Two grateful charities were handed a total of £17,000 in donations last night by former district council chairman Amrit Mediratta.

Staff from the Parkinson’s Disease Society and Different Strokes received the much-needed cash at a reception hosted by Councillor Mediratta.

The well-attended event, held at Three Rivers District Council’s Rickmansworth offices, was the culmination of an energetic year of fundraising.

To gasps of astonishment cheques of £12,000 and £5,000 were handed to the respective organisations.

Councillor Mediratta, whose ceremonial 2007-2008 tenure received warm cross party praise, thanked constituents and colleagues alike for their generous support.

He said: “I hope that with the cheques I give you tonight you will be able to carry on with your fantastic work.

“I am particularly pleased to make these donations at this time of economic downturn, when many charities have been so badly affected.”

Different Strokes representative Debbie Wilson said the money would make a huge difference to the organisation, which helps younger stroke victims along the road to recovery.

She said: “We are a very small charity so we are really grateful for this donation. 25 per cent of stroke victims are under 65 and they need our help.

“Unfortunately there is a feeling that strokes only happen to old people – that is not true.

“We offer treatment and support more suited to their needs and help them get back on their feet.”

Les Power, Treasurer of the West Hertfordshire branch of the Parkinson’s Disease Society, said: “People with Parkinson’s are now living a lot longer than before – into their 80s and beyond – so they need a lot more looking after.

“Often it is their families who are left to take care of them so they need all the help that we can give them.

“We are delighted by the size of this donation.”

Current Chairman, Councillor Chris Lloyd, is fundraising for The Amos Trust, the Lynda Jackson Macmillan Cancer Centre and Croxley Green Scout Group during his year of office.