A HEREFORDHIRE couple has donated £50,000 to a charity which supports children with a rare form of eye cancer.

Clive and Sylvia Richards, who live in Ullingswick near Bromyard, handed over the sum to The Childhood Eye Cancer Trust so it can continue its work after being financially hit by the Covid-19 crisis.

More commonly known as CHECT, the small charity provides help and support to UK families affected by the rare eye cancer retinoblastoma - which normally affects children and babies under the age of six.

The cancer has a 98 per cent survival rate, but in around half of all cases a child has to lose an eye to stop the cancer from spreading.

As they don’t receive any money from the government, the charity relies totally on public support to fund their work.

CHECT’s fundraised income was down by just over 70 per cent in the first three months of this financial year due to the cancellation of public fundraising events.

The Clive and Sylvia Richards Charity is committed to supporting charitable causes where its financial support will make a difference.

Clive Richards, who received a CBE for services to charity and to the community in Herefordshire in the latest New Year Honours List, said: “We are delighted to make this richly deserved donation to the Childhood Eye Cancer Trust, who have given so much to the children and families who have suffered from this unfortunate illness.

"Our charity is committed to supporting education, healthcare, heritage and arts and our aim is to make a difference.”

Patrick Tonks, chief executive of the Childhood Eye Cancer Trust added: “We’re honoured to have received this funding which will help us to continue to support UK families facing a diagnosis of retinoblastoma.

"When a child is diagnosed, it can be a distressing and frightening time for everyone – even more so during the unease of a pandemic – and we are here to help.

“This donation will make an invaluable difference to our families.

"Whilst we and our wonderful supporters will still need to work hard to continue to raise funds, we recognise that this donation from The Clive and Sylvia Richards Charity will make a huge difference to our ability to continue our work helping those affected by this cancer especially in such challenging times. We are extremely grateful for their wonderful support.”