£13k charity gift from Bromsgrove’s civic donors

Vital charities are better off to the tune of almost £13,000 after the former civic head of the district of Bromsgrove handed over money raised during his tenure.

Cllr Chris Scurrell, who was Chairman of Bromsgrove District Council for 2009-10, handed over £12,794.89 to his chosen charities Midlands Air Ambulance, Noah’s Ark Trust and the British Heart Foundation outside Bromsgrove’s Council House on Wednesday July 21.

Cllr Scurrell said: “With all due modesty, my wife and I are extremely proud of the sum raised for my three chosen Charities, especially bearing in mind the financial difficulties we are all under.

“It was very hard work but the result is more than our just reward.  Our grateful thanks go all those who helped enormously on the way – many from the Council and even more from outside it.  In addition, I think it is fair to say that we all had a lot of fun on the way.

“I also believe that the reputation of Bromsgrove District has been enhanced by the events held and visits we made during my year of office, not all of which, of course, were fund raising.”

Civic fundraising events in Cllr Scurrell’s year as Chairman included the Bromsgrove Flyer steam train outing and picnic, a black tie civic dinner as guests of Lord and Lady Cobham at Hagley Hall, regular Chairman’s Tea Dances at The Council House - and many more.

David Harrison from Midlands Air Ambulance said: “We are extremely grateful to everyone involved in the various fundraising activities that Bromsgrove Council has held in the past year.  In particular we would like to thank Cllr Chris Scurrell for naming Midlands Air Ambulance as his chosen charity. As a charity we receive no government or national lottery funding so we really do appreciate such tremendous donations and hope that a brilliant time was had by all.”

Georgina Bunn from Noah’s Ark Trust said: “This year we have seen an increased number of referrals for bereaved children in Bromsgrove and Redditch.  We are very grateful to Cllr Chris Scurrell and all of those local people who have supported him during his term of office to raise such a wonderful sum.  On behalf of all of the children and families that we support – thank you.”

Clare Cassidy, Fundraising Volunteer Manager for the BHF said: “The BHF is very grateful to Councillor and Mrs Scurrell for all their hard work in raising this fantastic sum of money. The British Heart Foundation funds the ongoing specialized training of six BHF Nurses working in Worcestershire. The money raised by Councillor and Mrs Scurrell will help fund the training of our BHF nurses.”

Current civic head Chairman Cllr June Griffiths’ chosen charity is Help for Heroes.

Above: David Harrison, Georgina Bunn, Cllr Scurrell and Clare Cassidy celebrate the large sum raised by Bromsgrove donors.