WORTHY town causes received cash boosts yesterday thanks to the fundraising efforts of former mayor Teresa Page.

In a ceremony held at the Mayors Parlour, at Swindon Borough Council’s Civic offices, Prospect Hospice and Goldenhar Family Support Group were presented with cheques totalling more than £9,000.

In her mayoral year, Cllr Page (Lab, Penhill & Upper Stratton) selected the two charities as recipients of fundraising efforts during her term.

Wroughton-based Prospect, which provides care to those with life-limiting illnesses, was first up to benefit from a donation of £4,571 given to community fundraiser Amy Francombe.

She said: “It’s absolutely fantastic to receive such a huge amount of money. Our annual costs are £7.2m so this means such a lot to us. We were so fortunate to be selected and this will go a long way to supporting us.”

Receiving the cheque for £4,666 on behalf of Goldenhar was Alan Holmes, music shop owner and grandfather to eight-year-old Morgan Sharpe, who has the genetic condition.

Goldenhar syndrome is a congenital birth defect which can leave babies with one side of their face underdeveloped.

Those affected can be born with only one ear, eye or nose canal.

Morgan is one of 75 people in the UK with the condition.

Mr Holmes said the generous donation would go towards a trip away with other Goldenhar sufferers and their families.

“Teresa’s done an absolutely fantastic job raising awareness about the group.

“We have a trip to Blackpool coming up with 30 families attending and her hard work has made this possible,” he said.

“These trips let Morgan see that there are other children like him in the world and he’s really looking forward to going away with everyone.”

Inspirational Morgan then had a surprise for Cllr Page when he gifted her with a bouquet of red and cream roses as a personal thank you for choosing the charity.

Cllr Page said the chosen charities provided invaluable support in the community and deserved their donations.

She said: “It’s emotional being here today and seeing the culmination of all the hard work that everyone has put.

“Both charities are close to my heart and this means that more people will benefit from the valuable services they provide.

“It’s fantastic.

“Prospect provide vital care for people and Goldenhar gives children a valuable social outlet, it helps them realise they’re not alone.

“Morgan goes to an ordinary school and he’s treated like any other little boy and it’s because of the charity.”