FWP Bowling event raises vital cash for hospital helipads charity

Six teams from North West based construction industry businesses battled it out on the bowling green to support a charity that funds hospital helipad projects.

The competition at Ashton-on-Ribble Bowling Club in Preston was organised by leading architecture, design and masterplanning practice FWP.

The event, which included an auction and raffle, raised more than £2,100 for the HELP Appeal – the only charity in the country funding hospital and air ambulance base helipads.

Its work ensuring patients reach hospital within the ‘golden hour’, helps to save hundreds of lives every year.

Royal Preston Hospital officially reopened its fully refurbished helipad last year following the completion of a major upgrade programme made possible by a £720,000 donation from HELP. FWP played a major role in delivering the project.

Teams from FWP; building engineering services company Blezard; construction business Huck; construction and property company Carefoot; environmental consultancy Sub Surface and civil and structural engineers Reid Jones took part in the crown green bowling competition.

The team from Longridge headquartered Carefoot triumphed on the green after a fun afternoon of intense competition.

Daniel Thompson, Director at FWP, said: “We had a great afternoon and our thanks go to Ashton bowling club, all the teams that took part and all the local businesses that generously donated prizes for the raffle and auction.

“The competition was keenly contested in a friendly atmosphere and congratulations must go to the Carefoot team who emerged as worthy winners.”

He added: “HELP is a very worthy cause and we’re proud to have worked to deliver the new helipad at the Royal Preston Hospital, which was funded by the charity. We’re currently working with them to develop two new helipads at Bangor Hospital in North Wales.

“The funds they raise are vital. In an emergency, when time is of the essence, being able to land an air ambulance helicopter seconds away from specialist care is crucial.

“For many seriously ill patients, a hospital helipad could represent the difference between life and death.”

Denise Rowe, County Air Ambulance Trust, Fundraising Executive, said: “Following the HELP Appeal’s recent £720,000 donation towards the full refurbishment of the helipad at Royal Preston Hospital, architects FWP, who worked on the project, kindly hosted a crown green bowling day in support of the charity.

“The event not only raised a fantastic £2,164 but also provided a valuable opportunity for the HELP Appeal to connect with professionals from across the construction industry.

“Many thanks to FWP for an amazing day. The weather was kind, and a great time was had by all.”