Christmas came early when a worthy cause in Ellesmere Port became the latest recipient of a £1,000 cash boost from a leading housebuilder.

Persimmon Homes North West made the donation to the town’s branch of the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) as part of its Community Champions scheme.

The scheme provides financial support to deserving individuals, clubs or organisations across the region.

The match-funding initiative seeks to support groups and charities working to improve the quality of life or the environment for local people.

The Ellesmere Port fundraising group of the RNIB was set up by father-of-four Dave Cowell who developed myopic retinal degeneration, lost 60% of his sight and was forced to quit his career as a trucker.

Fantastic support

Along with family and friends, Dave started raising money for the RNIB through events and taking part in cycle rides. He recently completed a 210 mile bike ride on a tandem, crossing Holland in three days.

Dave commented: “Since my diagnosis, I have received fantastic support from the RNIB so I wanted to fundraise for the charity to ensure we can carry on supporting people with sight loss.”

Area fundraising manager Helen Evans said she was ‘over the moon’ at being named a community champion.

“The £1,000 from Persimmon Homes is fantastic news, we are so thankful for their support.

“The money will enable to us to continue our vital work offering support, advice and information to people with sight loss,” she said.

Persimmon’s community champions scheme invites local groups and charities to bid for cash from a £750,000 national fund with two donations of up to £1,000 being made every month.