Telford causes given cash from Tree of Light
More than £38,000 raised through Telford's annual Tree of Light appeal has been handed out to good causes.
Rotarians from Ironbridge, Telford Centre, Wellington and The Wrekin gathered at a ceremony to mark the 19th annual charity event.
Severn Hospice, which has bases in Telford and Shrewsbury, received £19,100 and appeals officer Sarah Maythorne, of the hospice, said the money would make a huge difference.
The neonatal unit at The Princess Royal Hospital in Telford, Telford Mind, the Georgia Williams Trust and Wellington Cottage Care each received cheques for £4,775 at the presentation night, which was held at The Park House Hotel in Shifnal.
It comes after a record £38,200 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.
Names are displayed on lists around the Tree of Light in Telford Shopping Centre, at Wellington Market and in the windows of Tranter Lowe's offices in Oakengates and Dawley, and inside Truffles Café in Ironbridge.
Names were also displayed on the Tree of Light website and in the Telford Journal.
Peter Seaward, chairman of Telford Tree of Light and Wellington Rotary Club, said it had been a record-breaking year.
He said: "We should not be in this position but for the generous support of the people of the Telford area and in fact beyond. Wasn't it a good tree this year? Our thanks to Telford Town Centre management."
He added that over the years the Tree of Light had raised £200,000 for good causes.
Ms Maythorne, of Severn Hospice, said: "This money will make such a difference throughout the year."
She added that it would allow more than 600 people to spend the end of their lives at home in comfort.
The Georgia Williams Trust was founded shortly after the death of the 17-year-old in Wellington.
The charity's aim is to enable young people to take part in the adventurous activities Georgia enjoyed.
Georgia's mother Lynnette said the family had thrown itself into work for the Georgia Williams Trust and the donation from the Tree of Light would make a real difference.
Mrs Williams said she had been touched by the generosity of people and the charity was making a real difference to the lives of young people.
