Double the fun as campaign marches for two charities

As reported in last week’s Gazette, the public vote did not result in an outright winner as two charities ended up in a tie.

The poll was tight all fortnight with the lead frequently changing hands and voting forms coming in up until last Tuesday’s 5pm deadline, but in the end – and despite several recounts – we ended up with a draw.

The top two were Abbeyfield North Northumberland Extra Care Society (ANNEC), which runs Abbeyfield House in Alnwick that avoided closure last year, and Northumbrian Hedgehog Rescue Trust, bsaed in Longframlington.

They finished ahead of Brambles Childcare Centre, Northumbrian CAB, Refuse to Sink and W Company – Northumbria Army Cadet Force.

Now, following discussions at JJA HQ and with Carole Catchpole, who runs the hedgehog rescue trust, and Jim Thompson, chairman of ANNEC, it has been agreed that the top two will share what’s raised during this, the sixth, campaign.

The Jam Jar Army appeal was launched in May 2011 after author Judith O’Reilly came to us with the idea, and HospiceCare North Northumberland was chosen as the beneficiary.

It was followed, after reader votes, by Alnwick Playhouse Youth Theatre in 2012, dog charity SHAK in 2013, The Stephen Carey Fund in 2014, and the RNLI Amble Shannon Appeal.