Cop a load of this heart charity whodunit

Bolton based children’s charity Lagan’s Foundation are hoping to make a killing – by staging a comedy murder mystery to help fund their life changing support.

The Horwich based charity have conspired with renowned murder mystery company Laugh and Let Die to host a hilarious 007 themed whodunit called “Goldzimmer” (Saturday 25th March, see close of story for more details). And with the added enticement of a three-course meal at local Indian restaurant The Spice Valley, they hope the night curries favour with potential supporters and helps Lagan’s continue to offer respite to families of babies and children with complex heart defects and feeding issues.

The charity was founded by CEO Carren Bell following the tragic passing of her daughter Lagan from a congenital heart defect in 2011. Lagan was just 15 weeks old. Since then, the charity that proudly bears her name has provided at-home and in-hospital support to parents facing similar crises and now boasts a network of volunteers. Inspirational Carren was recently nominated for The Sun newspaper’s national award “Mom Idol” by her team.

Charlotte Othen from Lagan’s said: “The home support workers build-up a strong relationship with families, giving them time to rest, play with other children and generally feel less isolated. We make sure the children always see the same volunteer too, so they meet an adult they can trust who helps them to grow in confidence.”

Lagan’s make becoming a volunteer easy – but the specialised training these volunteers need, and allied to the price of keeping the charity ticking, they need over £70,000 a year to continue their vital work.

Business Development Fundraising Officer Charlotte has created a raft of activities to swell the coffers – including encouraging runners in April’s Greater Manchester Marathon to pound the streets to raise cash for Lagan’s.

Her motive for choosing a murder mystery was, she said: “It’s something different that I don’t think a lot of people would have attended before, and it will be good fun for everyone, old and young.”

Featuring Bury based actor Pete Gibson, Laugh and Let Die has produced a fine body of work over the last few years, entertaining audiences at large venues including casinos, restaurants and hotels. They have also performed at mayoral celebrations and fundraisers for good causes such as The Albert Kennedy Trust.

Rob Ireland, creative director of the company said: “Our whodunits challenge audiences to examine the evidence and question those in the frame within an inch of their lives but I suspect what people really like about them is that they are interactive, fun and a bit seaside postcard saucy! With characters such as cost-cutting MI6 CEO Titan Belt, eccentric inventor Alan Key and of course our ageing hero James Fond, “Goldzimmer” has been a real hit – especially at previous charity events.”

Charlotte Othen concluded: “It was their ambitious plans and passion for helping families that attracted me to Lagan’s and I would ask everyone to come along to the murder mystery, support us and find out what we are all about. We see the 007 mystery as a view to making a killing and who knows? You might even crack the case wide open and discover whodunit!”

Goldzimmer takes place on:

Saturday 25 March

7 30pm

The Spice Valley

171 Lee Lane

Horwich

Bolton

BL6 7JD

Tickets for the three-course meal plus entertainment are available by calling 07486 313296 or emailing charlotte@lagans.org.uk