Timely boost for Mayor's charity

11:46am Friday 16th May 2008

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KIND-hearted staff and guests of Bewdley's Ramada Hotel have given a £2,500 boost to the Kidderminster Mayor's charity - the Millbrook Suite for cancer patients at the town's hospital.

Councillor Mike Shellie, of Health Concern, has been overwhelmed by the response to his charity - chosen because his late wife, Gloria, had treatment there several years ago.

The hotel's contribution takes the total so far to about £6,000, making it one of the most successful charity appeals by a Kidderminster Mayor.

The money comes at the right time for the Millbrook Suite, which is set to undergo a major revamp and Mr Shellie said his contribution would go towards a new carpet, armchairs, televisions, radios, DVDs and books.

The Ramada chose the Mayor's appeal as its Christmas charity and ran a series of fund-raising events, including raffles and auctions, had collecting boxes and cloakroom donations.

"I did not expect them to raise so much - it's fantastic," said Mr Shellie, adding: "Every penny raised during my year as Mayor will make a difference to the comfort of visiting patients.

"Sincere thanks to the management and staff of the Ramada Hotel from myself and the people of Wyre Forest."

Mrs Shellie was treated for breast cancer at the Millbrook Suite in 1999 and 2000 but was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2006 and died in January.

"You can't speak to anybody who doesn't know somebody who has been treated there," said Mr Shellie.

"It's a charity that's very close to home."