EVENING Herald editor Alan Qualtrough has received a cheque for ?5,000 after completing his trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro for the Give A Child A Chance appeal.
Alan was sponsored ?5,000 by Plymouth commercial landlord Michael Hockin of London & Westcountry Estates to complete the Sugar Mill Kilimanjaro Challenge.
During the trek in October, Alan was joined by nine other people and his efforts alone have raised more than ?6,000 for the appeal.
He said: "It is wonderful to have this kind of support. The trip was well worth the effort and we raised a substantial amount of money."
Michael Hockin added: "I was delighted to sponsor Alan in what is a very important appeal which will help a lot of children in the city."
The Herald's Give A Child A Chance campaign has already raised about ?50,000 for children with special health needs. It was launched in June by the Evening Herald, Plymouth and South West Co-operative Society and Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust and aims to raise thousands of pounds to improve facilities for the 7,000 children and, their families attending community child health services within Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust.
It will help children in Plymouth who are either disabled or have mental health problems. Money raised will be spent on improvements including buying a mini-bus, refurbishing a playground at the Child Development Centre, creating a sensory play environment, building a play area and refurbishing the day centre at The Terraces and building extensions at the Child Development Centre and Erme House.
Dominic Borg, of Heroes in Plymouth, said the nightclub would be holding collections throughout the Christmas season, and hoped to have a big cheque to hand over in January. The Herald is urging its readers to organise their own events to raise money for Give A Child A Chance. Call 01752 302425.