THE annual Isle of Wight Pickle Wars, which took place at the Woodvale Hotel in Gurnard in January, raised an amazing £7,200 for Children’s Liver Disease Foundation (CLDF).

Terry Ashdown, who started the pickled onion making contest as bit of fun 18 years ago, said he is delighted with the result.

“We enjoyed tremendous support from the community and businesses around Cowes in terms of raffle and auction prizes and it was great this year to see a number of people getting involved for the first time,” he said.

“I have to give special mention to John and Paula Dedman, my hosts at the Woodvale, and Kev Parkin, the manager, who always go beyond the call of duty to make the Pickle Wars the success it has become.”

The fundraising total means a lot to Terry as Children’s Liver Disease Foundation is a charity close to his heart.

“My grandson, Daniel, was born with a rare liver disease and it was at that point that we decided to turn our fun competition into a fundraiser.

“He is doing really well at the moment, but childhood liver disease is a lifelong condition. There is no cure and we need to know that CLDF will always be there for him and other young people like him.”

Chief executive of CLDF, Alison Taylor, said she is delighted with the total raised.

“We are the only UK charity dedicated to fighting all forms of childhood liver disease," she said.

"We do this by providing information for healthcare professionals, emotional support for families, funds for research and a voice for all affected.

"To continue our work, we rely entirely on voluntary donations, which is why we are so grateful to all those who make the Pickle Wars such a success.

"To raise over £7,200 in one afternoon is just amazing and the result of some incredible hard work by everyone involved.

"They can be assured they are making a real difference to families affected by liver disease throughout the UK.”

For more information on CLDF, visit www.childliverdisease.org.