£17,000-plus boost for local charities

Our Doncaster hospice and a charity based at Keepmoat Stadium have received a £17,591 boost between them, thanks to a local fundraiser.

Phil Johnson, of Cusworth, decided to get the cash rolling in for our St John’s Hospice at Balby and Club Doncaster Foundation, which is a non-profit self-funding registered charity that uses sports to challenge lifelong habits and encourage sustained participation in sport, physical activity, training and education for all ages.

Phil organised a gala night at The Earl of Doncaster, selling 180 tickets, and by holding a raffle and charity auction.  The money was split between the hospice and the foundation, with St John’s receiving £12,320 and Club Doncaster Foundation receiving the rest.

Phil said: “I wanted to raise some money for the hospice because my father-in-law Mick Thomlinson was cared for around a year ago here. Mick had a brain tumour and during his six weeks at the hospice he received brilliant care.”

Pictured centre is Phil Johnson presenting the cheques to Chris Smith, of St John’s Hospice (left) and to Jim Lord of Club Doncaster Foundation at Keepmoat Stadium.

Phil has also been a long-time supporter of Club Doncaster Foundation.

Chris Smith, our Hospice Community Fundraiser, said: “The amount of money Phil has raised is phenomenal. On behalf of the hospice I can’t thank him enough. Every penny will go to making our patients’ lives more comfortable.”

Jim Lord, of Club Doncaster Foundation, said: We are absolutely delighted that Phil has chosen to support our charity once again.  The money raised will benefit programmes that address mental health and social isolation in Doncaster.  It will also contribute towards structured activities and opportunities for the most vulnerable and hard to reach children and young people of Doncaster. On behalf of everyone involved in our programmes and all the team at Club Doncaster Foundation – Thank you Phil!”