Bingo man raises cash for Christmas parties

August 26, 2010

A Cardiff man has managed to raise an amazing £100,000 for good causes including Christmas parties and festive treats for children's hospitals in the area.

Ray O’Brien, 66, from Ely, Cardiff, has raised the cash through his charity bingo games. The former Halfords worker started the charity novelty bingo in 1985 to help the church fund at St Timothy’s in Ely and then decided to help his local Scout troop.

He now runs the bingo games with the assistance of his wife, Margaret. Recently Ray has been organising the bingo nights for the special needs unit at St David’s Hospital in Canton.

“We raised £300 on the first night, and not long after Margaret and I received an invite to their Christmas party, I was so touched.

“The staff there often get presents for the children out of their own wages, but the money we raised helped this year. And the kids’ faces just lit up when they were given the presents,” he added.

Justine Carter, a child development adviser at the hospital, said, “He really is one of those people who has put all his energy into helping others without earning a wage himself. He has the biggest heart and he is constantly on the go to help raise money for local charities.”