A massive thank you to everyone who got involved in our TLA Charity Giveaway – we received over 1,200 nominations for 223 different Gloucestershire-based charities, clubs, groups and non-profit organisations.

The response from our readers was brilliant, and a huge thank you also has to go to our four sponsors – Gloucester Carpet Outlet, Café René, Albany Windows and Sherbornes Solicitors – who donated the money to make it all possible.

The lucky winner of the £2,000 giveaway was the James Hopkins Trust, who were nominated by one of their dedicated volunteers, Sophia Haq.

The James Hopkins Trust supports children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions across Gloucestershire. The charity is based in Gloucester, at their purpose built multi-sensory respite centre Kites Corner, where The Local Answer was invited along to see some of the amazing work the nurses and volunteers do.

We were shown around the facilities by Community, Events & Volunteer Manager Ria Heap, who couldn’t express enough how grateful she and the entire team were for the donation.

Celebrating 30 Years

The Trust is this year celebrating its 30th anniversary after being founded in 1989 by Vance and Heather Hopkins, whose son James sadly passed away at 20 months old after suffering from a rare neuro-muscular disease.

Ria explained that the money from the competition will go towards supporting the specially trained nurses who not only take care of the children, but also spend time playing with them in their wonderful playrooms and unique sensory garden.

The Trust also organises nurses to visit the homes of severely disabled children to help with care and provide vital support and respite to parents and families.

To find out more about the James Hopkins Trust visit www.jameshopkinstrust.org.uk