An event which began with a minute’s silence in memory of its Petersfield co-founder has ended with the handover of a record-breaking cheque.

Jeremy Holmes said the resounding success of this year’s Easter Market at Petersfield Festival Hall was a great tribute to his late brother, Martin.

The siblings have held countless Easter and Christmas Charity Markets over the years at the venue, raising huge sums for the QA Body Scanner Appeal, Rocky Appeal and specialist medical equipment at Portsmouth Hospitals.

But this year’s Easter market was sadly missing Martin, as the former town councillor and local businessman died in January after a brave battle against cancer.

The profit and donations in memory of Martin have been given to the Portsmouth Hospitals Charity Cancer Fund, with a cheque for £3,150 being handed over.

The minute's silence for Martin Holmes at Petersfield Easter Market.
The minute's silence for Martin Holmes at Petersfield Easter Market. Cllr Chris Paige, then mayor of Petersfield, said a few words in memory of Martin at the event. (Jeremy Holmes)

“The Easter event was our best ever but it was also a great tribute to Martin,” said Jeremy, who will continue to run the Easter and Christmas Markets.

The Easter Market also raised £1,500 for local charities with beneficiaries including the Petersfield Lions, Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, Rosemary Foundation and Petersfield Musical Festival.

Some £2,075 was raised for the Cancer Fund at the market, while donations before and after Martin’s thanksgiving service added £1,075.

The cheque was presented outside the hall to Portsmouth Hospitals Charity Fundraising Manager, Sally Hillyear. Martin’s widow, Gerlie Holmes, and his best friend, John Westwood of sponsors The Petersfield Bookshop, also helped with the presentation.

Sally thanked Jeremy and his family and friends for the wonderful donation, adding: “Your markets have been so successful over so many years.

“Martin would have been so pleased for your continued success.”

Jeremy wants to thank all the helpers, stallholders and sponsors for their support, with the Giant Christmas Charity Market returning to Festival Hall on December 19.