Events go on as more than £40,000 is raised

THE community has rallied in support of families affected by the Bosley disaster.

Residents were quick to action when the explosion happened to help families who have lost loved ones and workers who lost jobs at the mill.

An online fund at gofundme.com was set up by Sylvia Jenkinson, from Bosley Parish Council, which is now more then £17,000 and a ‘Help Bosley’ Facebook page has been pulling together events.

There are signs across the area promoting the appeal and people have been turning up at Bosley pubs with supplies for families.

A bucket collection at the Treacle Market on Sunday raised £2,000.

A service of prayer was held at St Barnabas Church in Macclesfield after a request by the sister of Clare Thorley, who was injured in the blast. Charity rides by bikers groups Bitter and Twisted and Jesters raised more than £2,000.

On Friday, around 2,000 people attended a fundraiser at the Harrington Arms which raised more than £10,000.

Tim Doggett, who runs the Help Bosley Facebook page and helped organise the event, said events so far have raised more than £40,000. He said: “It’s been amazing. People have donated so much and families have been lifted by the support.”

Bosley Wood Treatment Tug of War team, wore black armbands to compete at the South West Open Tug of War Championships on Sunday.

They made the final of the 600kg competition and narrowly lost to Oxney Vines Cross from Sussex.

The club is running a fundraising tug of war competition at the Queens Arms Family Fun Day at 1pm on Saturday, August 8. To enter email Alan Knott on alan_p_ knott@hotmail.com or 07976 591222.

Alan said: “We wore black armbands as a mark of respect and the other teams observed a minute’s silence. We thanks the community for their support.”

The Queens Arms in Bosley is hosting an event on Friday evening.

Society bar at Dukes Court, Macclesfield, is hosting events on Friday, August 7, from 7pm and on Sunday, August 9.

The Bate Hall on Chestergate, Macclesfield is holding a music event on Saturday, August 8, from 7pm.

Ella’s beauty salon on Mill Lane is having a charity pamper day on Sunday, August 30, 10am to 3pm.

Kelvin Barks, brother of William Barks who died, is leading a disaster fund through Barclays Bank.