As result of the raffle held at her very successful Ladies' Festival, Wendy Swainson, the wife of Chicheley Lodge's Immediate Past Master, WBro Daryll Swainson PPGStwd, was able to present a cheque for £625 to the Pete Spencer's Helping Hands Memorial Fund charity.

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Pete Spencer's son, Ian, receiving the cheque from Wendy Swainson and her husband, WBro Daryll Swainson

Pete Spencer MBE created the charity in 1980 after being introduced to a 7-year old boy, Danny, who suffered from a very rare premature-ageing disease.

Danny's wish was to go to Florida on holiday, and within two weeks, Pete had helped to raise £2,800 and make Danny's wish came true.

Danny died at the age of twelve, and the effect on Pete was such that he decided to devote the rest of his life to helping seriously-ill children.

Pete himself died in 2005, but Pete's son, Ian, has continued to run the charity, thus maintaining his father's wonderful legacy.

The charity offers support, including specialist equipment and organised activities, to local children who have serious illnesses and disabilities. It is very much reliant on the generosity of local people.