Thatcham couple celebrate 25 years of fundraising for charity

More than 100 people attended a charity garden party in Thatcham at the weekend.

On Saturday (July 20), the mayor and deputy mayor of Thatcham visited the home of Lin and Pete Congerton, who have spent the past 25 years fundraising for local charities – raising more than £50,000.

And this year, the money they have raised – currently £2,200 – will be donated to two local causes.

The Thatcham Cancer Support group meets most Thursdays in the Parish Hall and is a charity close to their hearts.

Mrs Congerton said: “The group lets you be yourself and the activities, like the gardening at the Nature Discovery Centre, helps you forget your worries for a few hours.”

The other beneficiary is the Thatcham Jubilee Sensory Garden, outside Thatcham Town Council’s offices in Brownsfield Road.

Mr Congerton attends regular meetings at the garden and has learnt a lot about plants and how to make bug hotels.

“These two people and their family always love to help others and created a spectacular day,” said Thatcham councillor Mark Lillycrop.

The party included a homemade buffet, drinks, a lucky dip, name the teddy, a raffle and an auction.

Items were kindly donated by Cook & Butcher (meat raffle), West Berks Van Hire, Tesco (Bournemouth), Heidi Parker Hair, Stacey Day Hair, Coco Beauty, Thatcham Garden Centre, La Luna, Bella Luna and the Woodpecker.

The couple’s daughter, Kristina Congerton, also made two decorated cakes, which raised more than £180 in the auction, while their granddaughter, Millie, raised over £140 with the lucky dip.

Mr Congerton added: “We wanted to celebrate living 40 years in this house and fundraising for 25 years.

“Because of failing health, this may be our last year of being able to do this on such a grand scale.

“We wanted to make this day special and one everyone will remember.”