scoop

share of £120,000 festive financial boost

Ten Gloucestershire charities won a £1,000 boost thanks to nominations from the public. The charities have won a share of £120,000 as part of specialist insurer Ecclesiastical’s annual 12 days of giving Christmas campaign.

Charities benefitting include The Willow Trust, which offers disabled and seriously ill children and adults the chance to enjoy a day on board a canal boat, and Scrubditch Care Farm, which provides therapeutic farm-based activities for vulnerable people.

Mark Hews, Group Chief Executive at Ecclesiastical, said: “Our core purpose is to contribute to the greater good of society, so charitable giving is at the heart of our business.”

Rugby legends swaps shorts for swimmers to raise money for hospice

Worcester Warriors legend Alex Grove is hoping to raise £15,000 for Acorns Children’s Hospice when he swims the English Channel in August, sponsored by Worcester law firm Hallmark Hulme.

The former Worcester Warriors centre and Scottish International has already completed several marathon swims, including the 18km Windermere One Way, but is in training to take on his next epic plunge to raise funds for the local Worcester hospice.

Rebecca Widdowson, Managing Partner at Hallmark Hulme, said: “We will be supporting Alex and following his training as he approaches the big day. Our sponsorship will go towards covering his costs for the pilot boat etc, so all donations will go direct to Acorns.”

Chef raises £2,600 for Springboard charity

A senior commis chef employed by leading independent hospitality provider, BaxterStorey, based in Reading, has raised an impressive £2,600 for The Springboard charity, which helps young people achieve their potential and nurtures unemployed people of any age into work.

Ryan Smith raised the money following a charity dinner, hosted at Said Business School, Oxford.

The fundraiser was the culmination of several months of fundraising for Ryan, who is one step closer to reaching his target of £3,500. More than 50 guests were treated to an innovative three-course menu focused on plant-based, zero waste ingredients.

The evening included an auction with prizes donated by local suppliers, including a Roots of Oxford hamper and Oxford United football tickets.

This month Ryan will be heading to Nicaragua for Springboard’s 30th annual trek. He’ll be combining the challenge of four immense volcano hikes with a community outreach project, providing life-changing relief to the local people of Rota.

Ryan said: “I am so grateful to be given the opportunity to support such an amazing charity. It is a cause close to my heart as BaxterStorey’s Chef Academy have supported me in the same way, giving me the knowledge and skills to grow as a person. Thanks to their generosity, I’m now able to pay it forward and give to others.”