Member Article

Francis Kirk Group announce 2-year charity partnership

Denton-based Francis Kirk Group has confirmed that it has committed to a two-year fundraising programme for Francis House Children’s Hospice.

Francis House Children’s Hospice supports hundreds of families from across the north west of England by providing respite care for children, teenagers and young adults with life-limiting conditions.

The fifth-generation family company is one of the UK’s leading manufacturers and distributors of engineering and fastener products and will be supporting the charity for the rest of 2017 and into 2018 – their 150th anniversary year.

Francis House in Didsbury has offered a free home from home experience for children under 16 since 1991. To mark its 25th anniversary last year, the charity celebrated the official opening of Francis Lodge by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, which is a new wing of the hospice for teenagers and young adults.

Leading the initiative at Francis Kirk Group is Managing Director Tom Kirk. He said: “We are delighted to announce this partnership with Francis House – very aptly named for us! It is a very special charity and we look forward to working together to help fund the vital care, support and friendship that Francis House gives to children, young adults and their families across the region.”

The company has already started planning an annual Golf Day in September which aims to raise over £5000 and Tom will be encouraging everyone in the company, plus customers and suppliers to get behind the campaign.

Immediate fundraising opportunities in the next few months include the Manchester 10K at the end of this month, Cheshire 3 Peaks Walk in June and the Gauntlet Games in September where entrants take on 20 fun obstacles in a 5 or 10K race.

Special activities to mark the company’s 150th anniversary year in 2018 are also under discussion.

David Ireland, chief executive of Francis House, said of the commitment from Francis Kirk Group: “We are so pleased to have them on board. We are reliant on donations to continue our work so their support is invaluable. Having just celebrated our 25th anniversary it is special to be a part of an amazing 150th year with them. We will be looking to make it a fundraising year to remember for everyone.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sue Souter .