CHARITY representatives have thanked a prolific Newport fundraiser who opened up her home as an epic Christmas grotto over Christmas – and raised more than £4,000.

Sheila Gill handed over cheques to the Full Circle Foundation – on behalf of Dreams and Wishes – and Casey’s Cause, for disabled youngster Casey Hard, at the Picton Arms, Pill, yesterday.

She was joined by Newport boxer Sean McGoldrick and Newport County’s Michael Flynn. Mairead McGoldrick, for Full Circle, thanked Mrs Gill. “We’re very thankful to Sheila Gill, John Reynolds and all at the Irish club and Picton Arms that work so hard to raise money for us,” she said.

Mrs Gill, 73, who lives in Stow Hill, has raised more than £1 million throughout her life. “I chose to give the money to these two charities. I’ve read stories about them in the Argus and they really touched me,” she said.