Rotary clubs from across the region came together recently for a special 'End Polio Now' fundraiser.

The Curry Night event was hosted by Tameside Rotary, with the speaker for the evening  Rotary district representative Mike Yates, a member of Marple Bridge & New Mills Rotary Club and who frequently travels as a volunteer to India. 

He has been to India over 30 times leading teams distributing the polio vaccine to children to ensure the country is kept Polio free.

Tameside Rotary founder member Andy Williams has experienced this and said Mike Yates was very good at explaining the process and putting volunteers at their ease. 

The reward for Mike is not only is India kept Polio free but volunteers tell him their experience was ‘life changing’.  

Some neighbouring countries such as Pakistan and Afghanistan are still struggling to eradicate the disease completely as areas of conflict are obviously difficult for the vaccine distributors to operate in safely. 

Tameside Rotary were joined by members of Manchester Breakfast Club, Stockport Lamplighter, Glossop and Marple Bridge & New Mills Rotary.

Also enjoying the event were Members of The Armoury in Ashton. 

The event was held at The Indian Plaza, Audenshaw, which provided a variety of Indian dishes.

In total £465 was raised to #EndPolioNow which will help to pay for vaccine drops and cooler packaging to keep the drops at the correct temperature.

Tameside Rotary President President Angela Robbins said: “The evening was a huge success. Lots of laughing and chatting, an appreciation of what Mike was doing was expressed by our members along with everyone from other clubs. 

“It’s a force of nature when like-minded people come together and are inspired. 

“All members of the club express their grateful thanks to Vice President Mohammed and Secretary Cliff who spearheaded the event and made it the success that it was, raising an amazing £465 with the help of The Indian Plaza, Audenshaw.”