TEAM Rasus Talsarn are celebrating after it emerged that their charity race day at Llanllyr in September raised an astonishing £3,352.18 for the St John Ambulance and Mencap Ceredigion.

Landowners Matthew and Angie Gee nominated both charities as they are deeply involved with each.

The Mencap cheque was presented at the Gateway Club at Aberaeron’s Prince of Wales pub to Angie, president of Mencap Ceredigion, by young Team Rasus member Sophie Lewis, who is currently awaiting a second kidney transplant and is due to begin dialysis shortly.

“We wish Sophie the very best with her treatment and hope that she will find a kidney match very soon,” said a spokesperson.

Sophie’s mum said: “Sophie’s life would be transformed by a new kidney and everyone needs to know how important it is to sign up to the Organ Donation Register, as it can change someone’s life, literally.”

Matthew’s nominated charity, St John Ambulance Ceredigion, were delighted to receive their cheque for of £1,426.09 from Glanville Rees, of Team Rasus, at the Feathers Hotel, Aberaeron.

“St John Ambulance has had a long association with Talsarn and District Horse Races and has been providing first aid cover for many years,” said Matthew.

“We are very grateful for their generous donation towards the work of St John.

“The cost of buying and maintaining a fleet of ambulances is obvious, but behind the scenes St John also provides training for young people, many of whom become our NHS medical staff of tomorrow.

“Without generous support like this, what we do would just not be possible.”