Festive boost for Stafford's Katherine House hospice

A community event at Stafford and Rural Homes' Hall Close "You First" independent living scheme in Stafford, raised £500 for Katharine House Hospice and organisers recently handed over a cheque to the charity's community fundraiser, David Middleton.

"Events such as this are vital to the hospice, as they all help towards the £3 million it takes to run the hospice each year," David said.

"On behalf of everyone at the hospice I would like to say a huge thank you to the residents of Hall Close, it was an amazing effort and so kind and generous of the residents to host the event for the charity."

Featuring a tombola, cake stall and table top sale, the event was also staged as a tribute to David James, a friend and neighbour of the organisers. Until losing a brave fight against cancer last year, David organised regular coffee mornings at Hall Close.

Sue Boden, one of the organisers of the event, said: "As well as being a fitting tribute to David, the event was great fun and gave us the chance to bring the community together to raise money for a very worthy cause."

More than 60 people came along on the day which was supported by a number of local businesses who donated prizes for the tombola, including a free MOT from the garage in Silkmore and gift vouchers from the local fish and chip shop, the Butchers in West Way, Costa Coffee and a local taxi firm.

SARH chief executive, Karen Armitage, added: "Once again SARH Independent Living customers have proved their community spirit by honouring their friend's memory whilst supporting a charity that's close to the hearts of many people in Stafford and surrounding areas."

Stafford and Rural Homes (SARH) is the largest social landlord in Stafford with around 6,000 homes across Stafford, Stone and the rural villages across the borough.

Set up in 2006 to own and manage the former Stafford Borough Council housing stock, SARH also runs 18 independent living schemes for people aged over 55.