Basingstoke Mencap: Vice chair on fundraising mission

Vice chair and trustee of Basingstoke Mencap Steve Bushell completed a Santa run in London earlier this month, part of a dedicated effort to fundraise for the organisation.

Keeping hold of his Father Christmas suit, Steve also visited Basingstoke Mencap’s Christmas lunch at The Café Dome, in Brighton Hill, as jolly old Saint Nick, surprising the team and service users.

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Steve said: “I've been a Mencap trustee for 18 months for the excellent team of staff and volunteers who support the fantastic people that use our many services. Our members are such positive, grateful and wonderful people; it's an absolute pleasure to be a part of. Everything raised will go towards maintaining our social, gardening and one-to-one support services in these challenging times."

Charity chair Cheryl Edwards added: "Volunteers like Steve, who generously give their time plus the kind donations from community supporters, enable Basingstoke Mencap to thrive and improve opportunities for so many people living with a learning disability. We are so lucky to live in such a supportive town like Basingstoke!"

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In conjunction with his festive exploits, Steve has launched a JustGiving fundraiser to support Basingstoke Mencap. Funds currently stand at £600 and will be matched by The Grocers Charity, which awarded Basingstoke Mencap a much-needed grant earlier in the year.

The funds raised will directly contribute to the charity's mission of providing crucial support for individuals with learning disabilities in the community.

Basingstoke Mencap offers personalised one-to-one support, organises much-loved leisure activities, and runs horticultural therapy at Greenfingers based at the Elizabeth Road Allotments.

To donate to the fundraiser, go to justgiving.com/page/steve-bushell-1702056846777.