The new Helen House conservatory and kitchen were opened in fine style on the 23rd June, with a wonderful mix of the traditional and the extraordinary.
Tina and Simon Barker, parents of Charlie who comes to Helen House), and fundraising partners Caroline and Rik Farrer, raised over an astounding �100,000 for the project!
Tina, Simon and Caroline joined staff and guests as they celebrated the opening with a fine rendition of 'Sing Hosanna', the 'Kitchen Rap' (written and performed by Charlotte Walter), and a blessing from the Helen & Douglas House chaplain, Mark Birch - even the new cooker was blessed!
The "Grand Day Out" was actually an arduous sponsored cycle ride with a choice of distance - either 50 miles or 100 miles!
They had hoped to raise �30-40,000 but the actual amount raised was �83,000. This rose to more than �100,000 once Gift Aid had been reclaimed!
This shows how valuable Gift Aid is to Helen & Douglas House. If you are a UK taxpayer and give your consent when making a donation, we can claim an additional 28p for every �1 donated at no cost to you (value of the tax you have already paid to the Government).
Thank you so much to everyone who helped Tina, Simon, Caroline and Rik achieve such a magnificent donation.
