LIPHOOK’s most active fundraising couple - Shirley and Paul Briggs – held their last charity raffle before retiring to the Isle of Wight, during the monthly village market at the Millennium Centre.

The couple managed to raise £290 for Liphook Day Centre, with donations from many local businesses, including the Hungry Horse, Shakley’s Cafe, Marion’s Hairdressing Salon, and 26 The Cafe.

Other prizes inculded hampers, chocolates, bottles of wine and a large selection of gifts.

Wheelchair-bound Shirley, who suffers from multiple sclerosis (MS) and Paul, who is in remission after cancer treatment, have lived in Liphook for eight years.

Between them they have tirelessly campaigned and fundraised for local charities including TLC, the Day Centre, Cancer Research, Bordon and Liphook Charity as well as Macmillan Midhurst.

Shirley told The Herald: “The response we have had when people in the village heard we were moving away has been quite overwhelming. I got very emotional by all the lovely comments we have received.

“I did not think we had done anything special, because I have been fundraising and campaigning all my life, despite often suffering from depression and anxiety.

“But I am a fighter and will not let things get me down.

“We wanted to do one more fundraiser for the day centre, who invited us to their Christmas lunch three years ago – and go out with a flourish.”

The couple helped entertain clients at the Day Centre with weekly bingo sessions, provided home baked birthday cakes and for the last two years also distributed presents dressed up as Mother Christmas and an Elf.

Day centre manager Diane Dormer said: “Shirley and Paul are a very special couple. They came to visit us for the first time three years ago and have since become regulars and are very popular with our clients.

“They have raised hundreds of pounds with their tireless fundraising activities and will be sadly missed by everyone. We sincerely thank them for all their kindness and hard work.”

Just over three years ago the couple escaped serious injuries when a drunk-driver crashed into their bedroom of their ground floor flat in Moss Court, Portsmouth Road, in the middle of the night – making them homeless for several months.