier, which is the best tribute of all.”

Doors open at Margate Winter Gardens, Fort Crescent, Margate CT9 1HX at 2.00 pm. Tickets are £10 and are available from the Winter Gardens Box Office on: 01843 292795.