The Lions Club provides cash boost for two youngsters battling illness

TWO Shepshed youngsters with lifelimiting conditions have benefited from cash donations from a volunteer group.

Shepshed Lions Club donated £1,000 each to the youngsters.

Zak Marks, 14, needs an outdoor hot tub for his therapy but has been finding it difficult to use.

His Mum, Emma, has been working hard to raise funds for a hoist to help him manoeuvre in and out of the tub.

Emma said: “The donation from the Lions will take us a good way towards our target, and with the hoist in place, things will become much easier for Zak in what is an important part of his therapy.”

The Lions also donated £1,000 to Alfie Smith, who is nine this month.

His Mum, Fay, said: “We are raising funds for Alfie to have what is called an SDR operation, and the total cost will be £15,000.

“We hope this will make a big difference to his walking and make a major improvement to his quality of life.

“Local people have been massively generous with their help for more than four years now. This second donation from Lions is a big boost, so thank you Lions, it is beyond generous!”

The Lions have had to make do without their main sources of revenue, their carnival and Santa sleigh tour around Shepshed. Shepshed Lions president Lynn Jackson said: “Last year, the restrictions meant that neither could take place, but in spite of this, Zak and Alfie’s stories show that the club is still doing it’s best to help people in our community. We wish both of them all the very best.” The Lions are planning for the Shepshed Carnival to take place on Bank Holiday Monday in August.

Lynn said: “The carnival takes many months of preparation, and if we are to have any chance of holding it this year, we need to start work now.

Lynn says the event will depend

on coronavirus restrictions, with the safety of the public the main priority.

Lynn said: “We believe we must be optimistic and plan to deliver Carnival 2021 for the people of Shepshed.

“It will be a family event first and foremost, with the same low entry

fee as always, and a big emphasis on entertainment for the children.”

Some arena acts have already been booked, including old favouritessuch as Mad Dom, Punch and Judy, rides, a wide range of stalls, and the popular barbecue and tea

tents. Since the carnival was revived 12 years ago, it has become the biggest event in Shepshed’s social calendar.

After the event was cancelled last year, the Lions are keen for it to return on Monday, August 30.

The Lions have had to make do without their main sources of revenue, their carnival and Santa sleigh tour around Shepshed.