Member Article

Harrogate resident scoops £6,000 easy access bathroom as company celebrates continued growth

Home improvement specialist Passmore Group has announced the winner of its latest competition to win a brand new easy access bathroom.

Harrogate resident, Richard Matthews, is the lucky winner of a £6,000 accessible bathroom, following his entry into the promotion – launched to celebrate the companies continued growth and successful expansion of its More Ability division into the region.

North Yorkshire residents were encouraged to enter the competition via an online portal and answer one question – ‘How would a More Ability bathroom make a difference to your life?’

The brand – which provides stylish yet accessible bathrooms – aims to improve the independence of the over 65’s and the less-able, which led to the focus of the question posed. The winner was then randomly selected from over 100 entrants in the region.

Commenting on the opportunity to improve a local resident’s life and help them to become more independent, Passmore’s managing director Tony Passmore said: “Our last competition to mark our 50th anniversary was a huge success – which is why we wanted to do it again – but this time give away a More Ability bathroom. We are very passionate about providing a solution to the elderly and less-able, so that they can bathe independently – and most importantly – safely. It also provides relatives and friends with the peace of mind that their loved ones are safe in their own home. I’m delighted that Richard is happy – he seems like a worthy winner indeed!”

Since Richard moved back into his property after being discharged from hospital, three years ago, he has struggled with bathing. The small space consists of a bath with an overhead shower, which has proved unsuitable and unsafe, resulting in him hand washing at a basin. Passmore’s challenge is therefore to remove the cream coloured suite, to pave the way for a new accessible and functional solution.

And, last month, Richard and his sister, Eleanor Matthews, visited the brand’s showroom in Harrogate, where his new bathroom was revealed using 3D visuals.

Due to Richard’s post-stroke Aphasia, Eleanor spoke on his behalf. Recalling the moment he was announced the winner, she said: “I saw the competition on Facebook and entered it for Richard, and I couldn’t believe it when he had won – we were over the moon!

“Richard was initially really interested in the walk-in baths, but after speaking with his design specialists we now understand an easy-access shower room is not only future-proof, but also safe. The anti-slip flooring and safety vinyl will also give us both piece of mind, as well as improve his lifestyle and quality of life!”

Now that the bathroom has been selected, Richard’s vision will become a reality in only a matter of weeks.

Tony added: “Passmore’s 54 years in business, and the successful year following our expansion into Harrogate is very much down to the people within the West and North Yorkshire community. So, the competition was a great chance to thank our loyal customers and give something back.”

Headquartered in Wortley, Leeds, the 50-strong company services customers within a 40 mile radius of both its showrooms.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Katie Mallinson .