Charity donation with a personal connection by Pettycur boss

Donations thrown into the Waterwheel Fountain at Pettycur Bay, along with money placed in collection tins, have been been added to by staff and the owners raising a total of £3,500 for the Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome Trust.

This is a charity close to the heart of Director, Tommy Wallace, whose daughter Clare is affected by the genetic condition.

 Tommy and Clare recently attended the Trust’s biennial conference and were able to present a cheque to the Chairman of the Charity, Stephen D’Allenger-Bradshaw.

Tommy’s wife, Shona, was a founding member of the Trust, which gained charitable status in 1994, allowing the group to fundraise and make grant applications. The aims of the charity remain the same today as they were then – to collate and share knowledge, promote research and organise activities that benefit persons with this genetic disorder.

Tommy said:“This year marked 30 years of the Trust, with our National Meeting held at the Hilton Hotel in Derby.

“Clare, Shona and I all attended. Clare was able to spend time with her peers enjoying a number of activities. There were 50 families registered to attend, but unfortunately due to illness a few had to cancel. The highlight of the weekend was the dinner and disco on the Saturday night as all of the children and adults attending who have a diagnosis of Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome share a love of music.”

“Clare was 18 months when she attended the first meeting, and is now 33 years old.

“It’s always our pleasure to hand over a donation. We wish to thank everyone on the park who donated. Our fountain, together with donations from staff, have raised an amazing sum over the years.

Stephen D’Allenger-Bradshaw, said: “Our thanks go to Tommy, his family, his generous staff and customers for this latest donation which will be put to very good use indeed.

“The two day meeting is funded by the Trust (except accommodation) to provide families new and old, with an engaging and interesting weekend of talks and the opportunity to get to know other families.”

Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome is a genetic disorder which affects many systems of the body, and although each person will share some common issues no two have exactly the same issues.