Published: 26 April, 2012
by TOM FOOT

A MYSTERY donor has stepped in to save an elderly people’s day centre from closure after reading about its plight in the New Journal.

The Great Croft Resource Centre, in King’s Cross, was under threat after Camden Council was forced to stop its annual “block” funding following swingeing government cutbacks.

But a kind-hearted resident called William, who lives in the borough but does not want his full name to be revealed, read about our campaign that has been running for almost two years, and has handed £75,000 to Age UK Camden to keep Great Croft open for at least three years.

Centre manager Abul Choudhury said: “We are really grateful to the CNJ.

“The mystery donor, who has visited Great Croft, and we know only as William, said he read about us in the CNJ and wanted to help.

“He liked the services we run, the spirit of the team and was quite moved. With William’s donation, a two-year award from the Camden People’s Fund, and Personal Budget income, we are in a better position.

“There are still some shortfalls, but it’s much better. Our thanks go to the CNJ and, of course, William. The service users are really grateful.”

The charity’s chief executive, Gary Jones, added: “As a result of publicity about our plight in the CNJ, a major donor is committing money to Great Croft for three years.”

The future of Henderson Court Day Centre, in Hampstead, has also been secured for at least two years after another donor agreed to leave their inheritance to Age UK Camden.

The good news follows months of anxious waiting for elderly ­people who cherish the centres and call them “home”.

When the government announced the cuts, pensioners – many of them wheelchair users – demonstrated outside the Town Hall.

At a fundraising event, held in the Guardian newspaper’s building in York Way last week, actor Sir Derek Jacobi praised the work of Age UK Camden .

He told the event: “I’ve been a patron for Age UK Camden for almost 10 years. Every year we support 6,000 older people, providing advice and information on a variety of issues. Many older people we work with are vulnerable and suffer from social isolation and loneliness. Please help us deliver these vital services.”

Age UK Camden chairwoman Janet Guthrie added: “Our fundraising target has been reduced to £60,000 a year [on top of existing donations].

“We are still short of funds to keep befriending [Good Neighbour] services going and have some gaps in resource centres’ funding.

“Over time, we also need to broaden our donor base.

“William’s generosity gives us a bit of breathing space and is a major step forward. All donations are welcome, however large or small.”