Big hearts raise big money; GIVING BACK: Bank employees donate pounds 30k for sick children.Byline: By Helen Thomas KIND-HEARTED bankers in Balsall Common Balsall Common (often known as Balsall Compton) is a large village and one of the larger rural settlements in the Metropolitan Borough of Solihull, situated seven miles (eleven km) west of Coventry and 13 miles (21 km) to the east of Birmingham, to which it serves as a have helped raise more than pounds 30,000 for seriously-ill children. The money - all raised this year - will support Rett Syndrome Rett syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is classified as a pervasive developmental disorder by the DSM-IV. Many [1] argue that this is a mis-classification just as it would be to include such disorders as fragile X syndrome, tuberous sclerosis, or Down Association UK and Acorns Children's Hospice A children's hospice is a hospice specifically designed to help children who will not live to reach adulthood with the emotional and physical challenges they face, and also to provide respite care for their families. . Barclays Balsall Common branch was one of over 200 branches that took part in the first planned event to co-incide with Valentine's Day which involved over 500 employees and raised pounds 15,322. This amount was then doubled as part of the Barclays Community investment programme pounds for pounds matched funding scheme. Ruth Reading, of Barclays Balsall Common, organised a guess the love hearts Love Hearts are a type of sweet manufactured by Swizzels Matlow in the United Kingdom. Swizzels Matlow are also famous for Parma Violets. The sweets are of a variety of sweet "fruit" flavours and are fizzy. in the jar competition. She said: "Helping to organise money raising events make me feel that I am doing something worthwhile and supporting others. "As a mum myself, supporting Acorns Children's Hospice and Rett Syndrome Association UK makes me realise how lucky I am and what a fantastic service they offer to those who need them." Rett Syndrome Association UK was chosen because Barclays employee Rita Ross's daughter, Francesca, was recently diagnosed with the devastating dev·as·tate tr.v. dev·as·tat·ed, dev·as·tat·ing, dev·as·tates 1. To lay waste; destroy. 2. To overwhelm; confound; stun: was devastated by the rude remark. neurological condition, and Acorns Children's Hospice was chosen as they provide support and care to children with life-limiting conditions. Rita, who is leading the fundraising across the branches, said: "The support we have received so far from around the region has been incredible. "The target we initially set ourselves was pounds 100,000, which seemed huge, and we are rising to the challenge. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our staff and customers for hosting, participating and donating to these worthy causes". Sanjay Jagatia, Acorns Children's Hospice community fundraiser for Birmingham and Warwickshire, said: "The generosity of Barclays' staff and supporters will make so much difference to the children and families we care for. Acorns Children's Hospice is trying to help more children, and it is wonderful to see everyone pulling together to help those in most need." Claire Coles, from Rett Syndrome Association UK, said "We are thrilled to be working with Barclays to support our organisation." CAPTION(S): GREAT CAUSE...Ruth Reading, left, and branch manager Sue Hoult, both of Barclays Balsall Common, with the 'Guess the Love Hearts' jar. |
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