A Night to Remember: Wolo Celebrates Five Years of Hope, Community and Impact

July 25, 2025 / Justin Wright

Eastbourne, 4th July 2025: Local Sussex charity Wolo Foundation (We Only Live Once) marked its five-year milestone with a heartwarming and joy-filled Thank You Event at The View Hotel in Eastbourne, bringing together fundraisers, sponsors, families, and supporters to celebrate a shared journey of compassion, strength, and community.

From 6:30pm to midnight, the evening buzzed with energy, emotion, and entertainment. Guests were welcomed by magician Simon Vertue as he mingled with early arrivals, setting the tone for a magical night ahead. Host Jack The Lad brought warmth and laughter, kicking off proceedings with a game of heads or tails, with the lucky winner, artist Tony Parsons, walking away with a bottle of bubbly.

A silent auction featuring Tony’s own oil painting was displayed to raise vital funds, alongside a generous raffle that included prizes such as a £100 Cin Cin voucher, Ancient Jewellery by Mike Shorer, afternoon tea for two at The View Hotel, plus many more. The raffle alone raised an incredible £1,500!

Attendees were treated to a delicious three-course meal, with a well-stocked bar available and moving moments punctuating the night. Wolo co-founder Fler Wright delivered a deeply personal and powerful speech, reflecting on the charity’s roots and celebrating over £1 million raised and spent directly on supporting families affected by cancer across Sussex.

“Tonight isn’t just about five years,” Fler shared. “It’s about five years of saying… over and over again… you are not alone. Every single penny has been spent on the families who need it most. That’s a million moments of hope.”

Wolo’s new Fundraising and Partnerships Lead, Samantha Pond, added to the celebrations with a heartfelt tribute to the charity’s incredible community, the lifeblood of its success. From therapists to skydivers, small businesses to Wolo 100 Club members, Sam celebrated every supporter and shared powerful statistics:

Over 195 families supported across Sussex
1500+ therapy sessions delivered
2000+ house cleans provided
60+ family events hosted
150+ families given supermarket vouchers
An average of 1.2 new families welcomed each week
19% of families supported are from Eastbourne alone

The evening also included three live Q&As with community champions: Del Randhawa of Fivefoot8, fresh from a mission in Africa; Norman Mayhew of Sussex Signs Company, who wrapped Wolo’s new electric van; and special guest Judit, who bravely shared her story of facing cancer and how Wolo’s support has transformed her journey to one of health, joy, and resilience.

Wolo is proud to have been supported by generous event sponsors whose contributions helped bring the night to life. Huge thanks to Del Randhawa of Fivefoot8, Neil Ferminger of NF Construction & Driveways Ltd, and Martin Leppard of H2 Productions for their incredible support and belief in Wolo’s mission.

Excitement grew as Wolo announced the return of their much-anticipated WoloBall at Buxted Park on 6th December, with discounted tickets and tables available to purchase now. Attendees on the night were offered an exclusive discount.

The final word came from Wolo Trustee Adam Whisker, who gave thanks to Fler and Justin, the charities two founders, for their tireless dedication and called on the community to consider stepping into trustee roles to help shape the charity’s future. Add in the number of uptakes this had.

With a photobooth from Lumimix, music from the brilliant DJ Lady D, and a whole lot of dancing, the night ended with laughter, impromptu karaoke (thanks to DJ Lady D handing over the mic!), and memories that will last a lifetime.

Wolo’s Thank You Event wasn’t just a celebration…it was a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when people come together with love, purpose, and compassion.

Next up, Wolo returns to The View Hotel for Airbourne, a spectacular afternoon of flying action and family fun!

Airbourne with Wolo at The View – See the Red Arrows!

Thursday 14th August
12:30pm – 2:00pm (Balcony access until 5:00pm)

Join Wolo and watch the skies and the frontline of all the flying action from a prime position at The View Hotel’s Artisan Restaurant. Ticket price includes a carvery lunch, dessert and balcony access until 5pm.

Adults: £29.95
Children (6–12yrs): £15
Under 5s: Free!

Check out more event information here and come and enjoy the FUN!

#WeAreWolo #WoloThankYouEvent #WoloTurnsFive

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