Here at Penketh Group, as well as providing new and loyal clients with our commercial fit out and business supply expertise, we also make doing our bit for charity a top priority. As a family-run business, we know that looking after your loved ones comes first and foremost so we make it our mission to get involved with local charities and support them in helping people do just that.
Throughout the last year or so we’ve held a whole variety of fundraising events in a bid to raise money for our local community. We’ve had bake sales, raffles, casual clothes day and even an office Grand National sweep. The funds raised were divided between three local charities and we’d love to tell you a bit more about them…
Building Owen McVeigh’s loving legacy
Set up in memory of Owen McVeigh who sadly passed away of leukaemia at the age of 11, the foundation raises funds to enrich the lives of children and families from the local area in similar situations. At Penketh Group, we ask our members of staff to nominate a charity which they can put forward to receive a donation at the end of the year. The Owen McVeigh foundation was the choice of our Design Manager, Steve who is pictured here with our MD, Mark presenting the cheque for £500.
The money raised will go towards creating memories for kids and their families that will last a lifetime. In the past couple of months, the foundation has enabled children to attend the fun day at Haydock Racecourse, be mascots for Liverpool FC and go on trips to pop concerts and the theatre. We’re chuffed to play even a small part in their amazing and tireless work.
A local cause at Claire House
An organisation that needs no introduction around the country but one which is just around the corner from our Wirral office is the award-winning Claire House Children’s Hospice. These guys offer specialist nursing care and extraordinary emotional support to children with serious or terminal illnesses and their loved ones. We’re proud to support them in their work giving children and their families a sense of normality and plenty to smile about.
At the beginning of this year Claire House opened the doors to a brand-new base in West Derby. Claire House Liverpool will continue the organisation’s incredible work across the Mersey, offering day care services for sick children and their close families. In order to become a full hospice like the one on the Wirral in the next five years, the charity is going to require a great deal of financial support. Keep your eyes peeled for a public appeal in August of this year.
Clinical research at Reverse Rett
Last but by no means least is Reserve Rett. For those who don’t know, Rett Syndrome is a neurological disorder which largely affects young girls of around 1 and 2 years old. The UK medical research charity was set up to help fund and support the speeding up of treatments and cure of Rett Syndrome. The organisation is currently the only charity in the country funding this type of research and we’re pleased to be able to support such a worthy cause.
Andy Stevenson, Co-Founder and Fundraising Manager at Reverse Rett said:
“With the first UK clinical trial for Rett Syndrome now underway at King’s College Hospital in London, this fantastic donation from Penketh Group couldn’t have come at a better time. This donation will really help us as we continue working towards a cure for Rett Syndrome. Thank you to everybody at Penketh Group for supporting Rett research.”
You can see Andy pictured above with his stepdaughter Amber as well as friend and Reverse Rett ambassador, Gary Chambers. You might recognise Gary as a former Rugby League player or from Educating Greater Manchester which was on Channel4 late last year. They will be running a 10k half marathon later this year – good luck guys!
So once again, a BIG thank you to all the cake-bakers, raffle-winners, casual clothes-wearers, donators and supporters who took part to help us raise cash and help some more wonderful, wonderful causes.