On Saturday 29th March, Shildon Civic Hall hosted the highly anticipated Ossie Bowes Charity Night and raised over £1,700 for the UK Sepsis Trust.

Over 250 friends and family of the popular Shildon man attended the sold out event, which featured Roger’s 60’s Disco and Trivia Quiz, X Factor Finalist ‘Emily McNamee’ and soul singer ‘Luther’ from Chicago, USA.

An abundance of prizes were won by lucky locals including a Barbour jacket, donated by Dame Margaret Barbour, signed Sunderland, Middlesbrough, and Hartlepool football memorabilia, a professional family photo shoot and a Lake District hotel stay, as well as a variety of vouchers and gifts donated by local businesses and individuals.

The fundraising is set to continue as Ossie’s son Stuart takes on the National 3 Peaks Challenge in June of this year. He will have only 24 hours to climb and descend the highest mountains in England, Scotland and Wales and journey between locations – without any pause or stopping of the clock. Stuart will encounter knee deep snow and night-time walking during the challenge, which includes 743 kilometres of roads, 42 kilometres of hiking and a total ascent of 9,800 feet. Anyone wishing to support the challenge and make a donation in memory of Ossie are invited to visit: www.justgiving.com/ossiebowes.