Charity boss thanks supporters

Staff and volunteers at Disability Equality North West, based in Preston, organised a special event to celebrate the organisation’s 20th anniversary.

But bosses at the cash-strapped charity had made a plea for help, and groups from across the city stepped in to offer assistance and donations.

Chief executive Melanie Close said the party was a “real community celebration”.

She thanked Connie and colleagues at Fareshare Lancashire for providing cakes, Tess Slater for table decorations, and Christine Aldridge from Bella’s Balloons, along with everyone who helped.

Melanie said: “I want to say a big thank you to the people who helped make it possible, those who made cash donations, those who volunteered their time, and local businesses.

“It wouldn’t have happened without all those people stepping in at the last minute.”