An Oxford Rotary club has split a £5,000 donation between three city charities which help the homeless and support people suffering from cancer.

The Isis Rotary Club was given the money by the Oxford Round Table to donate to the charity of its choice after helping to organise last year’s fireworks display in South Park, East Oxford.

The money came from about £25,000 raised for charity by the night on November 8.

Now, the Rotary club, based at the Lord Nuffield Club, in Barracks Lane, Cowley, has chosen to donate the bulk of the money to Maggie’s Cancer Information Centre at the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford. The charity supports cancer sufferers and their families.

Bruce Creed, who organises club donations, said: “For a couple of years now we have been helping the round table with the event at South Park.

“We have chosen to give £3,000 to Maggie’s Centre, as this is our president’s charity of choice for the year.

“And the remaining money we will divide between the Porch Steppin’ Stone Centre, and the Gap Project, both of which offer homeless services.

“All our chosen charities offer vital services to local people.”

The Rotary Club organised much of last year’s event, including building the bonfire, putting a protective metal fence around it, and taking admission money from people going to see the fireworks.

Maggie’s Centre will use the money to restock its library, which loans specialist books, DVDs, and relaxation CDs to those suffering from cancer, and to the members of their family who want to learn more about the disease.

Sandy Briscoe, fundraising manager for the centre, said: “The money is really important to Maggie’s and everybody it supports.

“People suffering from cancer, and their loved ones, often find it very hard to get to sleep, or to relax, and get very stressed.

“We will be able to supply specialist information books, and CDs and DVDs which show people how to deal with these problems.

“We are really grateful for the donation.”

The Porch Steppin’ Stone Centre, in St Mary’s Road, East Oxford, plans to buy an eco- friendly fast-food chiller cabinet with its donation, allowing food to be kept for longer.

And the Gap, in Park End Street, which specifically helps homeless people under 25, intend to buy a new set of tables and chairs for its cafe.

awilliams@oxfordmail.co.uk