A day centre for the elderly is appealing for donations to replace it’s ‘eye-wateringly expensive’ minibus.

Sandhurst Day Centre needs to raise £40,000 to replace its minibus that it uses to pick up and return elderly residents twice a day.

Ray Mossom, chairman of trustees, told the News: “The bus is unfortunately about 15 years old and is in need of replacement. We are looking to raise funds.

“These buses do not come cheap, and the new one is eye-wateringly expensive, even a second-hand one is expensive.”

The chairman added that although the current bus is not unsafe for use, it ‘needs replacing as soon as possible’, as losing the bus as part of their service would ‘cause an impact’ on their operations.

The team is appealing for donations from local businesses as well as residents, with a GoFundMe page set up and having received £340 so far.

The day centre provides care for elderly residents in Sandhurst, Crowthorne, and Bracknell, and has operated since 1989. Activities, tea and coffee, and a two-course lunch are provided by full time carers and volunteers.

Mr Mossom, who has served as chairman of trustees for the past year, said: “They can come one day a week, they can come every day. Some people, there’s nothing wrong with them, they’re just a bit lonely and come for company. We also have people who have got some quite serious mental and physical problems.”

He added that the day centre provides ‘a really wonderful environment’ for members.

Mr Mossom and the seven other trustees are doing ‘everything they can’ to ensure the bus can be replaced. Adding: “Families sometimes bring them, but not all can. We’re not just helping the people that come, we’re helping their families, children, to give them a bit of respite.”

MP for Bracknell Peter Swallow recently visited the day centre to meet trustees, staff, volunteers, and members.

Mr Mossom said that Mr Swallow discussed with the manager about the work that the day centre does, and the need for the replacement.

In a post on Facebook, the MP called the day centre a ‘fantastic local service helping members stay active and social while enjoying a home cooked meal’.

He wrote: “Sadly, their minibus is on it’s last legs, so they’re raising funds for a replacement. It’s a great cause so please get in touch with them if you’d like to help out.”