A WORCESTER pensioner who’s raised more than £10,000 for charity has dedicated a commemorative bench to the memory of his wife.
Local fund-raiser and Stroke Association supporter, Charlie Hodges, unveiled the bench at the charity’s Life After Stroke Centre in Bromsgrove.
The 74-year-old lost his wife, Margaret, to a stroke 12 years ago and his mother, Betty, to a stroke in 2013 and has supported the Stroke Association ever since.
Setting himself a £10,000 fund-raising target, Charlie hosted a series of fundraising events including a music evening, a cream tea and a party to mark what would have been his and Margaret’s golden wedding anniversary.
Charlie has since surpassed his target and has now put some of the funds towards a bench and plaque in memory of Margaret.
He said: “The Stroke Association is a wonderful charity which helps so many stroke survivors across the UK to adjust to their life after stroke. The bench is a lovely tribute to Margaret and I’m hoping it will be enjoyed by lots of people at the Life After Stroke Centre.”
Claire Benfield, regional fundraiser for the Stroke Association, said: “With around 152,000 strokes a year in the UK, that’s around one every three and a half minutes, it is vital that we have people who can raise funds for people affected by stroke.
“We’re incredibly grateful to Charlie and his team of helpers for their continued support for the Stroke Association. The bench is the perfect way of celebrating all of his fundraising efforts in Margaret’s memory.”
Charlie’s next fund-raising event is a Fish and Chip Supper on Saturday, October 22 from 6:30pm, at Rushwick Village Hall. Tickets are £12.50 including entertainment, raffle, quiz and fish and chip supper.
For tickets, contact Charlie on 07791 560818.
