THREE Cheshire women look set to smash their fundraising target as they look to support community projects.

Catherine Sandland and Sam Newey from Hartford and Kirsty James from Warrington are the team behind Soup on the Go crowdfunding events.

They have raised more than £900 for social enterprises and community projects and look set to smash their £1,200 fundraising target three months early.

The group was formed last May to help bring the community together and fundraise for social enterprises.

So far, the trio has raised £570 for the Greenbank Community Garden and £400 for Lymm High School’s PTA.

Residents who attend pay for a bowl of soup, donated by Chime in Hartford, and listen to several pitches from community groups and then vote for a winner. The winner receives all the takings on the door.

Catherine Sandland said: “When we launched Soup on the Go last May we could not have predicted just how well received it would be and we are thrilled with the support we’ve had from the local community so far.

“As we approach our third Soup on the Go event we’re hoping for our best turn-out yet and have three wonderful projects lined up to pitch for support.”

Sam Newey said: “It’s hugely heart-warming to know that the money raised from our events helps to make a very real difference to local projects, many of which can’t bid for grants or don’t have access to other financial support.

“It just shows the positive power of social fundraising and what is possible when a community comes together.”

Causes as diverse as PTAs, scout groups, charity start-ups and mental health projects are all welcome to pitch for funds and local people are encouraged to lend their support at the next event.

The next Soup on the Go event will be held at Hartford Cricket Pavilion in Bradburns Lane on Thursday 8th March 2018 from 6.30-pm to 9pm.

To attend the 8th March event visit soupotghartford2018.eventbrite.co.uk

To find out more about how to pitch for small-scale funding at Soup on the Go or to be kept up to date with future events email Catherine Sandland: catherine@catherinesandland.com