Brabners Chaffe Street teamed up with Everton Football Club’s Phil Neville to launch its support for The New Children’s Hospital Appeal in Manchester.
The Liverpool head-quartered firm selected the charity as the leading beneficiary of its fundraising work during 2008 following a poll of staff and is planning a series of ‘extreme’ fundraising events.
Staff members will brave shark-infested waters, jump thousands of feet from moving airplanes, tackle white water rafting expeditions and embark on many other challenges to raise money for the charity.
“We have always placed fundraising very high on our agenda, and we are looking forward to a year of very interesting activities. Swimming with sharks is certainly a new one for us,� said Brabners Chaffe Street’s chief executive Janet Pickavance.
“The new children’s hospital will provide an essential facility for children across the North West and it is close to the hearts of many of staff members here.�
Everton captain Phil Neville, who along with his wife Julie is patron of The New Children's Hospital Appeal, celebrated Brabners Chaffe Street's involvement at the firm's office in Horton House, Exchange Flags.
Phil said: "Julie and I have been working hands-on with The New Children's Hospital Appeal since before it was launched and we feel very passionately about the cause.
“Like many families across the North West we know what it is like to have a sick child and how hard it is to leave your child in hospital night after night because there is no facility for you to stay with them. We are delighted that Brabners Chaffe Street has come on board - their support will help make a real difference.�
Due to open in 2009, the new children’s hospital will contain more than 390 beds. The appeal aims to raise £20 million to provide accommodation for parents wishing to stay with their children and the very latest equipment for diagnosis and treatment.
The new children’s hospital is part of The New Hospitals Development, an investment in excess of £420 million, the largest of its kind ever to take place in Greater Manchester Hospitals.
Sarah Naismith, head of The New Children’s Hospital Appeal, said: “We are delighted that Brabners Chaffe Street has nominated us as its lead charity for 2008 and look forward to hearing the tales of those taking part in some of the exciting activities the firm has planned. Their support will make a difference to the lives of children and their families from across the North West.�
Last year, Brabners Chaffe Street raised more than £30,000 for charity and this year hopes for even more success.