Studio Retail makes £33,000 charity donation

Studio Retail, a top regional employer and online retailer has confirmed its support for three amazing organisations which will share its annual charity fundraising pot of £33,000.

The three charities to benefit from the ongoing support of Studio Retail are Dr Kershaw’s Hospice (Oldham), Derian House Children’s Hospice (Chorley), and Lancashire Mind (Chorley).

The charities will each receive £11,000 and the money will enable many people in the local area, and further afield, to get the care they need amid the challenging backdrop of a global pandemic.

Paul Kendrick, managing director and soon to be CEO of Studio Retail, explained about the donation: “The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted how much we as a society need charitable organisations like Dr Kershaw’s Hospice, Derian House Children’s Hospice, and Lancashire Mind.

"Most people will know someone who has benefited from the work of these amazing charities, and it’s time we gave something back.

“You’ve supported the community when we needed it most, now Studio Retail is here to support you.”

Image Caption: Staff at Dr Kershaw’s Hospice (Left to Right) Linda Waine - Health Care Assistant, Lillie Winterbottom - Community Fundraiser, and Kat Harding - Bereavement Support Manager

Lillie Winterbottom, community fundraiser at Dr Kershaw’s Hospice, said: “This money will make a big difference to us. Since Covid struck we’ve had to stop or scale down almost all of our fundraising activities. We’re trying to avoid cutting back on the essential services we offer, and this money will help us do that. Thanks Studio Retail!

“Many people do not realise that a hospice is not solely to help those approaching the end of their lives. The purpose of a hospice also includes supporting family members and helping people with a wide range of treatments.”

Image Caption: (Left to Right) Sarah Proctor - Community Fundraiser, Mick Croskery - Community Fund Manager, and David Robinson - Chief Executive at Derian House have received an £11K donation from Studio Retail

The second receiving organisation was named as Derian House Children’s Hospice. It’s a vital charity that looks after children and young people living with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions.

David Robinson, chief executive at Derian House commented: “When a child comes into Derian House, our mission is to help them make happy memories in an environment of fun, respect, and above all, high quality care.

“If a child’s life has been shortened by illness the most important thing is to help them make the very most of the time they have. This gift from Studio Retail will make such a difference to the work we do. On behalf of all the children, parents, family members and staff, I’d like to give my warmest thanks to everyone at Studio Retail.”

Image Caption: A well deserving cause, Studio Retail donates £11K to mental health charity Lancashire Mind. 

The final charity selected to share the fund will be the mental health charity, Lancashire Mind. Lancashire Mind are working towards a county where everyone can achieve good mental health and wellbeing, where people living with a mental health condition get the support they need, and they aren’t treated differently because of their mental health.

Last year they worked directly with 12000 children and adults in Lancashire, and helped many more on the telephone, email, and via social media. 

Tommy McIlravey, CEO of Lancashire Mind, said: “On behalf of everyone at Lancashire Mind, and those who access our services, I would like to thank Studio Retail for their generous gift. We rely on donations to continue our work with individuals and communities across the county.

“Support from businesses like Studio helps Lancashire Mind work towards the vision of mental wellbeing for all, helping people to talk about their mental health and wellbeing. Thank you again to everyone at Studio Retail for choosing to support your local mental health charity.”

For more information about Dr Kershaw’s Hospice visit the website www.drkershawshospice.org.uk, Derian House Children’s Hospice, www.derianhouse.co.uk, and Mind Lancashire www.lancashiremind.org.uk.

For more information about Studio Retail visit www.studio.co.uk