HOLLAND & BARRETT CHARITY GOLF EVENT RAISES £95,000 FOR RAINBOWS

Holland & Barrett has handed over a cheque for £95,000 to Rainbows Children’s Hospice – the largest single amount the charity has received from a corporate event.

The health food retailer hosted a charity golf and ball which was supported by staff, suppliers and brand ambassadors Gethin Jones and Martin Corry. In addition Leicester Tigers players Ben Kay and Tim Stimpson also attended to show their support.

NBTY Europe (Holland & Barrett’s parent company) Chief Executive Peter Aldis paid a visit to the Leicestershire-based hospice, which serves children and their families living in the East Midlands, to have a look around, meet the children and see what a difference these valuable funds mean.

He said: “It was wonderful to visit the hospice and see the work that goes on to provide these children and young people with valuable support and care. The facility offers much needed respite for families with children suffering from life limiting illnesses but they take this one step further and instead offer a homely environment which enables these young people to enjoy experiences they not otherwise get to participate in.

“I’d like to thank all of our suppliers and staff who came together to make the charity day a huge success. It is the third year we have the event and it goes from strength to strength and to see how the hospice can utilise these funds is inspirational. On our tour around we were shown a special sensory room which works to stimulate the children or relax them, depending on what is needed, and to kit the room out it cost £95,000 so it is rewarding to know that we can contribute to schemes such as this.”

Rainbows Chief Executive Geoff Ellis added: “This is the biggest contribution we have had from a single event organised by a business and we are very grateful as it will enable us to do so much. It costs over £4 million each year just to keep the hospice open and we rely heavily on the support from members of the public and businesses to help us. Holland & Barrett have worked with us for a number of years now and we very much appreciate their support.”

All of Holland & Barrett’s suppliers were invited to attend the event which was held at the Marriott Forest of Arden Hotel. Attendees were able to participate in a golf competition, a clay pigeon shoot or a pampering spa day. The day’s events were followed by an evening ball and auction where prizes donated by suppliers raised much needed funds for Rainbows.

Peter added: “I would like to thank the suppliers that took the time out to attend and support the charity by donating great prizes. It is a great opportunity for me also to meet everyone and I look forward to seeing them and many more new faces at next year’s event.”

NBTY Europe CEO Peter Aldis is pictured with Rainbows clinical nurse specialist Lynne De Melo after taking a cheque for £95,000 to the Hospice as well as some natural jelly beans for the children and staff to enjoy.