The Great Dorset Steam Fair 2015 raised unprecedented levels of funds for its two chosen charities, MacMillan Cancer Support and The Alfie O’Neill Cerebral Palsy Treatment Fund.
Visitors to the heavy haulage arena opted for the chance to get close up and personal with the steam engines, towing heavy loads around the enclosure in exchange for a small donation. Steam car, bus and traction engine owners gave their time freely to share with visitors the true majesty of steam.
Donations made by the public totalled £15,297, an all-time record amount of funds raised at the event. Organisers say thanks go to the public who gave so generously, to the enginemen who gave their time to support these worthy causes and also to the many helpers, who by their generosity of time, made the fund raising such a success. The donation cheques will be presented at The Coppleridge, Motcombe on Sunday, 11 October at 1pm.
Managing director Martin Oliver said: “We are incredibly grateful for all those who worked tirelessly to deliver such a wonderful achievement. The Great Dorset Steam Fair will be donating £10,877 to Macmillan Cancer Support and £4,420 to The Alfie O’Neill Cerebral Palsy Treatment Fund. We look forward to helping more worthy charities at next year’s event.”
Every day, 14 people in Dorset hear the news that they have cancer and there are already more than 30,000 people in the county living with cancer. The total number of people living with cancer in Dorset will almost double by 2030, affecting enough people to fill the AFC Bournemouth football ground five-and-a-half times.
The Alfie O’Neill Cerebral Palsy Treatment Fund is raising funds for a little boy who brings love, laughter and tears to everyone who knows him. Unfortunately, Alfie was born prematurely and as a result suffers from cerebral palsy, which has confined him to a wheelchair. Alfie had selective dorsal rhizotomy surgery in May 2014, which is not available on the NHS and was fully funded by donations. He now requires intense physiotherapy to ensure the operation is successful.
To find out more about these charities, please visit www.macmillan.org.uk and https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Alfie-ONeill-Cerebral-Palsy-Treatment-Fund/136153109762763.
