On Saturday 7th August, Knipfest returns once again to raise money for charities including St Barnabas Hospice, in memory of Julie Copley. The popular music festival will be held at Woodnook, home of Kesteven Rugby Football Club.
In 2005, Julie was diagnosed with breast cancer and began chemotherapy and radiotherapy. During her time with cancer, she, along with husband John, organised two small festivals to raise money for breast cancer. They also took part in golf days, sponsored walks and other events, raising more than £50,000.
In 2009, Julie’s cancer returned to her liver and bones and was sadly diagnosed as terminal. Again, she went through chemotherapy and radiotherapy, but unfortunately died on 13th February 2010, age just 41.
Julie’s husband, John Copley said, “Before Julie died, I asked my good friend Phil Noon if we could set up a festival to raise money for St Barnabas Hospice and Cancer Research. He agreed straight away and together with John Watchorn and David Pendford, we organised the first Knipfest.
“Since then, the event has grown year on year and now attracts a crowd of around 1,500 people. With the wonderful help from Kesteven Rugby Football Club, we normally raise around £20,000 to split between the charities.
“The care Julie received from St Barnabas Hospice was wonderful. She had home visits every single day for around six months, and without their help things would have been very difficult for her and for the family.
“She was an amazing, wonderful, beautiful woman who is sadly missed by myself, our three children and everyone who knew her. We do this festival in her memory and will continue to do so for as long as possible.
“I will forever be in debt to St Barnabas Hospice for the care they gave Julie, and this is just my way of thanking them for caring for her and the thousands of others who need their support.”
Over the years, Knipfest has raised an incredible £43,000 for St Barnabas Hospice.
This year’s acts include..
THAT 80’S ROCK SHOW
THE WHISKEY REBELLION
THE EXTONES
THE HOUNDOGS
CRAZY APE
Tickets are still available to purchase for this year’s Knipfest, starting at 3pm on Saturday 7th August at Kesteven Rugby Football Club, Grantham.
They are priced at just £20.87 and can be purchased from www.knipfest.com.
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