THE Hedgehogs presented cheques to representatives of Challengers and Oesophagael Cancer Project last month at Challengers Playcentre in East Street, Farnham.

The donations came as a direct result of the funds raised from the Hedgehogs’ summer event, ‘Horsing Around’ held at a private residence in July.

Each registered charity received a cheque for £4,350 and prior to presentation, Rhiannon Hopkin of Challengers gave a tour and talk on the Challengers’ facility and the fantastic work undertaken by staff and volunteers, seven days a week.

Bob Hockey, chairman of The Hedgehogs said: “The Hedgehogs are delighted to be associated with Challengers and Oesophagael Cancer Project, both locally based charities that undertake a huge amount of work for families with children who have a wide variety of impairments and those who have to go through oesophageal cancer treatment.”

Challengers provides vital play and leisure schemes for children with impairments in and around Farnham in addition to other centres in Hampshire and Berkshire. The charity has been established in East Street since 2008.

Rhiannon Hopkin, community fundraising officer, said: “We are so grateful to The Hedgehogs for their incredible support of Challengers, the fantastic £4,350 raised from their ‘Horsing Around’ event will make a huge different to families we support, and will enable disabled children to challenge their impairments and take part in a whole range of exciting and engaging activities across the Farnham schemes, this autumn term and beyond.”

The Oesophagael Cancer Project was established in 2012 and the charity supports the regional oesophagel unit at the Royal Surrey County Hospital, in the provision of help and welfare for OG cancer surgery patients. The charity is entirely run by volunteers.

Fundraising volunteer Emma Maguiresaid: “The Hedgehogs’ ‘Horsing Around’ event held at David Margand’s residence in July and the £4,350 donation made today is an invaluable contribution towards the welfare of our patients who benefit from the work that the Oesophagael Cancer Project undertakes and we sincerely thank The Hedgehogs in supporting us through this wonderful donation.”