£7,900 raised with family fun day

A FAMILY fun day in memory of Rotherham am-dram stalwart Stuart Lister drew in the crowds — and a bumper total for the charity founded in his memory.

Stuart’s daughter Carrie Platts, who set up Start a Heart 24:7 with her mum Trish Lister in her dad’s memory, hosted the event at the Woodman pub in Woodlaithes on Sunday, which raised £7,494 — up more than £1,000 on last year’s total.

The range of attractions was even bigger than those on offer last year, as Carrie and Trish have been given permission to use the adjacent village green.

A bouncy castle, hook-a-duck, coconut shy, face painting, human fruit machine, tin can alley and crazy golf were among the family-friendly fare, while there were live bands and a DJ to add music to proceedings.

Volunteers from Yorkshire Ambulance were also be on hand to demonstrate how to use a defibrillator.

Start a Heart 24:7, which was dreamed up following Rotherham Sitwell Rotary Club member Stuart last year, aims to raise funds to provide the heart-starting device in publicly-accessible places around Rotherham.

Carrie said: “Comments on the day have encouraged us to make this an annual event going forward and we have so many ideas for SAH 2015 August Bank holiday.

“We are also looking to hear from any communities within the borough who are interested in our life saving equipment.

“They can contact us via my email at [email protected].”