Heywood Rotary 2020 donates over £5,000 to local good causes

Heywood Rotary 2020 has revealed that it's first ever Santa run has raised over £5,000 for local charitable causes.

In the run-up to Christmas last year, children and care homes in the area were delighted to see Santa Claus and his sleigh arrive on various streets around Heywood to spread Christmas cheer.

The initiative raised cash for charity, which local causes can then bid for, and now, the successful applicants for a share of the cash have been chosen.

The chosen charities to receive a part of the £5,500 are Springhill Hospice, Blood Bikes, Recovery Republic, plus various Guides, Scouts and Rainbows Groups.

Blood Bikes deliver blood to hospitals in the local area, whereas Recovery Republic help people who are struggling to get back into society.

Heywood Rotary 2020 member Edwin Patridge has been presenting the cheques in a safe, socially distanced way.

He said: "I think it has been absolutely fantastic because there's a pandemic on and people of Heywood have been very generous.

"We were really amazed when we were out on the streets.

"It was a good morale boost.

"Our Rotary has now grown to 21 members over the last almost 12 months.

"The future is looking really good and we have a lot of plans for this year, hoping the Covid-19 situation will end and we will move forward."