THOUGHTFUL EFFORT BY GRIPPLE STAFF AND MANY MORE PRODUCES CARING BENEFITS FOR OTHERS
Following its annual charity drive by its Sheffield employees over last year, Gripple has handed over more than £14,000 – far more than ever before – which has been split between two local charities – Whirlow Hall Farm Trust, with which the company has strong links and Jessop Hospital Bereavement Suite.
The second charity is close to the heart of a Gripple process leader who raised almost £7,000 with her colleagues Natasha Lewis also raised more than £3,500 from her own events and online donations from supportive family and friends in honour of her daughter.
Natasha’s daughter was born sleeping in 2018 so she was keen to help the purpose-built Jessop Hospital Bereavement Suite where she and her partner received much needed support after their loss.
To raise cash Natasha organised many imaginative events, which were always supported by her colleagues and friends. From bake sales at appropriate times – one during Baby Loss Week – to treasure hunts, quizzes and a Jessops Superhero Walk.
Bereavement services manager at the Jessop Wing, Kerry Marston-Giroux, said: “The efforts which everyone at Gripple, including Natasha, has put into raising this large sum of money is greatly appreciated. It will enable us to kick start our extensive refurbishment and expansion programme from which even more families will gain comfort at an extremely difficult time in their lives. Thank you, Natasha and everyone at Gripple.”
Employees also worked hard in aid of Whirlow Hall Farm Trust which runs programmes for children with social, emotional, and mental health problems, often excluding them from mainstream education.
Sarah Kerrigan, Whirlow’s head of fundraising and events, said: “We can’t thank the Gripple employees enough for raising such a fantastic amount of money. This will enable us to invest in the expertise and equipment which are desperately needed to extend and deliver top-quality help in an environment so that children can face their challenges and develop into purposeful members of the community.”
Pictured outside the Jessop Hospital Bereavement Suite are l-r Lesley Wainwright from the Gripple Charities Team, Natasha Lewis, Kerry Marston-Giroux and Garry Hallatt also from Gripple
