Telford Rotarians raise £38,000 for good causes

Severn Hospice, which has a base in Apley, received £19,000. Norma Ross, the charity's appeals manager, said the money would make a huge difference to the organisation's work.

Headway Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin Young Carers and the Alzheimer's Society each received cheques for £4,750 at a presentation night which was held at the Ramada Gray's Hotel on Forgegate last night.

It comes after a record £38,000 was raised through the Tree of Light appeal which took place in the borough,.

It was run by officials at the Ironbridge, Telford, Wrekin and Wellington Rotary clubs.

People were able to make a donation in memory of a loved one in the run up to Christmas in return for a light on the tree.

Peter Seaward, chairman of Telford Tree of Light and Wellington Rotary Club said it had been a record-breaking year and added a Facebook page had been set up to raise awareness of the appeal further.

He said: "I would like to thank the generous people of Telford who have remembered their loved ones in such a practical way that they can help also those less fortunate.

"I am please that in my first year as chairman of the committee that we have achieved not only a record amount but also remembered so many people."

"I am very conscious that so few people know about the Telford Tree of Light that we only receive donations from about one per cent of the population.

"We want to spread the word to encourage their friends to remember their loved ones."

Ms Ross said: "This is a record-breaking cheque and shows the community spirit of people in Telford.

"This money will make such a difference throughout the year."