In February we published the first details of a fund started for this little boy called Jack Goodland.  A week or so previously, thanks to a photograph in the Western Gazette of Elspeth Edmonds with Jack, the village became aware of his need for a portable dialysis machine.  Elspeth and other members of the Breakthrough Committee decided to make this their fundraising project for the year.   With almost £400 already in the kitty from carol singing, Shovel Club, disco etc., Howard Morland of the Royal George opened the Trust Fund account.  Since then so many events have been held, so many generous donations from the village, from organisations in and around the area, from Minehead (Maggie's home town) and so many wonderful people that even before Saturday evening when the Breakthrough Committee held their Grand Auction of Promises the target of £7,000 had been raised.  An unbelievable £3414.30 was raised on the night with approximately a further £300 promised.
It was obvious that the fund will far exceed the original amount needed so suggestions

were requested from the many people present as to how the surplus should be used, bearing in mind that there are also some events still to take place.  After discussion it was proposed and seconded that as the money had been raised for Jack, a new trust fund should be set up with the surplus for any future requirements he was likely to need.  Legal advice has been  sought to safeguard everyone concerned and Elspeth Edmunds and Dave Stevens have agreed to be trustees.  In the meantime, Howard (at the Royal George) is continuing to collect and pay in money to the Trust Fund account.
  The Southmead Renal Unit were so impressed at the progress already made with the fund that Jack was provided with his new machine a few days ago.  He is making such good progress that he is now able to have one night a week off the machine and so was able to be present at the amazing 'Auction' evening.
Maggie and Clive thanked everyone at the end of the evening and said afterwards that the whole thing was so wonderful they were completely overwhelmed.  It had not really sunk in yet!!
Congratulations to EVERYONE involved.