A CHARITY is to close after 32 years, during which it has raised £60,000 for the Cardiology Department fund at the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH).

The Copthorne Cickers was formed in1992 by a group of patients who had spent time together in the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital and wanted to stay in touch.

Primary a social group, members and their partners are able to meet others who have heart problems.

The group has now decided to close the charitable arm of the organisation, and recently made a final donation of £6,000 to the trust’s charity’s cardiology department fund.

Jenny Worley, chair of the group, said: “Copthorne Cickers has over the last 30 years supported many people who attended meetings, as well as raising considerable funds for the department.

“Over the years the group has bought specialist chairs, ECG and C Pap devices, blood pressure monitors, rehabilitation equipment and patient TVs.

"All these items were purchased through a combination of donations, bucket collections, raffles and its annual harvest festival and auction, as well as support from other local groups.

“It was agreed that Copthorne Cickers United should cease to be a registered charity and donations of £3,000 to Telford Coronary Ward and £3,000 to the Rehabilitation unit at Royal Shrewsbury were made."

Tom Phelps, Centre Manager for Cardiology, Cardiorespiratory, Diabetes & Endocrinology at SaTH, said:

“We are so grateful for all the support we’ve received from the Copthorne Cickers since 1992, their ongoing dedication to raising money to improve the experience for other patients is admirable and we wish them well with their social group.”

Julia Clarke, Director of Public Participation, said: “We want to thank Copthorne Cickers for supporting the Trust for over 30 years. By fundraising you have made a huge difference to the lives of patients and their relatives.”

The group is open to anyone, and their friends and family, who has had a heart problem.

The group meets every third Thursday of the month at Crowmoor Baptist Church from 2pm to 4pm.

Find out more at cickers.com