Member Article

Construction firm marks 150th Anniversary with family fundraiser

A Greater Manchester based construction services firm celebrated 150 years in operation with a family fun day and raised thousands of pounds for charity in the process.

In May 2015, the company directors of Kearsley based Bethell Construction, invited over 200 guests including current staff, retired employees and their families to a fun-filled day to celebrate the civil engineering contractors 150th Anniversary.

Festivities included bouncy castles, crazy golf, sumo wrestling, a rodeo bull, face painting and many other children’s activities.

Guests enjoyed a giant barbecue and goodies from a vintage ice cream van.

The day ended with a grand charity draw, with prizes generously donated by the company’s supply chain partners.

The event generated over £3,500 on the day, this combined with match funding from the firm plus a personal donation by Group Managing Director, Tim Kilroe, raised a grand total of £10,000.

The company decided to split the sum equally between two children’s hospices, Francis House in Didsbury, Manchester and Derian House in Chorley.

Managing Director Vinny O’Dowd, said: “It was a pleasure to visit Francis House and hand over the cheque. The hospice provides an invaluable service to many families and we are delighted to make a contribution to ensure Francis House keeps up its fantastic work.”

In 2014 the hospice opened a seven bedroom extension for teenagers and young adults with life-limiting conditions to relax in and enjoy respite stays with their friends.

Collecting the cheque Francis House fundraiser Kate Puc said: “We are very grateful to everyone at Bethell for this wonderful donation. Without their generosity and the support of thousands of people from across the North West we would be unable to deliver and continue to expand the services we provide to families at their times of greatest need.”

Francis House Children’s Hospice provides care for children, teenagers and young adults with a short life expectancy. The charity helps over 370 families from all over the North West, providing specialist care in a homely, happy and secure place. Services include respite care, home care, sibling support, end of life care and bereavement support. For more information visit www.francishouse.org.uk

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Francis House Children’s Hospice .