Our festive fundraising initiatives reached new heights this year by raising more than £18,000 for local charities. Barton Grange managing director Guy Topping presented 13 charities with their cheques at a special ceremony held at The Flower Bowl on Tuesday 23^rd January.

Guy says: “We’re delighted to be able to help so many worthy charities who do amazing work across Lancashire and beyond. I’d like to send a huge message of thanks to our wonderful customers who have been so generous. It’s due to their ongoing support that our Christmas events are such a success year after year.”

A total of 13 charities benefitted from the success of the Christmas fundraising initiatives. Our Charity Bell decorations rang out for charity in the run up to the big day. Each £3.99 bell was tagged with the name of a different charity so customers could choose the cause closest to their heart.

More than £11,000 was raised for the five charities: Blue Skies, North West Air Ambulance Charity, Canal & River Trust, Deafway and Alzheimer’s Society.

Each child who attended our Christmas Journey Santa experience was invited to roll a ball into the charity slot of their choice. This initiative raised a total of £663.60 for Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, Lancashire Hawks and Owls, Creative Space Centre, RSPCA and CPRE.

Our annual Christmas Carols Concert with the Fellside Team of Churches and Preston Salvation Army was also a huge festive hit. We rounded the charitable donations from ticket and raffle sales up to £1500 for each of three chosen charities Baby Beat, Cancer Help and The Salvation Army.