Delight as Shirley hands over cash

After a year of fundraising for the county's two hospices, Shropshire Star journalist Shirley Tart handed over the proceeds yesterday.

About 120 friends and supporters joined Shirley and representatives from Hope House and the Severn Hospice for a finale tea party at Oakgate Nursery, Ellerdine Heath.

A marquee was loaned by owner John Newington after his wedding on Saturday - and he and new wife Sarah spent part of their first day as man and wife vacuuming it for the event!

Shirley launched the Golden Years appeal to mark her 50 years in newspapers.

By yesterday, about £32,000 had been raised with the final £24,000 presented to the chief executives of both hospices, David Featherstone, from Hope House, and Paul Cronin, of Severn Hospice.

Shirley said: "It has been a marvellous year, we've had so much fun and people have been incredibly generous in supporting the appeal with everything from donations at family celebrations and sponsored events to concerts and cake stalls.

"John and Sarah offering their marquee and staying on after their wedding to help prepare it for us is the sort of kindness which is really humbling.

"Both hospices are a vital part of our county life, it is a pleasure and a privilege to help them. I am keeping the Golden Years account open for the occasional joint event. And it's typical of such wonderful, warm-hearted friends that about £440 was donated at the tea party to start the next phase of fundraising."

The Severn String Quartet played through the afternoon and tea was provided and served by friends of both hospices and others in the Golden Years team

Mr Cronin and Mr Featherstone thanked all who helped raise the money, paid tribute to the Shropshire Star and Shropshire Magazine for their support and presented Shirley with 50 celebration roses.

By Susan Williamson