ACTRESS and television personality Debra Stephenson helped to boost donations to a Poole hospice after taking on the Ice Bucket Challenge during a charity event.

The star of programmes such as Coronation Street, Bad Girls and The Impressions Show was given a soaking by her seven-year-old daughter, Zoe, during Lewis-Manning Hospice’s Vintage Garden Party event held at their base on Crichel Mount Road.

Debra, who is a patron of the hospice, was spontaneously nominated to take on the challenge by Rachel Lapworth, Lewis-Manning Hospice’s Director of Development, and Ms Stephenson decided to waste no time in completing the task.

Paul Tucker from Lewis-Manning Hospice said: “We were delighted that Debra was able to attend and she was such a good sport to take part in the Ice Bucket Challenge, especially as she was totally unprepared.

“It was great fun though and helped to raise vital funds.”

With thanks to the support of Debra, the event raised £2,377.97 for the hospice, which gives free care and support to people with cancer and other life-limiting illnesses.

The garden party featured a host of entertainment for visitors on the day, including an arts and crafts fayre, cakes, plants and jewellery stalls, as well as a fun dog show, with singing from Sarah Macnaughton of The Rising Voices Community Choir.

Sally Goodenough, event organiser and Lewis-Manning Hospice’s corporate and legacies fundraiser, added: “Everyone who attended thoroughly enjoyed themselves and seemed to be extremely happy to sit and watch the fantastic singers and dog show whilst the world went by on the harbour. We were also blessed with perfect weather.”

The Ice Bucket Challenge has seen people from across the globe raise money for charity.