KIND-HEARTED staff at Evesham’s Regal Cinema have dug deep to hand over a cheque for £10,500 to a national charity.
This summer, spurred on by a personal connection to a youngster with Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) – the son of friend and fellow mountaineer, Jo Gambi – Regal owner Ian Wiper and his team decided to raise much needed funds for the Prader-Willi Syndrome Association (PWSA).
The charity receives no Government funding so staff at the cinema dreamt up a range of fund-raising ideas to raise as much cash as possible for the cause.
A charity raffle where customers were invited to enter for the chance to win top prizes including an iPad, a subscription service for 1 year worth over £300 and a table for 4 at The Regal’s New Year’s Eve celebration party was just one of a host of cash collecting ideas.
Ian himself saddled up for the cause and tackled a 100 mile bike ride for the charity meaning the staggering amount could be handed over last weekend.
Since The Regal Cinema in Evesham reopened its doors in 2012, the community venture has been pleased to support more than 200 local schools, charities and good causes.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank our lovely customers so much for their generous donations and support,” Ian said.
“I am delighted that we have surpassed our £10,000 target as I know from personal experience that donations made to PWSA have a real impact on children with PWS, as well as their families. It really is such a worthy cause.”
Susan Passmore, CEO of the Prader-Willi Syndrome Association, commented;
“We are incredibly grateful for the wonderful support from the Regal Cinema and their brilliant customers.
“We are a small charity and this money will enable us to continue to provide the information, support and help that is so essential for the PWS community.”
“Prader-Willi Syndrome is a rare genetic disease. Babies are born with low muscle tone, have developmental delays, incomplete sexual development, a mild to moderate learning disability and emotional immaturity leading to temper outbursts.
“In childhood, an overwhelming, compulsive appetite develops which, without rigorous food management, can lead to food seeking, stealing, and life threatening obesity.
“There is currently no cure for PWS and as the only national charity which supports people with PWS and their families, our work is vital to the PWS Community,” she added.
Visit www.pwsa.co.uk for more information on the Prader-Willi Syndrome Association.
