Member Article

Housebuilder donates £1,000 to twins' 100km challenge

Persimmon Homes is the latest big name firm to contribute to the fundraising efforts of seven-year- old twins Ruben and Elena Evans-Guillen from Warrington.

The brother and sister set themselves a challenge to run 100km in 2018, to raise money to build an outside play area for poorly children at Warrington and Halton Hospitals.

They have already smashed their £500 fundraising target, to date raising £1,185, and now housebuilder Persimmon Homes North West has pledged a further £1,000 to the fund.

Ruben and Elena have named Persimmon Homes Community Champions, a match funding scheme that gives away up to £2,000 every month to a local good cause. This also happens across Persimmon’s other 30 operating areas, meaning up to £60,000 is dished out every single month – a total of £720,000 a year, and more than £2million since the scheme started back in 2015.

The twins’ dad, Mark Evans, said: “Both Ruben and Elena have ADHD so as a family we have always liked to keep them busy. What started with a fun 5km run in Yorkshire evolved so quickly into a 100km, it’s been truly unbelievable.

“The children have taken part in some fantastic community events, from town running festivals to forest treks, all the time making special memories and learning the importance of community values.

“We have met some amazing people along the way, made great friends and even managed to inspire others. Thank you so much to Persimmon Homes for your very generous donation.”

Ruben and Elena are raising funds for the Warrington and Halton Hospital’s Making Waves Appeal, to build an outdoor play area for the Children’s Ward.

Helen Higginson, WHH Charity Manager, said: “Gaining the support of people within our local communities is so very special and means such a lot to us here at Warrington and Halton Hospitals Charity. However when that support is from two youngsters willing to set an incredible challenge to help towards providing a new outdoor play area for poorly children within our hospital! - well that is extra special.

“Receiving such wonderful support from companies who acknowledged Ruben and Elena’s efforts also means so very much and WHH Charity wish to thank Persimmon Homes North West who have chosen to sponsor out two young fundraisers making them part of their Community Champions Scheme – Together we are amazing!”

Dave Hodgson, Sales Director with Persimmon Homes North West said: “We are delighted to contribute to Ruben and Elena’s campaign to raise money for such a worthwhile charity – they are a real inspiration. The great thing about their 100km challenge is that not only are they doing something they clearly love, they are also making a real difference to the lives of other children.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sam Taylor .