Throughout 2021, Bents Garden & Home raised £44,597 for Solving Kids Cancer, which is fighting for a future where no child dies of neuroblastoma or suffers from its treatments.
The charity has been one very close to the hearts of everyone at Bents, following the loss of its financial director’s great niece, six-year-old Jossie Leaver who battled with neuroblastoma. Jossie’s parents’ Stewart and Cassie Leaver and younger brother Dougie were joined by Gail Jackson, CEO of Solving Kids Cancer, to accept the fundraising total.
Gail says: “We are honoured to have been chosen by Bents as their Charity of the Year. It has been our absolute pleasure working together over the past year, the Butterfly Ball being a highlight – it was the most magical evening.
“To receive £44.6k from Bents is incredible. This amount of money will make such a huge difference to Solving Kids’ Cancer UK and allow us to support children diagnosed with the devastating cancer neuroblastoma and invest in clinical research. Bents’ support and enthusiasm for fundraising activities has been magnificent. Thank you so much to everyone at Bents and Stewart and Cassie Leaver.”
This year’s handover took place before the annual Bents’ Bunny Hop, returning after a two year absence due to lockdowns. The team from Solving Kids Cancer was also joined for the occasion by representatives from Manchester Mind; Bents 2022 Charity of the Year.
Manchester Mind has been supporting better mental health for all in Manchester for more than 30 years and this year will be supported by Bents with all fundraising to be donated to help on a local basis.
Matthew Bent, managing director at Bents Garden & Home, says: “We are absolutely delighted to have raised so much for Solving Kids Cancer and I would like to say a big thank you to all our customers and colleagues who have helped throughout the year to make the campaign such a success.
“We are now looking forward to working with Manchester Mind, another fantastic cause which we hope to not only raise funds for, but also awareness of the fantastic work they do to support mental health.”
Representatives from both charities were joined by Bents’ sponsored Leigh Centurions Rugby Player, Tom Nisbett, in the countdown to the Bunny Hop, an event which kickstarted the 2022 fundraising campaign.
