Residents at a sheltered housing unit in Droitwich have raised money for two charities.

Tenants from The Heriotts along the Worcester Road in Droitwich have raised £500 for Headway – a local charity which supports adults and families affected by acquired brain injuries in Worcestershire – and the Air Ambulance.

The money was raised at a summer fete earlier this month. 

The event was organised by resident Liz Jauncey, who turned her life around after spending more than 20 years struggling to accept her brain injury. 

Liz was struck down by a devastating brain injury – a subarachnoid haemorrhage – in 1993 aged just 28 years old with three daughters then aged nine, eight and five.

The fete included a bouncy castle, face painting and glitter tattoos as well as a space for local organisations to provide information relevant to older customers. 

The money was raised through a tombola, raffle prizes donated by local companies – including tickets to the forthcoming Chateau Impney Hill Climb – and a number of competitions on the day.

Chris Colley, community officer at Fortis Living, who helped organise the event, said: “The summer fete at The Heriotts was a resounding success, not just for the charities who will benefit from the monies raised, but also for all those who came along to enjoy the event. 

"It also gave the scheme the chance to promote itself to potential new residents, allowing them the opportunity to sample what life is like at the housing scheme.”

Liz is an extremely active member of the Fortis community where she lives.

In mid 2016, she joined Breathehappy, a local group for people with lung conditions which included a half an hour walk once a week along with support and help.

In January 2017 she began to join in with activities with the other residents at The Heriotts, including bingo and bowling.

She then set up a second walking group called Parkwalk which is a group for the over 50s and encourages less active people to have a go, supporting any who may have confidence issues.