11/8/2004 - £1,875 raised by friends of Huntley Avenue Children's Unit, Penrith

Carol Milburn, Unit Manager of Cumbria County Council's Huntley Avenue children's unit recently received a cheque for £1,875 to support services to children with disabilities. The money was raised by friends of the unit after an innovative weekend of fund raising.

Brian and Hazel Coombe of Brampton, along with their friends Knock and Sharon Wigham, Richard Wood, Mandy Wallace and Simon Dey, organised a weekend motor bike rally at the Drove Inn near Road Head to raise funds towards Huntley Avenue, Penrith, Amenity fund. Some of the money raised will also help towards the creation of a sensory garden.

Huntley Avenue is a Cumbria County Council resource which offers short term respite care for children and young people with learning disabilities. Many of the children receiving services also have physical or sensory disabilities. Brian and Hazel’s daughter, Rachel uses Huntley Avenue for weekend respite and holidays. County Councillor John Mallinson, cabinet spokesman for care and social services says,

"Huntley Avenue is one of only two respite care facilities in the county for children with disabilities and is an invaluable resource. I am delighted that families of the children attending Huntley Avenue and the wider community appreciate the services provided and want to help in this way. The fundraising weekend included a grand raffle with major prizes being donated."

Carol Milburn, Huntley Avenue unit manager says,

"I would like to thank everyone involved and to those who donated prizes especially 

J & L Motorcyles, Hein Gericke, KC Superbikes, Lloyd Honda Motorcycles, the Motorcycle Centre, Jack Horseman Motorcycles, C E P Caldewgate, the Drove Inn, Townfoot Garage Longtown, Gary Phillips Route 66 Disco, Ian Fisher for electrical work, The band `Under the influence', John Ritson and Bart Robinson and to everyone who attended the weekend."