Bethany picks Headingley as venue for new charity events (From Wharfedale Observer)

Bethany picks Headingley as venue for new charity events

9:40am Friday 15th June 2012 in Local news By Annette McIntyre

An iconic cricket and rugby ground is giving a charitable youngster a sporting chance to raise even more cash for sick children.

Headingley, home of the Yorkshire Cricket Club, Leeds Rhinos and rugby union club Leeds Carnegie, has thrown its weight behind 12-year-old fundraiser Bethany Hare, who has already raised more than £18,000 for a children’s hospice and has set up her own charity in a bid to raise even more cash.

Bethany, from Horsforth, launched the charity Bethany Hare’s Smile Foundation following the success of a Charlie Chaplin-style charity film she made and also her first Walk of Smiles event, held in Horsforth in September 2011.

Now, the Headingley Experience, which manages events and catering at the ground, has been picked as the charity’s chosen venue for a range of further fundraising efforts.

The Headingley Carnegie Stadium’s Long Room will be the venue for a charity ball, planned for October 20, while the venue is also preparing to host a Bethany’s Smile fundraising fashion show and auction on November 1.

Bethany’s mum Yvonne said: “It’s fantastic that Headingley has offered to help us. It’s the perfect venue for us, and the team there are so professional and friendly.”

Jacqui Page, sales and marketing manager for the Headingley Experience, said: “We’re delighted to be partnering Bethany’s Smile, and are looking forward to doing all we can to help her raise even more money.”

Bethany is also being supported by the family of the late Sir Jimmy Savile. They are donating a proportion of the sales from a biography.

For more information or to make a donation to Bethany’s Smile, e-mail bethanyssmile@virginmedia.

com or visit bethanyssmile.org