Three charities close to the hearts of Devizes
people benefited by more than £2,000 each when
former mayor Sue Evans handed over the proceeds of her appeal last week.
Representatives of Dorothy House Hospice Care, Wiltshire Air Ambulance Appeal and Help for Heroes each received a cheque for £2,135 after Coun Evans raised more than £6,500
during her mayoral year, which ended in May.
She said: “It didn’t seem like hard work. I enjoyed my year so much and everyone was so generous. At the mayor’s carol concert in December, someone handed over £100 when he heard some of the money was going to Dorothy House.
“These are three charities that do so much good in this area. I could have thought of a lot of others, but you have to target where you think the money will do most good.”
Bernice Brady, of Help for Heroes, said she was overwhelmed by the support the charity has received since it was set up by Bryn and Emma Parry.
She said: “We have raised over £140 million to date and we are still receiving upwards of £500,000 a week.
“We keep thinking it is going to fall off but it never does. The money just keeps coming in. We are so grateful to Mrs Evans for this very generous donation.”
Claire Kelly, of Wiltshire Air Ambulance Appeal, said: “We need to raise £700,000 a year to keep the air ambulance airborne and this money is most welcome.”
Yvonne Brunton, of Dorothy House, said: “So many
people’s lives are touched by the work Dorothy House does and this money will help us keep working for the community.”
Coun Evans said: “It gives me so much pleasure to give this money to you. The whole town does need you.
“I would like to thank all the businesses and organisations who supported my
appeal.”
Among the contributors were Devizes Afternoon Choir, the Wyvern Club, Lions Club and Devizes Carnival committee.