Hampsthwaite group raises £4,300 for local charity

The Hampsthwaite Wednesday Club has raised £4,300 for Acorn, the Harrogate-based charity which raises funds for people with dementia and their carers in the Harrogate and Ripon areas and for research into scleroderma disease at Leeds General Infirmary. The funds raised by the Wednesday Club will be used for Acorn activities which include outings, trips, lunches and clubs for people with dementia and their carers. These activities help to give a quality of life and opportunities to socialise with other people with similar conditions.

Each year, the Hampsthwaite Wednesday Club nominate a charity for the year. Wednesday Club member, Janet Hurst nominated Acorn as the chosen charity for 2011 and the fundraising activities included a Scrabble evening, fashion show, cabaret evening and even a copper collection.

Val Philipson, the chair and treasurer, Pat Marshall were delighted to hand over a cheque for £4,300 to Acorn chairman, Louise Hanen.

Louise said:

We are overwhelmed by the support we have had from this group. It is wonderful that these ladies chose to raise funds for Acorn and we are thrilled at their success in raising so much money.

Acorn has raised over £95,000 in the last twelve months through their supporters and from events like a Christmas party, 100k sponsored bike ride, golf and tennis tournaments and a bridge day.

The next Acorn event is the annual 100k Sponsored Bike Ride which takes place on Saturday 12th May starting at Bishop Monkton on a circular, fully-marshalled route. The event is sponsored by Lights4Fun with technical support by Chevin Cycles of Otley. Lunch for participants will be donated by Greencore, Zubrance and Seabrook Crisps with signage support by Marsland Timber and HACS. The Bike Ride is now in its 6th year and has raised over £145,000.

Entries for the Bike Ride can be made online at www.acorncharity.org.uk. For further information about this and other Acorn events, please contact Louise Hanen on 01423 734876.