Barton Grange managing director Guy Topping was delighted to present five local charities with cheques raised from our Christmas Bells initiative on 23rd January 2024.

We pledged £2 from the sale of each of our Christmas bell baubles to good causes from across Lancashire. Each bell was tagged with the name of a different charity so customers could choose the cause closest to their hearts. A special in store display with leaflets on each charity was designed to help raise awareness about the vital work they all do across the county.

This year’s charities were: Blue Skies, North West Air Ambulance Charity,Canal & River Trust,Deafway,Alzheimer’s Society. Trust. Representatives from each organisation attended the garden centre for the special event which raised £11,170.

Blue Skies Teaching Hospital As the charity for Blackpool Teaching Hospitals, Blue Skies supports the best in patient care and medical research for the Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre area. Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is a vital element of the community on the Fylde Coast, and also regionally, thanks to the work of the Lancashire Cardiac Centre and the Haematology Unit. Blue Skies makes a positive difference every single day to patients, their families and friends.

North-West Air Ambulance – Since they launched in 1999, North West Air Ambulance Charity has been called to more than 24,500 missions across the region, with the service called out an average of three times a day. Its helicopters and HEMS response vehicles operate 365 days a year with highly skilled doctors and HEMS paramedics on board providing enhanced pre-hospital care and hospital transfers to patients each year. The charity receives no government or NHS funding – it relies on donations to continue flying to save lives.

Canal & River Trust – As the UK’s largest waterways charity, the Canal & River Trust plays a vital role in protecting and revitalising our nation’s canals. They believe that waterways have the power to make a real difference to people’s lives and that spending time by water makes us healthier and happier. It works hard to keep our 250-year-old bridges, locks, reservoirs and towpaths in working condition, and to help nature, wildlife and people thrive. The Trust is always looking for volunteers to help improve our environment.

Deafway – Founded in Lancashire, Deafway is a registered charity with a history dating back to 1894 providing residential care and support services. It helps people who are D/deaf* or suffer from communication disorders predominantly in Lancashire but also in the rest of the UK. The charity works to assist and support equal access and participation in all aspects of society. At the centre of its work is an understanding and respect for sign language. It believes every D/deaf person should have access to sign language and deaf culture.

Alzheimer’s Society – The Alzheimer’s Society is made up of people with dementia, carers, trusted experts, campaigners, researchers and clinicians. It is the UK’s largest collective force of people with unparalleled knowledge and over 40 years of experience addressing the biggest challenges facing people living with dementia. Alzheimer’s Society is working towards a world where dementia no longer devastates lives. It does this by giving help to those living with dementia today, and providing hope for the future.