A CHESHIRE children’s cancer charity is celebrating after receiving a generous donation from Church Minshull Aqueduct Marina.

The Nantwich organisation raised £4,646.50 for The Joshua Tree, which had been named its charity partner for the past year.

Several fundraising events were held throughout the year, including a boater’s bash and family fun day in July.

Robert Parton, marina director, said: “We have really enjoyed supporting The Joshua Tree this year.

“Our boaters’ bash was a terrific success, with the Paul Larcombe Elvis tribute show supported by the Passionettes providing the main musical entertainment.

“Our family fun day was also a brilliant day. The weather was fabulous which helped to bring in the crowds and with so much entertainment going on there was something for all the family.

“We hope to repeat this success next year.”

Sara Wheater is PR and events manager at The Joshua Tree, which supports families affected by childhood cancer.

“We can’t thank Church Minshull Aqueduct Marina and all its staff, moorers, customers, visitors and friends enough for raising such a wonderful total,” she said.

“The money goes towards the building of our new support centre for families from across the north west experiencing childhood cancer.

“It is with the support of amazing community partnerships like this partnership with Aqueduct Marina that we are able to offer much-needed support to the 70 local families under our care.”

Since July, several families working with The Joshua Tree have been treated to ‘carer-break’ boat trips with members of the marina community.

The charity has also recruited some potential volunteers and additional funding support from marina users, as The Joshua Tree continues to raise funds for the building of its new Sandiway support centre.

Groundworks on the development will begin this autumn, with the charity aiming to have the site ready to open by December 2017.