The Mayor of Gosport, Councillor June Cully, recently welcomed members of her charity fundraisers The Gosporteers into the Town Hall to accept cheques for her two main charities.
At the meeting of the Full Council held on 4 April, Gosporteers Chairperson Mrs Cindy Edge handed the Mayor two cheques, both for £2,500, one for the Gosport & Fareham Multiple Sclerosis Society and one for the Gosport Carers’ Support Fund.
“It gives us great pleasure to present the Mayor with this money, raised at various events organised throughout the year including the Gosport Carnival, Michaelmas Fayre, and the ever popular Vehicle Rally at Stokes Bay,” said Mrs Edge. “The Gosporteers have been doing charity fundraising for many years, and we hope to continue for many more, but sadly our numbers are depleting and we need new blood. If anyone has an interest in organising events and having fun we would love to hear from them.”
Representatives of both organisations attended the Council meeting to accept the cheques. Honorary Alderman and former Councillor, Graham Hewitt accepted the cheque on behalf of the Gosport and Fareham Multiple Sclerosis Society. Graham who attended with his wife Juliette, are both long standing members of the G&FMSS. Juliette in particular became involved 40 years ago after her sister was diagnosed with the illness. Then, twenty five years ago she became one of the driving forces behind the formation of the Gosport Branch, becoming its first Secretary and Welfare Officer, a position she still holds today.
Receiving the cheque on behalf of the Gosport Carers Support Fund was Beryl Lisle. The Gosport Support Fund was established in 1991 by former Mayor, Tony Herridge whose aim was to provide assistance and support, both physical and financial, to those who look after disabled family members but who do not receive anything for doing so from any government or ocal authority agency. Help can come in all forms it could be travelling expenses for hospital visits, a respite break for the carer, or a new mattress or washing machine.
“I am extremely grateful to the Gosporteers for their help throughout this year,” said the Mayor, Councillor June Cully. “They are an incredible group of dedicated people who do so much to help others through their fundraising. It is sad to hear their numbers are declining and I would encourage anyone who is interested in becoming a part of this tremendous team to contact the Gosporteers and help make a difference.”
Anyone interested in becoming a member of the Gosporteers should ring Cindy or Roy Edge on
Tel: (023) 9258 2788 or e-mail
royedge1@tiscali.co.uk
