Lottie’s Way to Host First Gala Dinner at Croud Meadow

A Shropshire-based charity founded in memory of 19-year-old Charlotte Hope will hold its first-ever Gala Dinner at the Croud Meadow on February 7 - with tickets available until this Sunday.

Lottie’s Way, established in early 2024, was created by Charlotte’s family following her tragic death in April 2022, when she was killed by a drug driver near Shrewsbury while innocently driving her mother home.

The charity aims to support children and adults across the world through education and feeding initiatives, continuing the ideals Charlotte lived by.

Charlotte, known to family and friends as Charlie or Lottie, was a passionate volunteer and had been closely involved with the Taking Football to Africa and Beyond Appeal, based at RAF Shawbury.

Alongside her dad Neil, she visited Kenya on several occasions and, at the age of 16, volunteered for a month at the Restart Centre in Gilgil, which rescues and supports abandoned street children.

She was later training to become a primary school teacher at Edge Hill University, with the ambition of returning to Kenya to teach.

Following Charlotte’s untimely passing, initial fundraising efforts supported the Restart Centre before evolving into Lottie’s Way, a charity that is already having an incredible impact.

Lottie will never be forgotten, and Lottie’s Way aims to ensure that others will benefit from a horrendous situation.

The charity’s inaugural Gala Dinner will take place on Saturday, February 7 at the Croud Meadow.

The evening will include a three-course meal, raffle, live band and disco, with entertainment provided by Top Bananas.

A highlight of the night will be a live Question and Answer session hosted by broadcaster Gary Newbon MBE, who will be joined on stage by Dave Edwards, Steve Biggins, Gavin Cowan and Sam Aiston, with audience participation encouraged.

The event will also be attended by a number of distinguished guests, including Debbie Hewitt, Chair of The FA and FIFA ExCo member; Anna Turner, Lord Lieutenant of Shropshire; Warren James, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Shropshire; and Air Vice Marshal Tamara Jennings, Patron of Lottie’s Way.

Tickets for the Gala Dinner are priced at £75 per person and remain available until Sunday (January 25), subject to availability.

As part of the fundraising efforts, a charity auction will run alongside the event, featuring a range of high-profile sporting memorabilia.

Items include signed England men’s football shirts, framed shirts from Kevin Keegan and Manchester United, signed boots from Lioness and Arsenal captain Leah Williamson, a Leicester Tigers shirt signed by England international Joe Heyes, and two day passes for Saturday at The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, among many others.

Lottie’s Way is also seeking additional sponsors, auction items and raffle prizes, as well as volunteers and supporters willing to help raise funds through events or challenges.

For more information about the charity, tickets, sponsorship opportunities or donations, visit Lottie’s Way – The Charlotte Hope Foundation, by clicking HERE.