A Paulton couple who have been instrumental in raising an incredible £550,000 for the local hospital and who were awarded MBEs by the Queen celebrated twenty-five years of fundraising last Saturday, at the village Hub.

Terry and Caroline Wynne began their fundraising in 1994, starting a tombola for Paulton Hospital, which still runs today.

Terry tells The Journal: “We took early retirement from our jobs at Cadbury’s, in Keynsham in 1998, before setting up our first charity shop in the village.

“We have hit a major milestone since then, not only raising a staggering £550,000, and our 25th anniversary of fundraising for Paulton Hospital has also arrived.

“The contribution of volunteers and the support of the local community has resulted in this fabulous total.

“Over the past 25 years, we and our volunteers have worked tirelessly to raise money to buy equipment for Paulton Hospital through our fundraising activities, to save local people and their families from having to travel to Bath to visit the RUH for treatment.

“We wish to thank the local community for their continued support – since closing our very successful charity shop for Paulton Hospital in 2018, we have quietly continued our fundraising work, and it still plays a big part in our lives.

“A very special thank you to Zoe and her helpers at Café Bombero, for selling our homemade marmalade at the Hub, which is now an award winner – with first prize from a Somerset County Fair!

“Also, to everyone who supports our tombola. Thank you to all of our customers; the encouragement and loyalty given to us has been overwhelming for Paulton Hospital. Providing we continue to stay healthy, we will continue with our work!

“With Christmas coming, we would like to wish all of our customers, helpers and friends a very Happy Christmas and New Year. Thank you all so very much.”