Member Article

It's All Yellow In Tameside

Local business hosts major charity initiative to raise £10,000 to help transform the lives of children and families living with liver disease

Leading Tameside business, RVA Surveyors, commenced its Big Yellow Friday on Friday 4th March, a major fundraising day at its Denton HQ in a drive to raise vital funds for the Children’s Liver Disease Foundation (CLDF).

Big Yellow Friday saw the RVA Surveyors team dress in yellow fancy dress, take part in a Big Yellow Quiz and RVA Bake Off as well a custard challenge in what was the family business’ biggest charity initiative to date.

The event forms part of a new partnership between RVA Surveyors and Birmingham-based CLDF, the only charity dedicated to fighting all childhood liver disease.

The partnership marks RVA Surveyors’ most significant charity initiative in its 13-year history and will see the business work with CLDF to fundraise and support the charity in its goal to ‘help young people create a new life path where their liver disease is just one part of who they are.’

CLDF carries out research into all aspects of childhood liver disease. Acting as a voice for everyone, it provides pivotal resources such as an information hub for healthcare professionals and families as well as tailored support services for all affected.

As a champion of CLDF, RVA Surveyors is fundraising throughout the year to achieve a goal of raising £10,000 for the charity. In addition to Big Yellow Friday, the business is also planning a sponsored yellow jersey cycle ride and the CLDF’s ‘glow in the park’ 5km fun run.

A Charity Close to the Business’ Heart

RVA Surveyors’ Managing Director, Ant Hughes, and his family have experienced firsthand the incredible support of the Children’s Liver Disease Foundation when at just four weeks old their son, Oscar, was diagnosed with biliary atresia, a blockage that obstructs the pipes between the liver and the gallbladder.

When he was just seven months old, Oscar underwent surgery for a successful liver transplant from Ant’s sister, Sophie, and he has gone from strength to strength ever since. Throughout hospital visits and a lot of uncertainty, Ant and his family were given ongoing support and guidance from the CLDF, an amazing charity for which Ant is determined to increase awareness and raise vital funds.

Ant commented: “CLDF may not be the most widely known of charities but it is a charity close to my heart, the work they undertake is incredibly important to those who need them.

“In late 2015 we were those people. My new-born son Oscar was born with Biliary Atresia, a form of liver disease and diagnosed at just 4 weeks old. As you can imagine it was a harrowing time from his first major operation at just 7 weeks old (which unfortunately failed), through to a lifesaving liver transplant at 7 months old and learning how to live as a transplant recipient. The support of CLDF to my family remained throughout and is still ever present to this day.

“We are going to be involved in many of CLDF’s organised events alongside several of our own to help raise as much as we can for this great cause.”

CLDF’s Interim Chief Executive, Katherine Myles, commented: “We are the only UK charity dedicated to fighting all childhood liver diseases; we provide information, emotional support, funds for research and a voice for everyone affected. To do this, however, we rely on voluntary donations, so this commitment from RVA Surveyors really does mean a great deal to us. We’re so pleased to know that our support has been of value to Anthony and his family. Now his company’s efforts will help ensure we can continue to be there for families throughout the UK who need us.”

Established in 2008, Manchester-based RVA Surveyors employs over 100 people and is the fastest growing business rates reduction specialist, with industry leading success rates and offering no reduction no fee service.

RVA Surveyors works on behalf of businesses across England and Wales and supports a diverse range of sectors by achieving significant reductions in their business rates liability, achieving historic and future savings through the Government’s Check Challenge Appeal process.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Avva Experience .