The Market community has combined to raise money for three charities in the last few weeks.

Prints of the photo featured in the last issue of Market Times, of people who had worked in the Market for 30+ years, were sold to generous traders who wished to donate.

One of the charities that benefited was Trinity Hospice in Clapham, through an event called Jake Fest, in Epsom on September 23^rd, which was held in memory of Jake Hetherington, whose wife Emily and family have raised huge amounts of money for Trinity since Jake’s tragic death in 2008, aged just 29.

Jake’s mum Carole said school and footballing friends of Jake, as well as family and people from the local community, came from all over the country to Jake Fest, the latest annual fundraising event held in memory of Jake. “We’ve held a football tournament for years,” Carole said, “but everyone’s getting a bit older and we decided to do something different this year. It was great fun; we put on loads of things for the kids and had a casino and raffle in the evening, which raised a significant amount of money.

“We’ve always supported Trinity Hospice as they looked after Jake so well and I know the Market has also been very supportive of Trinity too. Thank you to everyone who donated – it’s very much appreciated.”

The CGTA has also long been a supporter of Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Trust and a proportion of the funds has been donated to that worthy cause. A third donation was made to the British Heart Foundation, as a mark of respect for Gus Lombardo (click here for Gus's obituary).

Covent Garden Market Authority agreed to match the funds raised and, as a result, both Trinity and Anthony Nolan have received £1,200 and the British Heart Foundation was given £1,000. CGTA Chairman Gary Marshall said: “As always, people in the Market were extraordinarily generous and it was great that the funds raised were matched by the CGMA. These are three wonderful charities and we’re always delighted to support such good causes.”