Helen helps Children North East appeal

Entrepreneur Helen McArdle has donated £50,000 to help the region’s babies, children and young people in the wake of COVID-19.

Children North East, the region’s oldest independent children’s charity, launched an urgent appeal at the start of lockdown to ensure its workcouldcontinueduring the pandemic.

This generous gift from the businesswoman and philanthropist – along with other donations from businesses, community organisations and individualmembersofthepublic – means the appeal pot now stands at £75,000.

Mrs McArdle is best known for her work in the North East’s care industry, having founded Helen McArdle Care and a chain of nurseries, and in 2015 was awardedaCBEforservicesto the care home industry and the local community.

She said: “I have supported Children North East for many years and have always been impressed by the help and support they have given children and families.

“When the pandemic hit, I knew it would have a devastating impact on the charity and the children in the region, so I was keen to get involved and help the team to meet the increasing need for their services."

Anyone wishing to donate £5 to the appeal can text HOPE to 70490 – as texts cost £5 plus one standard rate message – or they can donate online by going to www.children-ne.org.uk/ urgent-appeal

LeighElliott,interimChildren North East chief executive, said: “We are so grateful to Helen and all of the people who have donated to our appeal so far as it will help sustain our organisation at a difficult time.”