Charity centre closed after hot water leak disaster

A Tameside charity is counting the cost of a real halloween horror this weekend after a burst pipe caused major damage at its centre.

The Anthony Seddon Fund Centre on George Street in the town is now closed until further notice while the damage is assessed and a clean-up operation begins.

Founder Dawn Thomas said: “A hot water pipe burst so hot water poured down through the ceilings causing them to collapse. It was like a sauna when we first discovered the damage.

“We expect the centre to be closed now for at least a week. We are all absolutely devastated as everyone works so hard for the charity.”

Insurers have been called in following the disaster which happened last night.

Today’s meetings and groups were all cancelled, with tomorrow’s planned Halloween party event also called off.

In a statement the charity added: “We will arrange refunds when we can. We are devastated and apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.”

Donna said: “We would like to thank everyone for their kind messages of support as we know how much the centre means to everyone.

“We will be assessing the damage over the weekend and will provide updates as and when we can. To say we are gutted is an understatement, but we’ll be back as soon as we can.”

Thirty-six cupcakes created by a volunteer for tomorrow’s halloween event are being raffled off online - go to https://justgiving.com/t-a-s-f to make a donation for the possibility to win them for your own halloween party.

Donna established the Anthony Seddon Fund in Ashton one year after the tragic death of her own son Anthony to suicide in 2013. He was just 30 years old.

She was determined to help those facing mental health challenges find the support and help they needed and today, The Anthony Seddon Centre can see hundreds of people of all ages each week, all with a range of mental health issues.

As previously reported, Donna was a recent recipient of the Prime Minister’s Points of Light Award, honouring those who make a difference in their communities.

https://www.questmedianetwork.co.uk/news/tameside-reporter/local-mental-health-charity-wins-award-from-prime-minister/