MORE than £1,000 has been raised to support vital services supporting people with sensory loss around the Forth Valley.

Forth Valley Sensory Centre recently hosted its summer garden party to celebrate its work with the community while raising funds.

The charity’s annual event went ahead at its Camelon hub and raised £1,351, which will go toward the running of events, activities and support services for people in Clackmannanshire, Stirling and Falkirk.

The good cause supports those who are blind, partially sighted, deaf or hard of hearing.

The garden party saw fun activities such as a mini golf course and sponge splat game with a variety of brave volunteers getting soaked.

There were also a range of stalls and a tombola to help net money for the charity, which also runs a hub in the Wee County.

Also at the event were a range of information stalls from partner organisations, including Macular Society, Falkirk Health and Social Care Partnership Sensory Services Team and Living Well Service, National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS) and walking charity, the Braveheart Association.

Some delicious food and homemade mocktails were served up to keep people fed and refreshed, supported by Asda in Grangemouth, Stenhousemuir and Falkirk.

Stephen Smith, who is both a volunteer and uses the centre himself, said: “The event was well attended and I was happy to come along. I really enjoyed the activities, especially the sponge splat game as well as seeing all the stalls and speaking to the attendees and volunteers on the day.

“The sun even came out for us, making the day even more enjoyable.”

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Forth Valley Sensory Centre has also launched its summer hamper raffle, with kind donations from centre users and Caesar and Howie, Solicitors for Older People. Tickets will be on sale at the centre until August when the draw for the winner will be made.

The good cause has been supporting people with sensory loss and their families for more than 15 years.

Rowan Ferguson, community fundraiser, said: “Our garden party was a huge success and I would like to thank everyone who came along, donated and volunteered.

“This is the third summer event I have hosted here at FVSC and it has been the best one yet, thanks to the hard work put in to the event by volunteers, staff and centre donations.

“We aimed to raise £750 from this event and on the day our total was an amazing £1,351.51 which is nearly double our expectations.”

Next, the centre will be preparing for its annual Winter Fayre on Friday, November 29.