Ely’s very own Gary Barlow superfan has launched her annual fundraising efforts leading up to the BBC Children In Need appeal.  

Sue Smith has once again managed to secure a variety of amazing Gary Barlow and Take That themed prizes for 18 online raffles.  

They include two VIP tickets to see Take That in Birmingham next May, merchandise from their tour and two signed bottles of Gary Barlow’s wine. 

Ely Standard: Two VIP tickets for Take That's upcoming tour in Birmingham are among the raffle prizes.Two VIP tickets for Take That's upcoming tour in Birmingham are among the raffle prizes. (Image: Supplied by Sue Smith)Sue, a childminder who runs Sweat Peas Childcare, has even managed to get hold of memorabilia and collectable items from previous Take That tours.  

She said: “Gary Barlow is my inspiration, he gives so much time to his fans and makes us feel so very special.... 

“... It makes me feel so very humbled to be able to give something back to the charities so as to help those less fortunate children and their families...” 

Ely Standard: Sue Smith is a childminder in Ely.Sue Smith is a childminder in Ely. (Image: Supplied by Sue Smith)

Alongside the raffles, her annual fundraising event will take place this year at Treetops Soft Play, in Lancaster Way, Ely, on November 16.  

Childminders, parents and families are welcome to “a morning of fun” where there will also be dance and singing performances from Lane Academy at 10:15am. 

The Ely-based businesses that have already donated prizes for the event’s raffle include: Poets House, City Cycle Centre, Blossoms of Ely, Sophie’s Afternoon Tea and Cakes, Eel Catchers Daughter, Toppers Hair Design, Cherry Hill Chocolates and Blush of Ely. 

Last year Sue managed to raise £4,000 from her fundraising efforts. 

This year, she has so far raised £1,075.

Ely Standard: Two signed bottles of Gary Barlow's Sauvignon Blush wine are among the online raffle prizes.Two signed bottles of Gary Barlow's Sauvignon Blush wine are among the online raffle prizes. (Image: Supplied by Sue Smith)Sue has also decided to split her total between Children In Need and Child Bereavement UK.  

  • Join “Sue’s Children In Need Raffle 2023” group on Facebook to take part in the raffles for the Take That themed prizes. Alternatively send Sue a Facebook page or email suesmith503@btinternet.com.