BEREAVEMENT charity Jenson’s Twinkle Stars has received a huge financial boost after receiving a cheque for £10,853 from last year’s mayor and mayoress of St Helens.

Kelly Wellens, founder of the recently registered family bereavement charity, and her partner Gary Larkin were welcomed into St Helens Town Hall on Thursday (August 3) where they received the cheque from councillors Dave and Jeanette Banks who raised the sum through a number of fundraisers.

For his mayoral charity during his time as mayor for 2016-17, Councillor Banks, who represents Earlestown, chose Jenson’s Twinkle Stars - a cause close to both councillors’ hearts, which was set up by Kelly in 2011 following the loss of her son, Jenson Rigby, who passed away shortly before birth.

Kelly said: “As a local charity, we’re deeply moved by Dave and Jeanette’s generous actions which have helped raise our profile considerably.

“This incredible amount of money will help us out like you wouldn’t believe it; providing support to bereaved families through sessions at the Tunza Centre, and helping young children overcome loss by bringing some happiness into their lives though fun days out and respite.

“We hope to one day open our own bereavement centre to reach out to even more families, and this donation is a massive boost in helping us achieve this.”

Cllr Dave Banks said: “Jenson’s Twinkle Stars means a great deal to my wife and me, and when the opportunity came to represent St Helens as mayor, I knew I had to spread the good word of its work as far and wide as possible.

“Unfortunately, many years ago, families wouldn’t have been able to receive the same level of support as today when dealing with the loss of a child, so it’s touching to see a local charity here in St Helens carry out this duty.

“I’d like to wish Kelly, Gary and their team of volunteers all the luck in the world for the future.”

For information visit jensonstwinklestars.co.uk.