Former Mayor presents £53,000 to local charity

At its recent Annual General Meeting, former Mayor, Alderman Paul Porter handed over a cheque for £53,011 to the charity.

Lisburn Carers Forum on Learning Disability is a local charity which provides invaluable support and raises awareness of the many complex issues faced by those with learning disabilities and their families and carers.

Handing over the money, Alderman Porter said it was a tremendous amount raised which would go directly to local people and their families.

“To raise over £53,000 in just 11 months, especially in this current economic climate, is staggering and I would like to give my heartfelt thanks to all those volunteers who donated money or time to raise such a fantastic amount. Throughout the year so many members of the public, colleagues, friends, local businesses and community organisations supported my charity and their support demonstrates the high regard in which we hold carers throughout the city,” said Mr Porter.

The charity is now in the process of establishing a working group and bursary scheme, through which those with learning disabilities and their carers can apply for a grant. Details of this new scheme for Lisburn will be announced shortly.

Chairperson of the Lisburn Carers Forum, Mrs Anne Blake, said that the charity was overwhelmed by the amount of money raised on their behalf.

“This money will make such a difference to the lives of so many families across the city. On behalf of the Forum, I would like to thank Alderman Porter for supporting us, highlighting the profile of the Forum in Lisburn and helping us raise over £53,000. Thank you also to all the volunteers and contributors who were involved in this fundraising and made it all possible,” said Mrs Blake.

Mr Porter concluded: “Living with a learning disability and caring for a loved one with a learning disability is a life-long commitment. I hope this money, in some small way will make that commitment, even if only for a short period of time, just that little bit easier and again I thank everybody involved in making this possible.”