The Cheltenham Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has presented Cheltenham cancer support charity, Maggie’s, with a cheque for £310.20. The money was raised from a Christmas Sing-along held at the Sandford Park Alehouse on Cheltenham High Street.
CAMRA Chair, Veronica Emary, said: “The branch wanted a fun Christmas event which could also raise money for a good cause. We decided on Maggie’s, a ‘drop in’ centre, which does wonderful work providing support for all those affected by cancer, their friends and relatives.
“The Alehouse is a great venue. It is in the final four for UK CAMRA pub of the year, so we had no trouble attracting people to the event. Pianist Grenville Hillman and a Ukulele band kindly volunteered their time to play popular Christmas songs and carols and lead the singing right through the evening.
“We would like to thank all the people who supplied raffle prizes and all those who bought tickets for this worthy cause. It was a busy night and we would particularly like to thank the staff of the Ale House who worked really hard to make sure no one went thirsty. Everyone had a great time.”
Receiving the cheque, Debbie Dundas (Maggie’s Fundraising Organiser) said: “On behalf of everybody at Maggie’s I would like to thank you and all the members of Cheltenham CAMRA for your kind donation of £310.20 from your Christmas Sing-along evening.
“Maggie’s provides free practical and emotional support for people with cancer and their families and friends. Close to Cheltenham General our centre is a warm and welcoming place, with professional staff on hand to offer the support people need to find their way through cancer.
“Donations like yours really do make a difference to the support we can offer our visitors when they need us most.”
Built in 2010, Maggie’s Cheltenham is a fusion of old and new. The lovingly restored, Grade 2 listed Victorian lodge is at the front, and the new modern extension (by distinguished architect Sir Richard MacCormac) is at the side and back of the building.
With seven permanent staff and numerous volunteers, Maggie’s Cheltenham need to raise over £500,000 a year to continue to deliver the care which their visitors and families need.
For more information about the valuable work Maggie’s carry out, and to find out about upcoming fundraising events, please visit www.maggiescentres.org/our-centres/maggies-cheltenham/.