Thursday’s Race Night for the Rising Sun Trust eventually raised over £2,000.

The event at Whitehaven’s Recreation Ground made just over £1,000 but Costain Oil, Gas & Process Ltd matched that to double-up the profit.

Dave Smith – founder of The Trust which works with, and supports, those effected by the misuse of Drugs and Alcohol, said he was “absolutely delighted by the response.”

“The money we’ve raised will help us maintain the various projects run by our charity,” he said.

The Whitehaven rugby league club gave their services free for the evening and also presented a season ticket for 2010 and a Haven jersey for the raffle, which also included several outstanding prizes which had been donated by local businesses.

Smith added: “ I have been absolutely stunned by the support offered in aid of this event. Emma Tumelty one of our Helpline Volunteers was the driving force with regard to organizing the night along with Deb Stokes who is our Helpline Manager and Volunteer Co-ordinator.

“Jeff Lewis, who screened the races, donated his time and equipment and all the races were sponsored by various businesses.

“Cheryl Smitham, a local singer, gave her time to entertain during the evening and a special thanks goes to Costain Oil, Gas & Process Ltd who matched the figure we raised.

 “Other businesses from Whitehaven to  Cockermouth donated raffle prizes ranging from a 32” LCD Television to Vouchers for meals , Electrical Equipment  making it one of the most attractive prize draws I have seen locally.

“The support of the local community is paramount to The Trust’s continued ability to help those we support.

"Functions like this one not only raise funds for our organization but gives us an opportunity to raise awareness of the work we do.“

MAL WALKER popped into the Recreation Ground to see if he could find a winner - and of course the Rising Sun Trust was the biggst winner of all after a very successful night.

Mal took a few shots of Dave Smith with Rob Phillips of Costain and alongside with the Trust helpers and below he homes in on some of the punters studying form!

 
And in another boost for the Rising Sun Trust, a rising star of the cricket world is to promote their cause.

Ben Stokes from the Durham club, who started his career in Cumbria with Cockermouth, is a member of the England Under-19's squad which has just left on a tour of Bangladsh. He was recently announced as Durham's young cricketer of the year.

He approached Dave Smith about his idea to help promote the Trust by displaying the Rising Sun sticker on his bats

Smith said: "I was enthusiastic about the idea. Ben explained that he had spoken with Grey Nicolls his bat sponsor and they had given permission for him to go ahead with the idea. I would like to thank Grey’s for their support and as Ben’s career gathers momentum hopefully that will help raise awareness of The Rising Sun Trust and the work we do “

Young Stokes added:  “ Dave and Marlene have been close friends to my family since we arrived in the UK and with my Mum working for The Trust I know just how important is the work they do. My mother also does a lot of voluntary hours on the Helpline and I just wanted to do something to help and this was the best idea I could come up with. I know the Trust helps many people and especially school kids and young people of my own age. Hopefully this will help.“

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