A COUNTY charity has been boosted by the fundraising efforts of staff at the Wood Norton hotel, near Evesham.

The Wood Norton raised thousands for The Care Leavers Foundation, by donating the use of its venue for the charity's gala fundraising night.

The event, held in May, attracted support from businesses from across Worcestershire through ticket sales and donated auction prizes, overall raising an impressive £10,000 for the charity.

Bromsgrove-based The Care Leavers Foundation offers those who have been in foster or residential care the important support they need to cope with independent living.

This is the second time the Wood Norton has donated the use of its venue, having hosted the charity's first gala dinner a year ago, an event that also celebrated Jan Rees, the charity’s founder, receiving an OBE for her services to Children and Families.

Steve Sweeny, the Wood Norton's manager, said: “We are delighted to have hosted gala fundraiser dinner for the second year running, and were extremely encouraged by the interest and support the event received from businesses across the Midlands.

"Overall it was an excellent evening, which raised vital funds for such an incredible, local charity.”

Jan Rees added: “We are delighted that the Wood Norton supported us with our second gala fundraiser dinner, and feel overwhelmed with the amount of money raised.

“All funds will go towards our project work helping us to build a supportive network of people with care experience; whilst enabling us to provide our continued support for Care Leavers through crisis and grant payments, training, resource and networking events.

"Many services aimed at those leaving care can only be accessed up to a certain age, so through Rees – The Care Leavers Foundation we want to help anyone who has been in care at any stage to thrive and reach their full potential.”

For more on the charity visit reesfoundation.org.