NEARLY half of the dozen local charities to benefit from the £6,000 raised by the Rotary Club of Oswestry’s Tree of Light Appeal 2018 have now received their cheques.

To date The Marches Riding Association for the Disabled, Oswestry & District Stroke Club, Hope House, North Shropshire Special Olympics and The Harry Johnson Trust have all benefited.

The Tree of Light organiser Mike Jones said: “We have seen again this year the value of the many volunteers who give so generously of their own time and expertise as well as by raising funds for these local charities.  All the Appeal’s donations have been gratefully received.”

Mike Garratt the Chair of Oswestry & District Stroke Club, a self-help and social group for people who have suffered a stroke, and their carers, said: “Unfortunately we have lost quite a few members this year but will be able to use this donation to spread the word about our club and gain new members.  We are here to support sufferers and their families.”

More helpers were also needed by The Marches Riding Association for the Disabled who provide horse riding sessions at Penycoed Stables, Pant on a Thursday morning from 10.30 am.  “The Tree of Light donation is invaluable in helping us to meet the costs of insurance and hire of the horses but we also really need more volunteers to assist us with delivering our sessions.” said Gail Bradley from the group.

The North Shropshire Special Olympics group offer sporting activities for children and adults with learning disabilities and will be using their donation to support their members’ fundraising to compete at the Special Olympics National Games in Liverpool in 2021.

The number of projects run by The Harry Johnson Trust to offer help and support to children and teenagers receiving care from the Oncology Team at The Princess Royal Hospital expands each year so the Tree of Light Donation was gratefully received by Sally Johnson and her husband Steven at the Rotary Club’s recent Charter Night when Sally was the guest speaker.  “Thank you to everyone who has made a donation to the Tree of Light – your support and generosity are very much appreciated.” said Sally.

Mike went on to thank individual donors to the appeal and its sponsors from the local business community.  “It is rewarding to see that at Christmastime we can all remember others who are less fortunate than ourselves and do something to help them.”

If you want to get in touch with any of these groups please contact rotarycluboswestry@gmail.com and they will be happy to put you in touch with them.

Pictured:  Mike Garratt Chair of Oswestry’s Stroke Club receives a cheque from (l-r) Mike Jones, Tony Ridge and President Ian Glenister.

Pictured:  (l-r)  Mike Jones, Gail Bradley, Ann Dulson, Agnes Barbour, Tony Ridge and Pres Ian Glenister.

Pictured:  Hope House’s Holly Wilcock receives their Tree of Light cheque from Mike Jones and President Ian whilst stalwart Denzil Ellis looks on.

Pictured:N Shropshire Special Olympics group members Darren Roberts and Ann-Marie Campbell receive their cheque from Mike Jones and Denzil Ellis.

Pictured:  (l-r) Sally Johnson, President Ian Glenister and Stephen Johnson at the recent Charter Night