Generous fundraisers have handed over two cheques to East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) – between them making a combined donation of £4,200.

The first cheque, for £1,700, was presented by the Soham and Staploe Rotary Club and raised during July’s Soham Beer and Music Festival. It was presented by rotary club president Stuart Cavanagh.

“It was a real pleasure to accept both cheques, with grateful thanks to everyone who worked hard to raise this money, said Darren Martin, the manager of the EACH shop in Churchgate Street, in Soham.

"It makes such a difference in terms of helping us carry out our vital work, he added.

The second, for £2,500, came courtesy of the Ely Community Events Team (ECET) and was handed over by Cllr Chris Phillips and Mary Rone, the Mayor and Mayoress of Ely.

Soham shop manager Darren Martin (fourth from the right) receiving a cheque for £2,500 from the Ely Community Events Team (ECET)Soham shop manager Darren Martin (fourth from the right) receiving a cheque for £2,500 from the Ely Community Events Team (ECET) (Image: EACH)

The ECET is run by members of rotary clubs in Ely, Ely Hereward and Soham and Staploe, as well as Ely District Scouts, and the money was raised from last year’s fireworks display at Ely Cathedral.

Darren received the second cheque along with EACH cluster manager Susan Mitson, who is manager of the charity’s shop in Histon Road, Cambridge.

Darren said: “We rely on donations and fundraising of this nature, with only 15 per cent of our income coming from the government, county councils and the NHS.

Darren is always on the lookout for more volunteers to join his team and lend a hand in the shop.

To find out more, pop in for a chat, email: darren.martin@each.org.uk or call: 01353 888738.