Four vital local charities have been presented with significant funds raised through the annual Santa Sleigh collections organised by the Rotary Clubs of Ashby de la Zouch. The celebratory presentation evening, held recently, saw community groups receive crucial financial support to continue their essential work across Leicestershire and beyond.
Gratitude for Community Generosity
Hosting the evening, Ashby Castle Rotary Club President Julie Kydd warmly welcomed all attendees and expressed profound thanks. "We owe a very big 'thank you' to the people of Ashby and the surrounding villages for their continuing generous support," she stated. President Kydd also acknowledged the dedication of Rotarians and volunteer collectors from eleven local organisations who braved diverse December weather conditions while maintaining a cheerful disposition throughout the festive fundraising efforts.
Supporting Hospice Care and Sailing Accessibility
Julie Kydd presented the first cheques to representatives from Bright Hope and the Staunton Harold Sailability Trust. Stewart Shepherd, a trustee of Bright Hope, reflected on the long-standing partnership with Rotary, tracing support back to 2002 when the hospice operated from shared premises, through to its current modern facility in Swannington. "We could not continue to offer our valuable support to so many in the community without the donations we receive from Rotary and other organisations," Shepherd emphasised.
Mark Harden, representing Sailability, outlined the Trust's mission to provide sailing and waterborne activities for disabled children, young adults, and older people across Leicestershire, Derbyshire, Staffordshire, and Nottinghamshire. "The Trust is staffed exclusively by volunteers, and donations such as we have received tonight are vital in allowing us to help young people," Harden explained, highlighting the transformative impact of the funding.
Empowering Through Conductive Education
Paul Cook, President of the Rotary Club of Ashby de la Zouch, presented a cheque to Rosemary Conley CBE DL, Patron and Trustee of Steps, supported by ambassador Ellie Carr. Rosemary detailed how Steps was founded in 1994 by four families seeking to make Conductive Education – originally developed in 1940s Hungary – accessible to their children. "Steps, with its team of staff and volunteers, now provides an array of professional services to more than 50 families," she revealed. "Rotary has supported us for many years, and we are most grateful for this cheque, which will help us to continue our vital work."
Rosemary introduced Ellie Carr, who attended Steps from six months old and now, two decades later, studies at Sense College in Loughborough. Ellie's passions for music and dancing, coupled with recent work experience at Leicester's National Space Centre, demonstrate the charity's lasting positive influence.
Recognising Volunteer Commitment
Paul Cook made a special presentation to Laura Beale, awarding her a Rotary Paul Harris Fellowship in memory of the organisation's founder. This prestigious recognition honoured Laura's exceptional efforts in ensuring the Santa Sleigh was fully staffed for every journey through meticulous telephone and WhatsApp coordination.
Compassionate End-of-Life Care
The final cheque presentation saw Geoff Wilson, President of Ashby Hastings Rotary Club, present funds to Debbie Thrussell representing Loros. Debbie articulated the charity's core purpose: "To deliver, free, high-quality compassionate care and support to terminally ill patients, their family and carers." She affirmed, "We believe that everyone with an incurable illness has the right to excellent care. If they cannot find it elsewhere, they will find it at Loros. This donation will help us to continue our work, and we are most grateful for it."
Acknowledgements and Future Endeavours
Concluding the evening, President Julie Kydd thanked all charity representatives for illuminating their crucial work. She extended additional gratitude to Rotarian Chris Knight for towing the Santa Sleigh across twenty-three nights, and to Jayne Knight for her pivotal role in volunteer coordination. This event underscores the powerful synergy between Rotary fundraising initiatives and local charitable organisations, ensuring community support reaches those who need it most throughout the East Midlands region.
