Cambridgeshire: Memorial event raises £2k for Dementia UK

Martin's Day was held at Witcham Village Hall in aid of Dementia UK following the death of Martin Pate last year. 

"The sun was out and so were people coming to support the event and remember Martin," said his grandson, Angus.

"We estimate there was between 300 and 400 people there, if not more.

READ MORE: Martin's Day in memory of Witcham resident Martin Pate 

"It was more than we could have ever dreamed of as a family and some said they had never seen so many people at one event in the village before."

Despite the hot weather, Angus said "we even had people travel back to Witcham who moved away 35 years ago".

One of the impressive cakes that was made for Martin's Day (Image: Angus Pate)

Cream teas were served and there was a hog roast/burger van, which were both busy.

With seven stalls in the hall selling a range of goods, guests commended the turnout.

The cricket match was won by Witcham, with both teams featuring a mixture of current and past players.

"So many wanted to play that they had to keep swapping players during the innings," Angus said. 

The family also had to stop selling grand draw tickets because they nearly ran out of tickets.

One of the impressive cakes that was made for Martin's Day (Image: Angus Pate)

He added that the family had "an amazing total" of 86 prizes, and that Helen and Becca Calver of Witcham donated two cakes for the day, both themed on what grandad loved.

While the family had hoped to match the amount they donated when Martin died (£1,400), they "smashed that as we raised £2,155.45 for Dementia UK.

Angus said: "A big thank you to The White Horse in Witcham, Witcham Equestrian Centre, Fenfarm Supplies and Mepal Stores for selling tickets before the event, and also everyone who donated prizes for the day.

"And thank you to everyone who helped on the day setting up, in the kitchen, selling raffle tickets and clearing everything away. It made the day run so smoothly."