Gateley Hamer has selected Acorns Children’s Hospice, originally founded in Selly Oak, Birmingham, as its chosen charity partner for the year and will be raising money in a range of ways for the organisation.
Alasdair Lowe, a senior surveyor at the company, is now all set to help raise the profile of the partnership as he is taking part in the Midland Hillclimb Championship, which started at Prescott in the Cotswolds on April 23/24 – the relationship being christened with a class win.
That was the first of 10 meetings across the region where drivers have to climb to the top of a hill in the fastest time.
Lowe has spent much of his spare time in recent weeks modifying a Honda Accord Type R – including branding the vehicle with details of the partnership with Acorns.
He said: “Gateley Hamer has enjoyed its best year since being established in 2000 and we have firm plans in place to continue our growth.
“As the business develops, we wanted to make sure that we gave something back to the community that has served the firm so well and we were unanimous in our decision that we should work with Acorns.
“The work they do is absolutely amazing and we are all determined to raise as much money as we can over the course of the year.”
Lowe, who also commentates at motorsport events, added: “I am a huge fan of motorsport and this has been a labour of love.
“My father used to take me to Shelsley Walsh in Worcestershire, the oldest motorsport racing track in the world, and I have been hooked ever since.
“While it’s a bit of fun it’s also a very competitive championship and will be very well attended so hopefully that will help to raise the profile of Acorns.”
Joanne Danaher, from Acorns’ fundraising team, said: “It’s fantastic to have the support of Gateley Hamer and we’re all rooting for Alasdair in the competitions. It costs Acorns nearly £10 million every year to provide our care – the majority of which comes from community fundraising, so we’re very grateful to have the firm behind us.” Acorns offers a network of specialist palliative care and support for babies, children and young people across the Midlands. Last year, the organisation supported over 800 children and more than 1,030 families, including those who are bereaved.
For more information on Acorns log onto www.acorns.org.uk.