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ASPIRE: Duo’s donation all thanks to Dot

25/ 4/2008

THE Aspire appeal has received another fantastic boost this week with a total of £1,471 in donations.

Accrington Stanley fans led the way presenting £1,000 raised through sponsored walk, while further cash was raised by supporters of the Observer campaign to save the Accrington Pals’ Memorial Chapel in St John’s Church, Accrington. This brings this week’s total to £31,876.

One of our more unusual donations came from Dot the dog whose owner Gillian Bainbridge is a member of St John’s.

We featured Dot in the Observer on the 10th anniversary of her rescue by Gillian and husband Brian of Royds Avenue, Accrington.

They found her abandoned with a broken leg in a lonely lane in Green Haworth just over a decade ago.

Being a keen supporter of the campaign Gillian decided to donate £50 to Aspire after Dot’s tale was featured in a national women’s magazine.

Other donations this week include: Moccashino’s Coffee Shop, Abbey Street, Accrington £110; NADFAS £53.60; Eva Foden-Hartley £70; A Shore, Clitheroe £10; Anon £6.50.

Merchandise raised £2.50, the sale of cards £147, refreshments at church £16.40, and Elsie’s table top sale £5.

A final reminder of events coming up: antiques expert Eric Knowles will be at the Coppice Theatre on Wednesday. Over 100 tickets costing £5 have already been sold for the event which starts with drinks and canapes at 7pm.

There is an Elvis night on 10 May at the Accrington Stanley Function Suite at 8pm. Tickets including supper are £5.

We also have the Great Walk coming up on 11 May. A number of people from St John’s are taking part in this event organised by Church and Oswaldtwistle Rotary Club.

Donations towards Aspire can be handed in at the Observer, 103 Blackburn Road, Accrington, where merchandise including books, key-rings, pens, pencils and bookmarks can also be purchased in support of the appeal.