STALLHOLDERS at Leigh Market are set to hold events in aid of North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) in the next year.

Kathryn Holt, owner of Café Central and Leigh Market committee member, kick-started the market’s fundraising scheme in 2010 and around £30,000 has been generated for different causes since then.

In the last year, traders amassed £2,826 for Prostate Cancer UK after hosting book sales, tombolas and raffles.

She said: “I’m really thankful to the other stalls in the market who have come together to make the fundraising successful.

"Leigh Market really is like a family and we do what we can to help each other.

"You don’t get that kind of relationship elsewhere.

“We also would like to thank the customers of Leigh Market because they’re so generous and supportive.

"We wouldn’t be able to raise as much as we do without them.”

Kathryn believes the market is supporting another worthy cause in the next year.

“You never know when you’re going to need medical support", she said.

"Most of the work the North West Ambulance Service do is delivered by volunteers, so they rely on donations to keep going.

“We really enjoy doing our bit and coming up with new ideas on how to raise money.

"It’s a community effort and we look forward to the different events that will take place over the next year.

Christine Symons, who works on the card stall, E and J Cards, in the market knows first-hand how NWAS can make a difference to people’s lives.

She said: “Twelve months ago, my grandson had an accident in an outdoor play area and it was a real possibility that he would lose his arm.

"He needed emergency help and thanks to their quick and professional response, my grandson was able to keep his arm and now he is growing into a healthy and fit boy.”

Wigan Council leader, Cllr David Molyneux, has praised the market's fundraising efforts.

He said: “The effort that Leigh Market’s stall holders go to in order to raise money for charity is admirable.

“They are extremely proud of the close-knit community they are a part of and that shows when they come together in this way to help other people.

“By having charity boxes at their tills and putting on simple activities day-to-day really can make a difference.

“I’d like to say a big well done to Kathryn and the others at Leigh Market for all their hard work and we support their efforts moving forward to raise even more money.”