Thatcham pensioners raise top sum for West Berkshire League of Friends
A group of Thatcham residents have made a considerable donation to a local charity through a recent fundraising campaign.
Homeowners at William House, in Thatcham, banded together to support the West Berkshire Community Hospital League of Friends, a charity which has supported hospitals in and around Newbury since 1948.
They managed to raise £670 – and rounded off their campaign by holding a big fundraising event and cake sale at the home on Saturday, October 19, which was open to friends and family members.
Duty manager Stacey Chesters explained how the project started: “We nominate a local charity every year.
“Then the homeowners do some knitting and coffee mornings to fundraiser.
“They chose the League, but decided they wanted to push it a bit, as relying on knitting doesn’t make that much.
“They decided to hold a fundraising event. They went around local communities and businesses and asked for donations. It was really good for them to do that.
“They then advertised it within the home and invited family and friends, and we held a big event on the Saturday.”
And why did they choose this charity? She continued: “A lot of the homeowners do use West Berkshire Hospital.
“That’s why they chose the League of Friends.”
The White Hart and Thatcham Butchers were among the local businesses that donated raffle prizes.
The homeowners even received donations from as far as Basingstoke.
Sandford Springs Hotel & Golf Club donated a round of golf.
League chairman Stuart Stephens added: “The League of Friends are incredibly grateful for the magnificent donation from William House.
“It’s so encouraging and truly heartwarming when local people make such an effort to support the League’s work at our community hospital.
“Rest assured every penny will go to provide local patients with the very best equipment and enable more treatments and diagnosis here in their hometown.”