Member Article

Toon raffle nets £50k for school

A lucky family have scooped a day to remember in a very special raffle that has provided much needed funds that will change the quality of life for pupils at a Newcastle special school.

Newcastle taxi firm, LA Taxis have donated their corporate box at St James’ Park to Hadrian School in Newcastle’s west end for the forthcoming Liverpool match. Sales of raffle tickets together with donations by Newcastle United and the proceeds of a match day collection are set to top a staggering £50,000.

LA Taxis director, Rob Armstrong, from Ponteland, who is also a director of leading recruitment agency; MTrec has a special place in his heart for the school and has supported them for many years.

“ The primary day school caters for the needs of pupils aged between two and eleven years with complex, severe learning difficulties and profound and multiple learning difficulties,“ he said. “Our latest fundraising will bring in enough money for the school to make a good start on their new Rebound Therapy Centre where trampolines are used to overcome physical, perceptual and communication disabilities.”

The draw for the lucky winner was made pitch side by Newcastle United MD Derek Llambias and out of the thousands of tickets, nine year old Ronnie Potts from Rowlands Gill was plucked out of the bag.

Mum, Sarah Dixon couldn’t believe her ears when she heard her son’s name echoing out of her TV screen as she watched the Tyne Wear derby at home.

“It was surreal, we were so upset that Newcastle were trailing behind and then ecstatic that we had won the prize draw. We can’t wait for the Liverpool match.”

Sarah and Ronnie will be able to take themselves and eight friends and family members to the match where they will enjoy corporate hospitality all afternoon. As if that wasn’t enough, the Newcastle-Gateshead Hilton Hotel have pledged rooms with dinner the night before the match and a fleet of LA Taxis will transport the winners in style to the football ground.

The win is even more special to Sarah as Hadrian School Head Teacher, Chris Rollings explained.

“The winning ticket was actually one that we sold at the school as Sarah’s nephew, Shay Dickinson is a pupil here. I’m really pleased that the family have won, it will be a day they will remember forever and we are so grateful to LA Taxis.”

Mr Armstrong added. “We’re looking forward to pushing the boat out to make sure the family have the best possible day out as our guests at the match however, we also now have a cash foundation that we can use to better the lives of countless children in Newcastle. I’d like to thank my fellow directors at LA Taxis and MTrec Recruitment as well as our business colleagues at the Newcastle Gateshead Hilton and of course, Newcastle United.”

ENDS

Photo 1 Shows L to R Ashley Potts, Liam Dickinson, Shay Dickinson, Shaun Dickinson, Sarah Dixon, Ronnie Potts, Rob Armstrong and Head teacher Chris Rollings.

PHOTO 2 - SARAH, RONNIE AND ROB

More info from Keith Newman at Highlights PR on 07814 397951

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Keith Newman .