ROTARACT clubs from the Thames Valley are helping to make a wish come true.

The social clubs in the Thames Valley area raised £10,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, a charity that makes 'a wish come true' for children with life-threatening illnesses.

Support for the charity began a year ago when club member Tom Bates and two friends cycled from John o'Groates to Land's End in aid of the charity last August.

After the ride they decided to nominate the Make-A-Wish Foundation as the chosen charity in the Thames Valley area.

The clubs raised money by holding events, such as quiz nights, boat trips, casino nights, barn dances, murder mystery nights, black tie balls, karaoke nights and a Burns supper. Mike Foster, chairman of Rotaract in the Thames Valley region, said: "Members have had a fantastic time organising a range of social events across the Thames Valley.

"We have all worked together as a team to reach our goal of supporting the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

"It has been a lot of fun and we hope it will bring many smiles to the faces of those who will be able to have their wishes granted."

David Stedman, trustee of the foundation, and Norma Scott, charity chief executive, were presented with a cheque for £10,000 at a chairman's evening last Saturday. Norma said: "I would like to say a big thank you to all the Rotaract clubs in the Thames Valley area.

"Their dedication, support and hard work has been a great help to the charity and has enabled us to grant so many more wishes."