I would like to announce my two main 2024/25 Charities – I start supporting them from April 6th 2024

This is advance notice & any monies raised from donations will be equally split between the following (NB I will also be supporting a Military related charity either side of Remembrance day also):-

1st – Who are they – The Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association is a charity that funds research work, improves care & support for people living with MND, their families & carers. Information, support, & resources are available centrally from the website www.mndassociation.org.

The Reading & West Berkshire branch of the MND Association is a team of compassionate volunteers dedicated to supporting local people & their families living with MND. Our area covers Hungerford, Newbury, Reading, Wokingham, Bracknell & all the areas in between.

What they do – In addition to the central services offered by the MND Association, local branch offers funding & help accessing support from other local organisations i.e. Statutory services. Plus to offer a friendly ear & the opportunity to talk to someone who understands your situation.

We also work to raise local awareness of MND, by organising and promoting events, and supporting our fundraisers. We produce and distribute a newsletter to our branch members.

To find out more & to follow them on Facebook:- Reading & West Berkshire MND Association

2nd – Who are they – ‘ABC to read’ – is an award-winning charity helping primary school children in Berkshire to read.

They are 2023 – ‘Pride of Reading’ – Charity of the Year winners!

In a diverse area like Berkshire there are many children who have trouble reading. ABC to read was set up in 2004 to find, train & support volunteers in primary schools across Berkshire. We help hundreds of children each year to enjoy reading & gain an essential skill for life.

Imagine if you couldn’t read the labels on your food, emails from your friends or the instructions for operating a Smart phone. Without literacy skills, children can easily grow into adults who are unable to lead happy, fulfilled lives & contribute to society. Plus, as children they may have low confidence & low esteem.

The trustees include head teachers & a variety of people from the community who help giving their time & expertise.

They help to transform the lives of children who are struggling to read at primary & secondary schools across Berkshire. Their volunteer reading mentors, work one-to-one with children to build their confidence & reading skills.

To find out more see – https://www.abctoread.org.uk/