Workmates' fundraising wins grand donation

A group of workmates who dedicate themselves to fundraising for different causes every 12 months has been awarded £1,000 to boost their efforts.

The Sentinel Striders, a group of 12 colleagues at Sentinel Healthcare CIC, based in Derriford, Plymouth, are raising funds for Guide Dogs UK and have been awarded the cash from Persimmon Homes Cornwall’s hugely successful Community Champions scheme.

Kathryn Deakin explained: “We got together a few years ago to concentrate on raising funds for different charities in our area. We normally choose a cause that means something to one of our colleagues or friends.

“In the past we have supported the British Heart Foundation, CRUK, dementia causes and Macmillan, but this year a colleague joined us whose daughter is blind and has a guide dog.

“As a result we have set ourselves the task of raising £5,000 for Guide Dogs UK by next July, so that we will be able to name a puppy. We have had craft stalls, football sweepstakes, cake sales raffles and a house a dog for a week event and have raised £1,200.

“We are a small crew, dedicated in our efforts, but sometimes it can be a struggle to keep the funds coming in. This donation helps bring us to the halfway mark and is a huge boost for us. We are very grateful.”

Dan Heathcote, director in charge for Persimmon Homes Cornwall, based in Launceston, said: “We are extremely proud of our Community Champions scheme. It’s terrific to be able to support groups and charities across the region with thousands of pounds every year.

“It is fantastic that there is such a strong team of colleagues at Express Diagnostics who are dedicated to their fundraising activities, not to mention the tremendous support they are offering charities.”

The Persimmon Homes Community Champions initiative invites groups and charities who have already worked hard to raise money themselves to apply for match-funding of up to £1,000. Persimmon Homes Cornwall has two awards of up to £1,000 each available every month.