MP Alan Mak praised a Havant businesswoman on her “fantastic” charity fundraising efforts as she prepares to tackle a gruelling Grand Canyon trek.
Paula Orton, who runs BodyWorks Hair & Beauty Clinic at the Meridian Centre, will begin the hike through the remote American region next week, but before she left the Havant MP visited her to wish her well, and draw the winners of her fundraising Pamper Hamper raffle.
The raffle raised £325, helping Paula smash her £4,000 fundraising target for Naomi House and Jacksplace Children and Young Adults Hospice.
The hospices care for more than 280 life-limited and life-threatened children, young people and their extended families from across Hampshire.
Mr Mak said: “It was a great privilege to draw the BodyWorks raffle and to personally congratulate Paula on her fantastic fundraising effort. Both the hospices provide an essential and compassionate service to Hampshire children and families, so it is a very worthy cause to get behind. I know Paula has been training very hard and I wish her the best of luck during her challenge.”
Paula will spend 10 miles a day walking during the trek, despite being terrified of heights and having no hiking experience.
She said: “It was great that Alan was able to come and draw the raffle. Thank you to everyone that has contributed and it will make me more determined than ever knowing the amount of support that I have been given.”
You can still donate to Paula’s challenge by visiting justgiving.com/Paula-Orton or by texting GRCA80 followed by an amount up to £10 – eg GRCA80 £10 – to 70070 or in person at Bodyworks Hair and Beauty Clinic, Meridian Centre, Havant.
Picture: Havant MP Alan Mak with Paula Orton (and Bodyworks staff)