Charity appeal Firm’s praise after fundraising campaign

WHAT can be better than knowing that you have helped improve the lives of sick and disabled children in your local area?

Brunsdon experienced exactly that when they donated to Pied Piper Appeal and helped build a sensory bathroom.

The local business is now encouraging others to come forward and help Pied Piper Appeal in its time of need.

As the pandemic has resulted in the charity having to put a stop to many of its fundraising events, the team has been missing out on vital money they use to improve the lives of poorly children in the county.

It can be a great way to bring the team together as companies have great fun taking part in fundraising events, all while supporting the serious business of raising money.

Brunsdon raised more than £12,000 by running half marathons, skydiving and climbing the three peaks mountains to name just a few of the brave activities the team took part in.

With the money raised the company - that offers financial services to individuals and corporate clients - helped refurbish the children’s assisted washroom now known as the “Brunsdon bathroom”. Brian Morman, company chairman, has been friends with appeal vice chairman Julie Kent for many years. Julie tragically lost her daughter at a young age and Brian decided he wanted to help her charity in any way he could.

He said: “We have been involved with Pied Piper Appeal for many years - it’s a great charity that helps to look after very ill young children.

“Some five years ago we undertook a series of challenges such as running half marathons skydiving and climbing the three peaks mountains and together with our golf day raised £12,000 that went to Pied Piper to refurbish the children’s assisted washroom.

“A few years later we also raised a large amount of cash to refurbish the children’s oncology playroom area at Gloucester Royal Hospital.”

Julie explained: “We are a Gloucestershire charity which means that all the money raised in our beautiful county is spent on sick and disabled children in the county.

“Why support us? Well we will stay in contact with you and have regular meetings about what you are organising and give advice if needed.

“We will promote you on our social media platforms and in our weekly newsletter that goes to 600 people.”

Julie added: “Almost every family has a child that goes to the Children’s Centre at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital some time in their life even if it is for a broken finger or an outpatients appointment. We have supported every area of paediatrics at the hospital.

The Pied Piper Appeal at least £130,000 down on last year and this means that unfortunately without sufficient help, they will be unable to support as many projects for the next year or two.

“Next year we have already agreed to build a central play area at the Ridge Academy in Cheltenham,” Julie said, “a sensory room at St Roses School in Stroud and have a sensory room to make music at The Music Works Centre in Kings Square Gloucester which will be open to all the disabled children in the county. We’re determined that all of these will go ahead.”

The charity can give you posters to put up at your premises about the work of Pied Piper so your employees can see why their fundraising is so important.

Someone from the charity can also head along and give your employees an introduction to the charity, or the team can send you a short video explaining the important work.

For more visit piedpiperappeal.co. uk/