Wakepark Wipeout fun for Blackpool Carers
Vincents Solicitors’ Fylde Coast team supports local fundraiser
Bumps, bruises, and soaked to the bone, yet the Vincents Wakepark Wipeout team had a fantastic time helping to raise more than £800 for Blackpool Carers.
Vincents was among nine teams taking part in the charity fundraiser at Blackpool Wakepark in support of Blackpool Carers. Each was timed and ranked according to how fast their members completed the floating assault course, and the Vincents’ crew was delighted to come third overall.
The fun day’s aim was to generate funds and raise awareness for the Carer’s Centre and the work it does, and provide a ‘team building’ event for locally-based businesses. Some of the teams taking part are also members of The Business Network, a local forum which meets weekly at the Carer’s Centre in Newton Drive.
Terry Hodkinson, head of fundraising for the centre, said: “Just £7.50 will support two hours of respite for a young carer. They get to play and be children with other young carers who otherwise are spending their time caring for a family member at home. It allows them just be kids for a while, to leave the responsibilities at home and relax a bit. A fundraiser like this, which has raised more than £800, will pay for lots of fun activities for local young people and help towards the costs for our ongoing respite sessions.
“More than 75 people took part today, all from local businesses and organisations which have come together to have fun and support our charity, and hopefully spread the word about what we do. We hope they enjoyed the experience and will continue to be friends of Blackpool Carers in the years to come, and would encourage all of them to consider joining our Caring Corporate Programme. And I absolutely must say an enormous thank you to Bella and Chloe from Blackpool Wakepark who not only provided a discount for attendees today, but for their generous donation to the charity.”
The organisations which took part were Vincents Solicitors, The Pizza Company, Glasdon’s, FM Electrical solutions, Make it happen consultancy, Countrywide Financial Services, and Blackpool Carers staff, plus a team made up from one of the centre’s community fundraisers with 15 friends and supporters, and another comprising one of the young carers mum’s with her friends.
Nicole Chrisham is a conveyancing solicitor working at Vincents’ Lytham office in Jubilee House and attends the Business Network breakfasts at the Carer’s Centre with colleague Luke Robinson. Together they organised the 10-strong company team, which also comprised director Craig Aikman, solicitors Luke Robinson, Deborah Orritt, Dorota Estkowska and conveyancing assistants Sarah Green, Mia Greenway, Joe Hughes, Lee Ogden, and Elliot Turner, with Natalie Swift acting as official photographer.
Nicole said: “We’ve a great team of people at Jubilee House and I knew everyone would be really enthusiastic about the event. It was actually really difficult to do but there was a huge amount of competitive spirit out there and we were thrilled to come third !
“Luke and I also enjoyed introducing our colleagues to our friends from The Business Network, and it was nice to see them in a slightly more informal setting. As a networking group it is so supportive and useful for sharing ideas and opportunities, and it allows us to help out the Carers Centre every week and through brilliant fundraising events like this.”
Any businesses wanting to support their own carer employees and Blackpool Carers should contact Terry Hodkinson to discuss the Caring Corporate Programme on 01253 393 748.
To contact Nicole and Vincents’ residential property team, call 01772 348 945.
ENDS
Pictured: Vincents Solicitors Wakepark Wipeout team