A community fundraiser held on Saturday 3 October 2026 organised by Watford Charity Garba and Lata Savjani Rees was a huge success. The afternoon of traditional Indian dance, live music, and fundraising brought local residents together at the Holywell Community Centre in Watford.
In total, the event raised over £3,000 with 100% of proceeds from ticket sales, donations, and raffle ticket sales divided equally between West Herts Hospitals Charity and Royal Brompton & Harefield Hospitals Charity to support healthcare projects.
Funded through generous support from event sponsor Chime Housing and the Mayor’s Small Grants Fund, the afternoon offered an inclusive space where participants of all ages and experience levels could learn simple dance steps on the day or simply relax and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Renowned Watford musician Narayanan P N and his band provided live music throughout the event. Capable of singing in 14 languages and performing extensively across the United Kingdom, Narayanan delivered an engaging performance that kept energy levels high.
West Herts Hospitals staff members joined the celebrations with their families, including Dr Nina Breunung-Joshi, Clinical Director Cancer Services, and Dimple Shah, Medicines Information Pharmacy Technician.
Organiser Lata Savjani Rees said:
“Bringing people together through dance and music is a real joy, and seeing our community unite to support our local hospitals made the afternoon really special. Garba is a celebration open to everyone, whether learning your first steps or dancing for years. Most importantly, every ticket sold and donation made directly supports two essential healthcare appeals that make a difference to so many lives”
Alison Rosen, Chief Executive Officer of West Herts Hospitals Charity, expressed her gratitude:
“We are immensely grateful to Watford Charity Garba, Lata Savjani Rees, and the local community for supporting our charity through this wonderful event. Community fundraising like this makes a real difference, helping us provide extra support, equipment, and enhanced care for patients and staff across West Hertfordshire.”
Transformative Projects Supported
The funds raised will directly benefit two transformative fundraising projects:
- West Herts Hospitals Charity – Caring for Generations Appeal: Supporting initiatives across Watford General, St Albans City, and Hemel Hempstead Hospitals, including new sensory play equipment in outpatient waiting areas, refurbished children’s isolation rooms, and improved dementia care facilities.
- Royal Brompton & Harefield Hospitals Charity – Ion Robot Appeal: Funding pioneering robotic-assisted technology that enables specialists to perform ultra-precise lung biopsies, detecting lung cancer at the earliest possible stage when it is most treatable.
In addition, an application is currently underway for matched funding through Barclays Bank. Further updates will follow!
Community Praise
The event received overwhelming praise from attendees following the afternoon:
“Words cannot adequately express how much we enjoyed yesterday. Thank you SO much. What a wonderful warm welcome!! What a fabulous bunch of people!” — Anna G
“Well done Lata for organising a lovely event. Everyone really enjoyed and food was good too. All your hard work and efforts paid off. I think it was a great success.”
“It was so lovely to see you. You organised a lovely event. We had a fabulous time. Thank you.” — Amita
“Hi Lata, thank you, it was a lovely event. If you do any other charity events I would be happy to help out.” — Sunila
“Well done Lata. Your Charity garba was a great success. Pure enjoyment.” — Sudha P
Thank you to Watford Charity Garba, Lata Savjani Rees, sponsors, performers, volunteers, and everyone who attended for making this afternoon such a huge success.
Event Photo Gallery
Take a look through our image gallery below to see some of the highlights from the day!
