WOMEN have raised thousands of pounds for a charity very close to the heart of their president.

Members of the Holmfirth Inner Wheel Club have raised more than £3,500 for a host of charities this year.

But the biggest cash boost of £1,250 went to the Yorkshire Kidney Research Fund.

The donation comes shortly after Holmfirth Inner Wheel president for the year, Alison Dryden, underwent her own kidney transplant surgery following a donation from her husband John.

She said: “I have been a kidney patient for 18 years which is why I have made this my main president's charity for ‘my year’.

“I could write a book about my experiences over these years and I am so grateful that I have been enabled to fulfil this role throughout the past year.”

Events held to raise the money included a flower demonstration, an art sale and a plant sale.

The cheque presentation at Brooklands Garden Centre, Scholes, featured supper and a talk by Ian Firth from the fund.

The evening ended with entertainment by John Senior, Rod and Dave.