THE Advertiser appeal to raise money for Henshaws smashed through the £50,000 barrier in dramatic fashion this week.

 

The appeal which was launched with blind three year old Oscar O'Sullivan-Hughes, last year was set up to help save a vital patient liaison service which helps people diagnosed as losing their sight at the Royal Manchester Eye Hospital with support to live an independent lifestyle.

 

The year long effort has included a variety of events including two charity fundraising dinners in Manchester hosted by Coronation Street's Paula Lane, who became involved with the appeal after meeting Oscar.

 

Other fundraisers included coffee mornings, beauty treatments offer, cycle rides, a Santa dash, a concert night at Kathy's Singles in Stretford, a zip wire across Salford Quays, a 500 challenge, a Eurovision singalong in York, the London Marathon (over £10,000) and the Greater Manchester Marathon (£5,000) which helped take the appeal through the £50,000 mark.

 

Advertiser editor Paul Harrison said: “It's been a fantastic effort by so many people in Trafford, including Paula, Oscar and his family and I would like to personally thank everyone who opened their hearts and their pockets to take us to our magnificent target.”

 

Henshaws head fundraiser Glen Lockett said: “In the charity's 175 year it seemed appropriate that the Advertiser could, and indeed did, help us secure our commitment to continuing a service at the Royal Manchester Eye Hospital for people with a visual impairment. From young to old our services provide the support people need to overcome visual difficulty.

 

“As a result to the appeal, .the Advertiser opened our door to the people in the borough, allowing them to see the wonderful work Henshaws does.

 

“At most of these events, young Oscar attended with his family. You will remember the images, news and TV stories that flashed across the ‘world’ about Oscar, following the story published in the advertiser. This brought us another audience who will help Henshaws in the future.

 

“On behalf of our service users, volunteers, staff, friends and supporters, I would just like to say ‘thank you’ to everybody who has supported the campaign and to the Advertiser's Peter Devine who has allowed us the opportunity to get our message out there and bring in support from all over of the world.”

** IF YOU CAN HELP - HENSHAWS CONTACT peter.devine@menmedia.co.uk or 0161 211 2817 **