Friends of St Jude's coffee morning

With a well-stocked tombola, home-made cakes and freshly brewed coffee and tea, many supported the event and Chairman of Friends of St Jude's, Phillipa Coughlan, was delighted with the amount of money raised and thanked everyone for their support.

Phillipa said the money raised from the coffee morning, will be put to good use and, as with other such events that the Friends organise, will be used to buy luxury items, or to pay for days out which otherwise would not be available to the women and children who have sought refuge at the safe haven which St Jude's provides for them.

She said: "You have to imagine that the mum's and kids are literally plucked from their homes and often leave everything behind '“ toys, pets, everything '“ and arrive at St Jude's with nothing."

In addition Phillipa said she is eager to hear from anyone who may have some free time to spare and who may be interested in joining Friends of St Jude's.

She said: "I am trying to encourage people to join. It only costs five pounds a year and along with regular newsletters - which gives information about the work at St Jude's - they will be invited to many events, for example the Christmas Carol concert, a firework evening, and strawberry cream teas."

She added: "By becoming a Friend of St Jude's it also it gives people the opportunity to meet up with other people. We'd like to hear from anyone who has some free time, and who has commitment and understanding of families who have broken up."

In 2008 sixty one women and one hundred and seventy one children were admitted to the refuge.

For more information call Phillipa on (01424) 220337.