Firm builds up £50k-plus boost

Yorkshire homebuilder Redrow has blasted through the £50k ceiling in less than two years as part of its ongoing fundraising for Martin House children's hospice.

And, with a new charity committee in place, Redrow is hoping to raise as much again and has already earmarked several events this year, including a second Red Tie Ball, a family fund raising day incorporating a Great Redrow Bake-off, a cross-Yorkshire cycling challenge, dragon boat racing and dress-down Fridays.

Redrow Homes (Yorkshire) and its staff have reaffirmed Martin House as their adopted charity just as the Boston Spa-based charity celebrates its 30th anniversary.

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Martin House cares for children and young people with progressive life-limiting illnesses, provides support to their families and offers home-based support and care for children and young people from a wide surrounding area.

Patsy Aicken, chair of Redrow’s Yorkshire charity committee, said: “Since 1987 the hospice has supported thousands of families across West, East and North Yorkshire, at its hospice in Boston Spa, as well as in hospital and in their own homes.

“The area it serves pretty much matches our own area of operation and, being a builder of primarily family homes, an organisation that provides such incredible support to children and families in the most difficult of circumstances is a charity that’s very close to our hearts.”

Members of Redrow’s new charity committee have visited the hospice to find out more about the work involved and see how some of the money they’ve raised already has been spent – and how future donations will help.

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John Haigh, corporate fundraiser for Martin House, said: “It currently costs around £16,500 every day to keep the hospice open and operating.

“We rely entirely on donations, legacies and fundraising, so sizeable contributions like those made by Redrow are invaluable in ensuring we can continue to provide the level of care and support we give.

“With this latest total alone Redrow has paid for more than three full days of hospice care and helped very many families across Yorkshire.

“We are very grateful that they have chosen to continue the relationship and very much look forward to working with their charity team in the year ahead.”

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Redrow’s biggest single fundraiser to date for Martin House was the inaugural Red Tie Ball at Oulton Hall Hotel, Leeds, which amassed around £30,000 in 2015.

The Wakefield-based homebuilder has also held golf days, sponsored events including the hospice’s annual Colour Run and donated used clothing which the hospice can turn into funds.

And all this is in addition to the £24,000 that Redrow’s Yorkshire based staff raised for Martin House during the housebuilder’s own 40th anniversary year in 2014.

“Overall, Redrow’s contributions to Martin House over several years have probably totalled more than £75,000, but even that is a drop in the ocean compared to the £6 million Martin House needs each year to provide vital care and support for local children and their families,” Patsy added.

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