Members of the small Algarve west coast community of Vale da Telha have smashed their fundraising target of €800 and raised more than €2,500 for Madrugada.
Residents in the area came together when Jean Cumberworth launched the appeal to raise €800 for a ripple bed to be used by long-term bed ridden patients following the death of her husband Tony earlier this year.
Fundraisers from the local residents association Amovate held raffles, bucket collections, a music quiz and a summer fair with the cheque for the final amount being given to the president of Madrugada Alison Blair during the fair held on August 27.
Alison Blair said: “I am overwhelmed and so moved. I wasn’t even aware this community was here, just half-an-hour drive from our advice centre and shop in Praia da Luz, until Jeanette first contacted us.”
She added: “This comparatively small number of residents has shown the warm heart of its community by managing to raise such a large sum. This will enable us not only to buy the ripple bed which we need so badly, but also to prioritise other important projects.”
Jeanette Cumberworth said: “So many people got involved and played their part and the fact that they raised more than three times the amount for which we aimed has left me feeling very emotional.”
From the money raised around €700 will be used to buy a ripple bed while the rest will be used to buy essential items needed by Madrugada, the association which helps people with life limiting illnesses.
For further information about Madrugada, please visit www.madurgada-portugal.com
