MALVERN’S Rotary Club has donated more than £100,000 to Acorns Children’s Hospice, helping severely ill children and their families.

Despite the coronavirus pandemic, the rotary club has continued its fundraising efforts, with club president Paul Barker handing over a cheque for £3,500 to the hospice, which carries out vital work in and around the Midlands.

The funds were raised from a fundraising concert at Malvern Theatres shortly before lockown, the Spring Draw, which was sponsored by the Morgan Motor Company and A-Plan Insurance, as well as the Tree of Light, which invites members of the community are able to sponsor a light in memory of a loved one who has died.

The Tree of Light raised around £12,000 last year and it is hoped it will raise a similar amount this year.

Mr Barker said: “Although we organise the events, we could not support Acorns without the community attending, entering teams or buying tickets.

"So, although we provide the focus, it’s the town of Malvern, our friends and colleagues who enable us to donate these funds today.

"Acorns is recognised in the area as providing a vital service at a difficult time for families.

"We are really pleased to continue our support. Last year we donated £7,000 and have supported Acorns since its inception.”

The annual Golf Day, where a team entered and headed by CEO of Acorns, Toby Porter, had to be cancelled because of the Coronavirus pandemic, but it is hoped it can be resurrected in May 2021.

Anyone wishing to know more about Malvern Rotary Club, how you can support it or become a member, should contact Andrew Bartlett on 07736 360063 or bartlett_andrew2@sky.com.