Local fundraiser in support of Apple Tree Farm raises over £5k

Kentisbury Grange Estate near Barnstaple has raised £5,136 at a special fundraiser to raise awareness and much needed funds for a new sensory room at local therapy centre, Apple Tree Farm and for the National Organisation for FASD.

The Estate’s Coach House Restaurant welcomed guests on the 7th March as they enjoyed a fine-dining five course meal prepared by award winning chefs, including Kentisbury Grange’s own Head Chef Paul.  Dishes including Miso Glazed Beechridge Duck, Bombay Brixham Cod and Beesands Scallops came courtesy of ingredients donated from local suppliers, with local chefs also giving their time to the cause, meaning that all proceeds generated from ticket sales went directly to the beneficiaries involved.

The night also featured a pledge auction, encouraging attendees to dig deep for items generously donated, including a 2021/22 season Exeter City Football Club signed shirt, an official Exeter Chiefs 2019/20 signed rugby shirt and Pudsey Bear signed by Sir David Attenborough.

Apple Tree Farm is close to the heart of Kentisbury Grange head chef Paul and his wife Alison, whose adopted little boy was diagnosed with Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder with physical features (FASD) in 2020.  FASD is a diagnosis that describes the permanent impacts on the brain and body resulting in a spectrum of physical, emotional, behavioural, and neurological characteristics; without treatment and the right support symptoms have significant impact on learning development and the individual’s well-being and actions could include refusing to out, distancing themselves from friends and family and anti-social behaviour. Since the diagnosis, they have had significant help and support from Apple Tree Farm.  

Paul and Alison both wanted to help the therapy centre to raise money for a sensory room which includes fibre optic and reactive lighting, musical instruments, and tactile objects, which all come with a cost. The farm needs a minimum of £10,000 to build the room, with Paul and Alison setting themselves the target of raising at least half.  The success of Kentisbury Grange’s event means that they are well on the way to achieving their goal of £7,500, with 80% of proceeds going to Apple Tree Farm and 20% of funds raised to support the National Organisation for FASD.

Paul commented: “It was a spectacular night full of fun, laughter, tasty food, and bidding wars. The evening raised £2,336 from ticket sales and raffle, and the charity auction raised a further £2,800, making a grand total of £5,136 in just one night. A huge thank you to everyone who attended and of course to those who generously donated auction items or their time; none of this would have been possible without their support.”

If you would still like to donate, please go to Paul and Alison’s GoFundMe page.