A CARIBBEAN night at The Woolly Sheep in Skipton raised almost £3,000 in aid of the charity Bliss, which supports families of babies born premature or sick.

Organised for Matthew and Catherine Whitwam, of Skipton, whose own son, Henry was born prematurely, the sold out event was just one of the many fundraisers being carried out by the grateful couple.

Next month, keen runner Matthew will be taking part in the London Marathon, and Catherine recently held a cake sale and tombola at Fisher Medical Centre, raising an impressive £370.

Henry, who is now a thriving four year old, weighed just 2lbs and 14oz when he was born premature at just more than 28 weeks at Airedale Hospital in 2015.

Bliss provided support for both Catherine and Matthew during the difficult three months that Henry spent in the hospital’s neonatal unit.

Having set themselves a fundraising target of £2,500, the couple have already smashed it, with Matthew’s marathon run still to take place on April 28.

The Woolly Sheep evening was organised by landlord Andy Goodall and head chef Dan McGill and featured Caribbean dishes including jerk chicken and curried goat, and some special Caribbean themed drinks. There was also a raffle with prizes donated by several businesses including Alexanders, D&J Nails, Stanforth Butchers, Le Bistro and the Rendezvous Hotel.

Wine and food for the event was donated by Timothy Taylors and Bon Coeur Fine Wines, R&J Butchers, Class One, and Tarbett’s Fishmongers.

Catherine said: “We cannot believe how generous and supportive the people of Skipton have been throughout the fundraising and the funds raised will enable Bliss to continue with the fantastic work that they do.”

People can support Catherine and Matthew further with their fundraising by donating to Matthew’s marathon run at: virginmoneygiving.com/matthew-whitwam

Other businesses who have supported the fundraising are: Every Cloud Cakes and Bakes, Ilkley Cow, Jetts Fitness, Skipton Hand Car Wash, and Starbucks.