Big raffle raises more than 2k for children's charity

Garry Farne, retail business manager for The Southern Co-operative store in Emsworth, raffled many big ticket prizes, including £100 Southern Co-op vouchers, a glider trip across the Solent, afternoon tea for two at the Langstone Hotel in Hayling Island, four tickets to Hampshire Cricket Club, two tickets to Premier Enclosure at Sandown Park Racecourse, two tickets to Brighton Racecourse and 18 other exclusive prizes.

After drawing the lucky winners, Garry said: ‘The raffle has been a huge success and has formed a big part of the £3,500 that my store has raised in sponsorship for my London Marathon run for Whizz-Kidz.

‘A majority of the prizes were donated by local businesses which truly shows the strong community spirit we have here in Emsworth and the surrounding area.

‘Prize winners have been absolutely delighted with the news that they have won. The top prize of £100 Co-operative Food Store vouchers was won by Anthony Hopkins, a local regular shopper of ours.

‘We have had loads of other very excited customers in the store to pick up their prizes which ranged from days out at the races, to afternoon teas, to food and drink hampers of all varieties.”

Ticket sales from the raffle have gone towards sponsoring Garry’s run this month for Whizz-Kidz. The charity transforms the lives of disabled children by providing the vital equipment, support and life skills they need when they need them.

Heather Ridley, Whizz-Kidz corporate account manager, said: ‘We are delighted to have Garry as part of Team Whizz-Kidz for the London Marathon. This is a huge challenge to take on, and his support will make a big difference to our work in the local community.

‘The funds he is raising could provide a specialist manual wheelchair for a local disabled child, giving them the freedom and independence they need to enjoy a fun, active childhood and reach their true potential.’