WHEN you reach your 90th birthday, you could be forgiven for sitting back and taking it easy.

However, long-term fundraiser Frank Mernagh did no such thing as he helped raise more than £1,200 for two hospice charities.

From organising concerts to hosting bowling handicaps, Frank from St Helens, has been fundraising for over 40 years with beneficiaries including both national and local charities.

To celebrate his milestone birthday, kind-hearted Frank decided to hold a ‘bit of a do’ at St James Social Centre in Orrell but informed family and friends that, rather than presents, he would like donations to be made for Willowbrook Hospice and Wigan and Leigh Hospice.

Frank said: “At my age I’ve got everything I need so I thought why not use my birthday to help raise money for two very worthwhile local causes.

"I had a wonderful evening and was delighted to see so many people come along to help me celebrate my ‘milestone’. I’ve been overwhelmed by the generosity of everyone who attended and it gives me such pleasure to know that the money will be put to good use, helping people who need it the most.”

Nichola Saunders, head of fundraising at Willowbrook, added: “Frank has been such a stalwart supporter of the hospice over the years. On behalf of Willowbrook, I’d like to pass on our congratulations and thanks for everything that he’s done to help raise money so that we can continue to care for our patients and their families.”

For more information on how you can help raise money for Willowbrook Hospice, please visit willowbrook.org.uk