The three charities nominated to be the chief beneficiaries of the £34,000 raised by last July’s Classics on the Common show, organised by Rotary in Harpenden, were presented with cheques at a dinner at Aldwickbury Park Golf Club. 

The charities were Hope and Homes for Children, Motor Neurone Disease Association of Hertfordshire and Youth Talk. 

Julie Huntley from Hope and Homes for Children spoke about the charity’s global efforts to return children in orphanages to their families and consign orphanages to history. Rotary in Harpenden’s donation will enable them to reunite at least seven families. 

The Motor Neurone Disease Association of Hertfordshire was represented by Hetty Smith and MND-sufferer Kent Allen. Kent described MND as a cruel disease, as the brain functions normally while causing a loss of muscle function in either the higher or lower body or face. The charity raises funds to increase awareness and provide support equipment. The Rotary in Harpenden donation will fund three or four stairlifts. 

Rachel Simkin from Youth Talk described the free and confidential counselling provided for 13- to 25-year-olds in St Albans and Harpenden, the demand for which has increased markedly following the Covid lockdowns. 

As usual, Rotary in Harpenden has retained a share of the funds to support other charities and causes. 

Pictured with Rotary in Harpenden President Terry Heritage and Classics on the Common Event Manager Liz Jack are, from the left, Hetty Smith, Kent Allen and Jenny Fellas (Motor Neurone Disease Association of Hertfordshire), Rachel Simkin (Youth Talk) and Julie Huntley (Hope and Homes for Children)