Fundraiser for Ollie Isbell's funeral was a huge success

A fundraiser held at Hardy's Hophouse in the town centre in memory of mum Ollie Isbell was a huge success, raising hundreds for her funeral.

Ollie, 23, passed away on Monday, April 1, even though she was cancer free just before Christmas.

She was the mum of 16-month-old Harper, who she referred to as her 'absolute world.'

Ollie and her daughter Harper (Image: Ollie Isbell)
The night raised a total of £699 which will go towards the funeral costs and will be added to the amount raised by a GoFundMe page set up by Ollie’s mum Jackie Isbell.

It brings the total to almost £7,800 towards an £8,000 target.

Jackie said: “Everybody has been absolutely amazing. Hardy’s Hophouse have been amazing by raising all that money. Ollie would have loved it there, all of her school friends and my other girl’s friends were there.

“I just want to say thank you to everybody who has donated, sent messages and flowers. I am grateful beyond words.”

Ollie (left) and her mum Jackie (Image: Jackie Isbell)

The pub was ‘absolutely rammed’ with people who came out to support the fundraiser.

Sophie Gardiner, manager of Hardy’s Hophouse, became extremely close with Ollie last year and wanted to throw a fundraiser at the pub in St Thomas Street in order to give her ‘the best send off possible.’

Plenty of local businesses also got involved and donated some fantastic raffle prizes including Chalbury Food and Wine Store, Pure Hair and Beauty and Elite Tattoo and Piercing.

There was also a great line up of live music from Du Kane, Kezz Jo, Mark Loxley, The Dolmen, and Wildcats and 56.

Sophie said: “The fundraiser was amazing, it went really well.

“It was such a good night, there were lots of people dancing – at one point the pub was absolutely rammed.

“Ollie’s mum showed up and so did her sisters and they were so pleased – It was lovely.

“I’m overwhelmed by the number of people who all want to give Ollie a good send off and to raise that kind of money is amazing - she would want a big party.”

Sophie Gardiner, owner of Hardy's Hophouse, holding baby Harper and Ollie Isbell (Image: The Boot Inn)

The Palm House on Commercial Road also hosted its own fundraiser for Ollie.

Ollie would often visit the Palm House with her mum and daughter.

Owner Nigel Sims-Duff felt like he wanted to help support the family.

For the day, any money raised from the entry to the soft play area went towards the fundraiser, totalling an amount of £97.50 which was topped up to £100.

Nigel said: “We saw Ollie twice in the last couple of weeks before she died – She seemed happy and she was happiest when she was with her daughter, she loved watching Harper play.

Ollie's funeral will be on Monday, May 20 at 3.15pm at Weymouth Crematorium with the wake taking place afterwards at Hardy's Hophouse.

Family and friends want to give Ollie the best send off possible which - as long as everything goes to plan - will include elements like a horse drawn carriage.

Any leftover money raised will be put aside for Harper's future.

If you would like to donate to the GoFundMe, visit: https://tinyurl.com/2vh4u8vx.