Colour, Dance And Community Spirit Shine At Holi Fundraiser For Mountbatten And Admiral Nurses

A vibrant Indian-themed fundraising evening celebrating the Festival of Holi brought colour, music and community spirit together on Saturday (March 7), raising £7,000 for Mountbatten Hospice and the Dementia UK Admiral Nurses Appeal.

Held at the Lakeside Park Hotel in Wootton, guests from across the Island enjoyed an evening inspired by the traditional Indian festival of colour, love and spring.

The event began with a drinks reception sponsored by PC Consultants, followed by a stunning Indian classical dance performance by the Shree Dance Academy.

After dinner, guests enjoyed another dance routine and lively Bollywood dancing, with many joining in on the dance floor.

Dr Radhika Rampat gave a welcome speech, while the silent auction was presented by Dr Kavita Gulati and Dr Robert Lever.

Speeches were also delivered by Becky McGregor, CEO of Mountbatten, and Lady Grylls on behalf of Dementia UK Admiral Nurses.

Organised by Jessy and Dr Arun Gulati, the evening celebrated culture while raising vital funds for two much-loved Island causes.

Jessy said:

"Holi is a festival that celebrates joy, colour and community, so it felt like the perfect theme for bringing people together while supporting two incredibly important causes on the Isle of Wight."

Funds raised will support Mountbatten Hospice, which provides compassionate end-of-life care for Island families, and the Admiral Nurses (IW) Appeal, which funds specialist dementia nursing support for people living with dementia and their families.

Organisers thanked everyone who attended, performed, donated, and helped make the evening a success, including Lakeside Park Hotel and Lady Grylls, who came up with the idea for the fundraiser.