A raffle launched by a shooting estate near Newtown has raised almost £60,000 for NHS Charities Together.

Bettws Hall, based in Bettws Cedewain, smashed its £50,000 target after 186 days of campaigning during the coronavirus lockdown.

While the clapping for carers echoed around the village, Bettws Hall managing directors Gwyn and Ann Evans decided that more could be done to show their appreciation for frontline key workers.

The exclusive family-run business decided to offer a chance to win a 400-bird day out shooting at Vaynor Park near Berriew.

Mr Evans said: "We did not ever imagine exceeding £50,000 when we first conjured up the idea back in April. We were clapping for our carers one Thursday evening and could see community spirit was strong.

 

"We thought that there must be something more we can do for our heroes on the frontline. And so, we decided to donate a day at one of our six estates for a full team."

The fundraiser came to an end when the draw was made at Bettws Hall just two hours before the 'fire-break' lockdown on Friday, October 23, which was attended by Montgomeryshire MS Russell George and Powys County Council leader Rosemary Harris.

On the day of the raffle draw, Shrewsbury & Telford Hospital NHS Trust staff nurse Jules Lewis said: "The money you have raised is making such a difference...to help support our staff so they can support their patients. We can continue to do some amazing stuff...and you are all awesome! Thank you so much, it means the world to us."

A total of £59,185 will go towards helping the NHS provide long-term mental and rehabilitation for staff, volunteers, patients and carers as well as paying for wellbeing packs, accommodation, travel, parking and volunteer expenses.