A NOT-FOR-PROFIT organisation, based near Wellington, has received a ‘lifeline’ £1,000 donation as part of a community outreach project set up by a local retirement house builder.

The Young At Heart Club, which provides day services and activities for older people living in Somerset and Mid Devon, received the donation from McCarthy and Stone, following an appeal in March for Wellington charities to come forward for donations.

The club, which celebrated its first birthday earlier this year, received the ‘lifeline’ donation after struggling in recent months to subsidise the cost of transport to bring its members to the club.

Lloyd Yorke, co-founder of the Young at Heart club, said: “We’re delighted that McCarthy and Stone has been able to donate part of the funds needed to transport our members to our Club for the next 12 months.

“The donation will enable us to continue to provide a unique and fun-filled day for our older members each week. “We are proud of our service and it is a delight to help older people make new friends and relieve that horrible feeling of loneliness.”

Jacqui Meenan, Regional Sales and Marketing Director for McCarthy and Stone, said: “The Young at Heart Club is such a fantastic cause, and we are honoured to support an organisation that provides a much-needed facility for the elderly, who often find themselves isolated and lonely.”

The Young At Heart Club is held at Burlescombe and Westleigh Community Hall every Monday and Friday, and allows their many members aged over 60 to socialise, enjoy exercise and make new friends.

Despite the generous donation from McCarthy and Stone, more funding is needed to help towards the club’s running costs.

Anyone who would like to make a donation to the club should contact Lloyd Yorke on 07704 040399 or e-mail lloyd@youngatheartclub.co.uk.