A fund to create a much-needed family room at the children’s ward of Northampton General Hospital has been boosted by the efforts of Persimmon Midlands.
Staff based at Waterside Way in Northampton raised more than £8,000 for the charity through a series of events and challenges in aid of the Hannah Payne Memorial Trust.
Deputy managing director Judith Potter said: “Our team chose the Hannah Payne Memorial Trust as the company’s nominated charity of the year because we were so impressed and moved by the work they do to support the families of sick children.
“One of the main challenges undertaken was a 120-mile sponsored bike ride around Buckinghamshire and Bedfordshire completed by our site manager Andy Gordon and his lifelong friend Andy Chubb, which raised £7,867. We also made a cash collection and raffled a hamper.
“Altogether the staff raised just over £8,500 for the charity, to help them create and maintain family rooms in hospitals.”
The Hannah Payne Memorial Trust was established after the tragic death of Hannah, a talented 17-year-old girl from Mears Ashby, Northamptonshire, in January 2006.
The charity provides comfortable, well-equipped areas in hospitals for the family and friends of patients.
Julian Payne, Chairman of the Hannah Payne Memorial Trust said: “We cannot thank Judith and her team at Persimmon Homes enough for all their efforts.
“Working with Persimmon during 2013 has given the charity a massive boost. Half of the money raised has been allocated to our new family room in the Paddington children’s ward which is being built this summer.
“The other half is being used for our Hannah’s Help Appeal, which funds days out for children that are registered carers within Northamptonshire. The donation allows us to double the number of days out we can offer this year, from 250 days to 500, so more young people will directly benefit, thanks to the generosity of Persimmon Homes and its staff and customers.”
Persimmon operates new homes developments throughout Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire, under the Persimmon and Charles Church brands.