What a grand year of giving it has been

GRAND effort . . . from left, Lisa Pearson from Dr Kershaw’s, John Gallagher, Clive Newton and Natalie Pike from The Christie

A GRAND a month for a year — that’s the feat accomplished by staff at one of Oldham’s oldest companies to celebrate its 175th birthday.

Workers at Emanuel Whittaker were split into teams and asked to come up with ways to raise money for Dr Kershaw’s Hospice and The Christie’s young oncology and haematology and transplant unit.

Through a combination of car washes, cake sales, weight-loss challenges, sponsored silences, walks, bungee jumps, meditation evenings, football, cricket and golf tournaments, the team made £12,009.

Managing director Clive Newton said: “With so many activities going on it has taken a while to get all the money in, but we are thrilled with the final count.

“Emanuel Whittaker has invested a lot of effort into developing young people through our apprenticeship programme and we wanted to do something that specifically benefits them.”

Natalie Pike, corporate development manager at The Christie Charity, said: “Everyone at The Christie is so grateful for the amazing support of Emanuel Whittaker, their staff and customers.

Dr Kershaw’s Hospice in Royton needs nearly £5,000 a day to operate its specialist services.

Fundraising manager Lisa Pearson said: “We were so thrilled and proud be chosen as one of the nominated charities for Emanuel Whittaker’s anniversary fundraising year. Dr Kershaw’s Hospice is extremely grateful for the company’s support.”

Emanuel Whittaker’s 175th anniversary celebrations have now ended, but many staff intend to continue helping their favourite charities with more fundraising events.

Director John Gallagher said: “We had no idea how much we could raise in 12 months and everyone involved has been staggered by the generosity of all our supporters.”