CHAMPIONS from two Taunton-based charities attended a reception hosted by the Prime Minister’s wife, Samantha Cameron, at 10 Downing Street.

Adam Fouracre, of Stand Against Violence, which he founded in the wake of the murder of his brother, Lloyd, on the eve of his 18th birthday in September 2005, and Barrie Palmer, who set up the County Gazette-backed Somerset Unit for Radiotherapy Equipment (SURE) to equip the Beacon Centre cancer unit at Musgrove Park Hospital, were invited by Rebecca Pow, the Conservatives’ prospective Parliamentary candidate in Taunton Deane in May’s General Election.

Afterwards Mr Fouracre said: “It was a fantastic evening and I thoroughly enjoyed not only meeting a variety of interesting people, but also the honour of being inside Number 10.”

Mr Palmer said: “It was wonderful to meet Samantha and all of the other fantastic people in the country who do so much for their communities and to be able to explain others just what SURE has achieved and what we continue to do.”

Mrs Cameron said: “It was a privilege to meet Adam and Barrie. Their amazing work is changing the lives of individuals and families across Taunton Deane and it was an honour to celebrate their work at the reception for charity champions.”

Ms Pow said: “I am constantly heartened by all the people doing such useful and selfless work to help others in Taunton Deane and I was delighted to have the opportunity to take two of our community champions to Number 10 to meet Samantha Cameron, who does so much charity work herself.

“Through his work with Stand Against Violence, Adam Fouracre is delivering much needed programmes in schools throughout the constituency and further afield to educate young people on safety, anger and aggression control so that they learn to take responsibility for their actions.

“This is an area I consider increasingly important, particularly in the light of some inappropriate cases presenting at our A&E departments and taking up precious NHS time.

“Barrie Palmer has been instrumental in getting the acclaimed Beacon Centre off the ground which, since its creation in 2009 has become a centre of excellence for cancer care.

“Both Adam and Barrie are inspirational figures in our local community.”