Birthday bash aids causes

CELEBRATIONS . . . Actor and patron of Emmaus Mossley John Henshaw (centre) leads the auction at the 20:20 event

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A BIG birthday celebration has raised more than £4,000 for charities across Mossley.

Residents came together for a 20th anniversary event to mark 20 years since the opening of the Emmaus Mossley charity shop.

A total of £4,000 was raised through sales of vintage items, furniture, clothing, bric-a-brac, auctions, raffle, tombola and open café on Saturday (11).

All of the proceeds from the 20:20 Celebration & Vintage Sale have been donated to the Mayor of Mossley Community Fund.

Director Alison Hill said: "We wanted to say a huge thank you to all of our kind supporters and give something back to the town in which we are based. There was a great buzz throughout the day and on behalf of our community I would like to thank everyone who attended and volunteered."

Mossley group Good Vibrations provided live music while craft makers and community groups set up stalls at the Longlands Mill site, in Queen Street.

Special guests included founder and president of Emmaus Mossley Richard Darlington, actor and charity patron John Henshaw, daughter of one of the founders of the Mossley Wool Combing Company Madam Porisse and Mayor of Mossley Councillor Greg Brett.

Councillor Brett said: "I'm over the moon with how the day went and the amount raised.

"A big thanks goes to Emmaus Mossley and all the people who attended to support this event. The money raised will make a massive difference to a wide range of local community projects."

The charity supports 26 formerly homeless people by providing them with a home and work opportunity in a community setting.

Bernie Willers, a formerly homeless person who lives and works at the charity, said: "It was a great day and we managed to sell lots of our new t-shirts and tote bags alongside other items. Thanks to all who joined us and supported the event."

For information about the charity visit www.emmaus.org.uk/mossley or contact 01457 838608.