A FORMER Mayor of Winchester has raised more than £32,000 for local charities.

Cllr Barry Lipscomb presented Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, The Rifles Care for Casualties Appeal and the Winchester Cancer Research Trust with cheques last Tuesday (Sept 25).

Each charity received just over £10,000 as the former mayor divided the money among them equally.

Cllr Lipscomb said: “Each of these charities has a special place in my heart and I am absolutely delighted to have been able to help their vital work.”

The cash will allow the WCRT to purchase a new plasma blade for the breast unit at Royal Hampshire County Hospital, which enables bloodless surgery.

Richard Rainsbury, consultant breast surgeon at RHCH, said: “I would like to thank Barry Lipscomb, his fundraising team and the hundreds of generous donors who have raised this magnificent sum of money.”

Lt Col Mike Smith MBE, casualty officer of the Rifles, said: “Our thanks also go to all the members of The Mayors' Charities Committee who have been such a support to us. “The Care for Casualties Appeal emanates from the desire of The Rifles regimental family to support our casualties from the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts, whenever they may need it at anytime for the rest of their lives.” Air ambulance trustee Jonathan Moseley added: “I can assure you the donation will be spent wisely by the Air Ambulance in providing the very special life saving service to all the communities in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.”

The presentations took place at The Royal Green Jackets Museum at Peninsula Barracks in Romsey Road.

Cllr Lipscomb also thanked members of his charity committee along with sponsors Denplan and Rathbones.