Cinders the Firefighter TM

...made her public debut at this years Winter Snow Ball, she wished three lucky lady's a big happy birthday by bringing a big birthday cake to them on the stage. Keep a look out for "Cinders the Firefighter tm" at other venues.
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Money Raised

Over the past 3 years, the charity has raised £30,000 and look to keep building that figure through our winter snow balls and charity auctions.
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About Trudy

Our Trudy

following the tragic death of Trudy on December 5th 2006, it was decided very quickly that in order to "get through" this very difficult time we needed something to focus on.

Trudy gave so much and was such a big part of our everyday life, both at work and at play! Thinking back we still don't know how we got through that night, and how we have managed to carry on without Trudy's unique character, but we HAVE and we truly believe it is down to the planning of the ball and fund raising events which have helped us through.

We wanted to honour Trudy and the best way we could do that was by holding a black tie event. She was a lady who was full of life, she loved to party in style and enjoyed a never ending flow of bubbles, the ones that came in bottles with the name Christal across the front - this is how we came up with The Trudy Ramsden Winter Snowball.

The main intention of the ball was to remember Trudy however we also realised we could raise some monies for charity at the same time. The 2 charities which her husband Phil and her family chose were Fire fighters charity and a Cancer charity. This year we have chosen The Yorkshire Cancer Centre as our chosen cancer charity. So not only are we remembering Trudy we are also raising awareness of the well deserved charities at the same time, and highlighting this dreadful disease.

Alison and Lee Wainwright, myself and my husband Kevin, got together to plan the event and oversee the running of the Snowball. We were assisted by other members of white watch and MACC, Julie Carter, Belinda Snelson, Trish Cunningham, Lynn Thompson, Laura Bray, Michelle Bairstow, Tony Kirton, Val Meredith, Mark Thompson, all of which helped to make the ball such a fantastic event. I must also mention Richard Hall, Odsal Blue, who helped and advised us. Richard started off the Trudy Ramsden Memorial Fund when Odsal blue did the bike ride, he put together the slide show for the evening and we badgered him constantly for help and ideas. Brian Rhodes, ex driving school who transported just one or 2 bottles of wine for the evening, plus all the raffle and tombola prizes, he was a great help. The very talented Sarah Grieg, who helps with the design and printing of the stationary, Kelly Thornham who issued press releases and kept West Yorkshire FRS informed using Burning Issues, The list goes on...

Our intention for the future. The Winter Snow Ball 2009 is on the 7th March. Again we hope the night to be just as successful as 2008. It will be a black tie event in honour of Trudy at Elland Road Exhibition and Conference Suite. We would like to think that this could be an annual event however public interest will dictate this. Who knows we maybe jumping out of airplanes in 3 years time to keep the Fund raising alive!

It’s been a tough 2 years since Trudy died, and the ball has helped us remember her for her exceptional qualities and unique personality. Whatever we decide to do we will not forget Trudy and will continue to raise funds in her name.

Trudy spent 28 years working in MACC saving lives and protecting the public, she was commended by the former Chief Fire Officer, Mr. Toase and was a remarkable person to work with and socialise with. We just hope to continue to raise funds for the Charities and highlight their causes. The ball has been a blessing for us, we still have our bad days especially at this time of year but ironically, she is still helping us now and is still very much alive in our memories.

Debbie O’Grady WYFRS White Watch