Bury businesswoman’s early festive market in aid of cancer charity is a ‘roaring success’

Shoppers in Bury St Edmunds were given an early taste of Christmas at a festive market in aid of a cancer charity.

Businesswoman Hayley Wallis, 29, organised the ‘Early Christmas Market’ at the Unitarian Meeting House, in Churchgate Street, on Sunday.

It was in aid of Prostate Cancer UK as her dad Barry Smith is undergoing treatment for the disease.

With 20 stalls featuring a range of products and local businesses, the event was aimed at young professionals.

Mrs Wallis, who runs online business Ivy-Joan, said: “It was a roaring success. It was so busy all day and as well as raising money for Prostate Cancer all the local businesses said they really profited from the day.

“We’ve received 15 messages from customers all asking when the next one will be so we are really excited about what this could mean going forward as we feel like Bury is crying out for something like this.”

Mrs Wallis aimed the event at young professionals as she felt there was a gap in the market for such an audience.

After commuting to work in London, it was her dad’s diagnosis which inspired her to start her own business so she could be closer to home.

Her company specialises in personalised gifts, vintage items and clothing.

Visit www.ivyjoan.co.uk