Rex packs shoppers' bags to raise money for sick children

A familiar face was spreading festive cheer at a supermarket yesterday.

Former mayor, Councillor Rex Barnett (Con, Haydon Wick) was helping Christmas shoppers pack up their last minute items in a bid to raise cash for charity.

Coun Barnett, who was joined by both of Swindon's MPs, was there to support a charity close to his heart.

The Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Movement (CALM) was one of his chosen mayoral charities last year.

Rex, who is battling lung cancer himself, turned out to help with the bag pack.

He said: "I'm doing ok. I still try and get out and about and do some charity work to raise a bit of cash when I can."

"The bag packing was brilliant, Morrisons was really busy with Christmas shoppers which was good and everyone was really happy."

"It was amazing how many people were putting notes in the buckets and not just coins. I'm not sure how much exactly was raised, but it was looking really good.  The public were very generous."

South Swindon MP Robert Buckland said: "I'm delighted to be helping at this event which is for a really good cause."

North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson added: "I hope CALM raise a great deal of money with this event. It will help families get through what can be a very difficult and expensive time when they're faced with travel expenses. This will be a real Christmas present."

Article courtesy of the Swindon Advertiser