Just hours left to get ticket to boost Len Johnrose Trust and (possibly) win an iPad

A local Rotary club has devised an alternative Xmas fundraiser to boost the Len Johnrose Trust.
Former PNE player Len Johnrose who has motor neurone disease  Photo: PA WireFormer PNE player Len Johnrose who has motor neurone disease  Photo: PA Wire
Former PNE player Len Johnrose who has motor neurone disease Photo: PA Wire

Longridge and Preston North Rotary Club has cancelled its annual Christmas tree collection service fundraiser due to the Covid pandemic.

But it is still determined to support local good causes this Christmas, with a special pre-Xmas draw which will help former PNE footballer Len Johnrose.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

There is still time - until midnight on Tuesday December 8 - to purchase a ticket and help the club's chosen charity The Len Johnrose Trust and other local causes.

Len Johnrose pictured during his teaching careerLen Johnrose pictured during his teaching career
Len Johnrose pictured during his teaching career

The winning ticket will be drawn on Thursday by Preston North End manager Alex Neil.

Publicity Officer Paul Bond said: "We made the decision to cancel our Charity Christmas Tree collection and recycling project this year due to Covid and the age demographic of a lot of our volunteers. It's a shame that we can't do it, but with the age profile of our club it would not be sensible anyway. We'll come back to it next year."

The £5 draw tickets can be obtained via the Club's website at www.longridgerotary.org.uk/ipad-prize-draw

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The main prize is a 2020 iPad Air which has an upgraded 12MP main camera, support for the Apple Pencil (second generation) and a smart keyboard, as well as a larger liquid retina display.

In addition there will be two thumbprint signed copies of Len Johnrose's new book Finding A Way, awarded as second and third prizes.

The Len Johnrose Trust was founded in 2018 shortly after former PNE player Len went public with his MND (motor neurone disease) diagnosis.

Prestonian Len had worked as a professional footballer for 16 years, including a stint at Blackburn Rovers before becoming a teacher. He has penned a memoir entitled 'Finding A Way' in which he shares his story.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The Rotary club has continued to hold its regular meetings via Zoom and Paul said: "Len came to talk to us at the Club recently about MND. We just thought it would be appropriate to do something on his behalf and we wanted to do something for the local community."

A spokesperson for the Trust said: "As you will be aware the Covid issues of this year have virtually stopped any public events and as a result fundraising for The Trust and MND in general has suffered greatly, this gesture is therefore very much appreciated.

"The funds raised have so far served to greatly benefit Len and his family in making necessary modifications to his home and providing specialist equipment to assist Len in his daily actions. Alongside this each sum raised has seen a direct donation made from The Trust into National MND research funds.

"Len continues to work hard in raising awareness of MND. Len also passes on his personal thanks and he would like everyone to know that he is in very good spirits and enjoying life."

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The draw will be held at 7pm on Thursday with results to be posted on the club's Facebook page.

In addition the club is offering, as required by law, a free entry option for those who do not wish to purchase a ticket. However Paul said: "As this is for a charity we would hope participants will purchase tickets."

For free entry please post your name and address referencing "iPad Charity Prize Draw" to Andrew Dunn, 10, Risedale Drive, Longridge, PR3 3SA.

Participants in the draw must be over 16 years of age.

The website of the Rotary Club of Longridge and Preston North is: longridgerotary.org.uk

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

* Earlier this year the Longridge and Preston North Rotarians helped assist the drive-in flu vaccination service offered by Berry Lane surgery which was based at Longridge Civic hall. Over three Saturdays Rotarians helped organise the covered tents and traffic management.

** The Lancashire Post is more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription to support our journalism. For unlimited access to Lancashire news and information online, you can subscribe here