A DORCHESTER voluntary organisation has raised £1,500 for charity.

Dorchester Round Table has presented cheques worth £500 each to Meningitis Now, Dorset Wildlife Trust and Dorset County Hospital’s Special Care Baby Unit.

The voluntary group is for men aged between 18 and 45, from all sorts of occupations and backgrounds.

Naomi Hillier picked up the cheque on behalf of Meningitis Now. The Dorchester mum has been a keen fundraiser for the charity.

Her son, George, contracted pneumococcal meningitis as a baby. She said she was shocked to hear from the Round Table.

She said: “I was lost for words when I first got the email through.

“I don’t think that anybody realises what £500 will do for a charity like Meningitis Now.”

Alison Tong, director of nursing at Dorset County Hospital, said they were grateful for the donation.

She said: “They have raised money for such a worthy cause.

“We can put it towards equipment that supports babies who are born prematurely .”

Joy Wallace, community conservation officer at Dorset Wildlife Trust, said the donation would go towards the barn owl project.

She said: “That will fund several new barn owl boxes and help give advice to landowners to create a habitat for barn owls.”

Nick Grassby, chairman of the Round Table, said money was raised at three events during the summer, including Party in the Park at Dorchester Carnival, Nick said the three charities were chosen for different reasons.

He said: “Meningitis Now came about through the article in the Dorset Echo where Naomi was raising some money herself.

“We saw George and the issues he has. We decided we want to donate some money to that.”

Dorset Wildlife Trust was chosen after Round Table members went on a trip to one of its facilities. Dorset County Hospital’s Special Care Baby Unit was also a nominated choice.

Ralph Wheeler, community officer at the Round Table, said the group were there to be approached if people needed a hand.

He said: “It’s not all about us looking for people. If people in the community need a bit of help, we’re there to help out.”

If you would like to learn more about the Dorchester Round Table or would like to become a member, please email ngrassby@ hotmail.com l The Round Table’s next major fundraising event is a Halloween Club Night on Friday, October 31 at the Spice Centre.

The event runs from 10.30pm and fancy dress is essential.

Tickets cost £6 and are available from the Spice Centre or Number 35 Coffee House and Kitchen.