IN one of the most difficult years any of us have known, we asked readers to join us in supporting seven local charities nominated by the county’s mayors.
The seven nominated charities were Leominster’s Community Wheels, pictured bottom right, “a vitally important community transport service, providing users of all ages and needs with door-to-door travel,” said Cllr Clive Thomas, nominating the charity.
In Hereford, Mayor Kath Hey nominated Phoenix Bereavement Services, which works with children and young people when someone close to them dies. Rose Bellis, (top left with Rubi Thackway, inset) were supported by Phoenix and now help others.
In Ross, the Basement Youth Trust was nominated by Mayor Daniel Lister, who said: “As a community we need to step in and protect these services, and vital connections to our youth and their future”. Amy (bottom left) used to attend sessions and is now a valued member of the Youth Work Team.
Hay and District Dial a Ride was nominated by Cllr Trudy Stedman, and Dial a Ride user Trish Kiddle (bottom row, middle) was delighted: “They just make people’s lives so much better.”
The Madison Shelbie Trust was nominated by the mayor of Ledbury, Daniel Vesma (middle row, centre). The trust has directly supported more than 350 parents, grandparents and siblings of babies who have passed away in Herefordshire.
The Bromyard Food Bank and Money Advice Centre (top right), has, since the start of the pandemic in March, supported more than 350 adults, 140 children, 24 babies with fresh food and essentials for a week.
Nick Turner (middle, far right) knows only too well how valuable Kington United Charities, mayor Bob Widdowson’s nomination can be. In partnership with another charity, they replaced Nick’s scooter, a lifeline he relied on to get to work.
These seven invaluable charities will each receive a share or nearly £3,000 raised by this year’s Christmas appeal. Thank you to all who contributed.