We are proud to announce that we have raised a staggering two million pounds for Rainbows Children’s Hospice.
We announced the total had been reached during our nineteenth annual Celebrity Charity Ball on the 24th January 2020.
The impressive £2 million mark was surpassed during a live auction on the night, when the £60,000 raised pushed us over the line.
Addressing the ball’s guests, our CEO John Hayes, expressed his enormous gratitude for reaching such an incredible milestone.
He said, “I cannot express how deeply grateful I am to everyone who has donated and helped us achieve this.
“Supporting Rainbows has been a key part of our mission here at Champions and we will continue to raise funds for such an important cause.”
Taking place at the King Power Stadium in Leicester, the ball was hosted by 1991 world 4 x 100 metre relay champion Derek Redmond, whilst attendees included well-known names, such as Coronation Street’s William Roache MBE, 2005 Ashes hero Matthew Hoggard MBE and singers Tony Christie and Andy Abraham.
Performances from X Factor star Sam Bailey and Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist Faith Tucker made for a magical evening of celebration.
Known for our dedication to charities and local initiatives, we have been committed to fundraising for Rainbows for over 12 years.
Organising over 140 events each year gives us a platform to raise invaluable funds for the hospice through a series of raffles and party games as well as silent and live auctions. Sports days and charity days also contribute to our fundraising efforts.
A lifeline for many, the charity provides the all important emotional and practical support to families who have a child with a life-threatening or terminal illness.
Rainbows’ mission is to create memories to treasure forever, relieve the pain and symptoms of life limiting conditions whilst also providing compassion and supporting families through bereavement. Donations are key to maintaining their level of dedication to those in need.
Dee Sissons, CEO of Rainbows commented: “We cannot thank Champions and those who have attended their events enough. To have raised £2 million for us is just unbelievable. They are one of our most valued supporters and, over the last few years, Champions has done so much for Rainbows.
“Thousands of children, young people and their families have benefited from their support. Short lives have been brightened and memories have been made. We thoroughly enjoy working with Champions and we look forward to this successful partnership continuing for many years to come.”
The funds raised by us have helped hundreds of families and changed the lives of many.
Two-year-old Isla, for example, suffers from a very rare condition called Mandibuloacral Dysplasia which causes a variety of abnormalities involving bone development and skin colouring.
She also has a heart condition and narrow airways and, although she can speak some words, relies mainly on Makaton sign language. Rainbows makes a real difference to her life and to those of her family.
Her mother said recently, “One of the amazing things about Rainbows is the safe environment and being able to watch my two girls play together with no limits or worries. Isla loves the independence of it and all the staff are brilliant – I can’t emphasise that enough. Rainbows has changed our lives.”
To learn more about our services and how we can help you and your business, get in touch with our team via [email protected], or give us a call on 08453 31 30 31.