A charity appeal led by Cllr Karen Walker, the Chairwoman of Bath & North East Somerset Council and local Independent B&NES Councillor for Peasedown St John, has raised £4,500 for local charitable causes.

Cllr Walker launched the appeal last Autumn, in aid of Dorothy House Hospice and the Motor Neurone Disease Association. Thanks to huge amounts of support from residents, businesses, and organisations across the area, two charity events were held during the Spring, where people were able to attend and donate.

Last Tuesday morning, Cllr Walker and her husband, David, presented two cheques, for £2,237.54 each to both charities.

Cllr Walker said: “This money will go a long way to supporting the valuable work done by both charities in our area.

“Both my parents died of cancer, and my husband’s brother died of motor-neurone disease. These two charities have been chosen for the care and support that they give to hundreds and thousands of people that need their services. “Both of them are very close to my heart!”

The first charity event was held in March at the Guildhall, and was compered by ITV presenter, Bob Crampton, who recently retired after more than four decades on our screens. It was an informal evening featuring a mix of live music from local musicians.

The second fundraising event revived the popular ‘Elegance in the Afternoon’ fashion shows, and featured a sparkling fizz reception, afternoon tea and refreshments, served in the magnificent Banqueting Room at the Guildhall during April.

Cllr Walker added: “We received wonderful support from the local business community, and without their sponsorship, it would have been very difficult to put on both events.

“Thank you to all our sponsors – Curo Housing, ESPA UK, Crest, Roper Rhodes Ltd, BLB solicitors, Mallorys Jewellers and Century Casino Bath.

“Raising all this money for these two charities is also thanks to some special people who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes; my PA, Benice Hampton, Nathan Hartley (Hartley Public Relations) and Georgette McCready, who have helped with the PR, and Loraine Morgan-Brinkhurst MBE, who has worked alongside me over several months to help organise and manage this fundraising appeal.”