Anne White, of the Christian Lewis Trust, was invited to the club's last business meeting on January 9 to receive a cheque of £550 for the charity. While she was there she gave a brief outline of the work the charity undertakes to help children and families suffering from cancer. The charity, based in Swansea, was set up 21 years ago to help children in South and West Wales by the family of Christian Lewis, who found that there was little help available outside of the actual treatment of cancer and no support for the family itself, the patient's siblings and parents. The Trust aims to give this help and they do it in a number of ways.

Cancer in children tends to split families, with the parents having to spend much of their time with the child affected, so the Trust has a number of caravans where families can spend some quality time together when treatment allows. They have one in Lydstep, two in Manorbier, one in Aberystwyth and another in North Wales. They are in constant use and families come from Friday to Monday and Monday to Friday in order to fit in as many as possible.

Anne, herself, covers a wide area and is heavily involved with both the patient and their families throughout the treatment. She brought along a range of items which she uses to help the child through play. She introduced members to Chemo Duck - a useful toy which gives children a greater understanding of how the treatment works; all sorts of items, worry dolls, masks, first aid kits (large match boxes which contain rewards which help children get through their treatments). Things that are easily made, but so valuable in helping children understand what is happening to them.

Children often find it difficult to communicate with those nearest to them about how they feel. Through play she helps them to express the anger they often feel, thus helping them to cope.

Anne has been doing this work for 13 years and it really does make a difference. With pens, glue, glitter and toys and the family holiday, a real difference can be made to the child undergoing therapy and to their brothers and sisters and parents.

She thanked president Marlene and the club for the donation. Marlene, who has chosen this as one of her charities during her presidential year, said she was delighted that they could help in a small way. One of the caravans is next door to her in Lydstep, so she has a real insight into the problems families face.

The next executive meeting will be at Wimbledon on Wednesday, February 8, at 7.30 pm, and the next business meeting starts with a buffet lunch at noon at the Fourcroft. The District chairman will be in attendance and the business meeting will follow at 2 pm.

On February 18, the club will be holding a coffee morning at Church House which will include a sale of bric-a-brac and clothing, the proceeds of which will be divided between local charities and overseas aid.

On Thursday, February 23, they will hold their quiz night at the Bowling Club. This will be in aid of Paul Sartori.