Three Salford siblings were “in disbelief” after raising more than £1,400 for a brain injury charity at their third annual fundraiser.
Ashley, Jessica and Beth organised the event at Walkden Legion social club in support of Headway Salford, which helps people living with acquired brain injuries.
The fundraiser was held in memory of the siblings’ mother, Michelle Done, who died in 2023 after suffering a brain aneurysm.
Michelle was found to have a dormant brain aneurysm after a fall and was placed in critical care.
She appeared to be slowly returning to full health but later suffered a second bleed on the brain and died on 21 June 2023.
The siblings have since raised thousands of pounds for Headway through an annual event celebrating their mother’s life and remembering others affected by brain injuries.
Some family members could not attend this year because they were at a wedding in Greece, but Ashley Johnson-Done said he was surprised by the amount raised.
He said: “I was in disbelief. It was really touching to see people that care turn out at the Legion.
“To see them give their time and effort to show up means the world to me. It was great to see family and my mum’s friends who I don’t get to see all the time and it is also nice when people attend who have family members who have passed away from brain injuries.”
Ashley said his mother would have received support from Headway had she not suffered the second brain bleed.
After speaking to the charity’s staff, he learned about the level of funding needed to provide services for people with acquired brain injuries.
He said funding was required for physiotherapy, staff time, day trips and social care.
Attendance has grown since the fundraiser began, leading organisers to move it to the larger concert room at Walkden Legion.
Ashley said organising the event could be hectic, with family and friends helping to prepare food and run activities on the day.
He said: “One of my mum’s friends does the hot food, we all chip in and make sandwiches and organise the raffle. Our houses are a mess in the run-up to the event each year.”
Ashley said the work was worthwhile because it brought “so many smiling faces” together.
He added: “It was a massive success and we were shocked with the amount of money raised.”
