I'm raising funds for two great local causes on Saturday 8th September at the Golden Shield, Fleckney. GEMS and Albies DIY SOS project.

I have organised a sponsored 24 hour pub quiz in the Golden Shield for a selected 30 competitors who will raise funds from their own sponsorships. Also on the day will be a family fun day to include live music on an open mic theme, local craft stalls, tombola, raffle draw on the sunday, cake stall, vehicles from the emergency services (availability permitting), henna art work, magician, BBQ, bouncy castle and much more.

GEMS are based in Kibworth and are a non Government funded charity who rely soley on volunteers and the generous support of the locals. GEMS support 'all people with all cancers' and have a close relationship with the Oncology Unit at the LRI. What I admire the most about GEMS, they don't just hand over a cheque and allow it to disappear into a black hole, they liaise with the Osbourne Suite and ascertain what piece of equipment they require the most. They then find a price, raise the necessary funds, buy the equipment and present it directly to the Unit at the Hospital.

Little Albie, aged 3, lives in Fleckney with his parents and older brother. he has numerous medical conditions and will require full time care for the rest of his life. His parents recently received a Government grant to make home improvements to enable Albie a quality of life but they were left with a balance of £20,000 to raise themselves. Due to numerous charity events occuring throughout this year, and some sterling work from individual locals, they have reached the sum of approx £15,000. I'm hoping I can add more to this sum and help them get nearer to their total with the support and generousity of the community and surrounding areas.

Please consider my appeal and give generously if you can, if not, come down to the Golden Shield with the family and have some fun.

Many, many thanks.

Jeff Pearce.