Sussex firm provides huge boost to Chailey Heritage Foundation children’s charity

Shoreham based Focus Group had agreed to sponsor Chailey Heritage Foundation’s 10K event, due to have been held on Sunday May 31 at Borde Hill Gardens near Haywards Heath.

It was one of the charity’s biggest fundraisers of the year but has been cancelled due to Covid 19.

However, The Focus Group has teamed up with the charity appealing for supporters to take part in their own challenge event on the same day, or any time until June 14.

Now it wants people to sign up for a 10k, 5k or a mini mile, or indeed any fundraising you want to do.

Chris Goodman, Focus Group Joint Managing Director said: “Teamwork is at the heart of what we do, and we’re delighted to be supporting the Chailey Heritage team!

“Of course, we’re disappointed that the event can’t go ahead as planned this year, but we hope our pledge to match fund the money raised will help with the incredible work done by this local charity”.

The Focus group first started trading 15 years ago in Hove Technology Centre and has since moved to new premises at Ham Road, Shoreham.

The business telecoms provider now employs more than 300 staff and its annual revenues exceed £60 million.

Nina Gopel, Head of Fundraising at Chailey Heritage, thanked The Focus Group for its valued support and urged people to take part.

She said: “We are naturally very disappointed that, like so many events, our annual Focus 10k has been impacted by Covid-19.

“But like many other charities, we are still in need of funds so we decided that the event could still take place but in a different way.

“The government is now advising people that they can take unlimited exercise with social distancing, so why not take part? The challenge is to complete your own 10k, 5k or a mini mile for the younger ones and seek sponsorship.

“If you don’t want to run, you can still join in by devising your own challenge connected to the number 10.Ten bunny hops, 10 press ups or 10 laps of the garden - the important part is to stay safe and have fun raising much needed funds for young people.

“It is, of course, marvellous news that The Focus Group has pledged to match fund every penny raised.”

Chailey Heritage Foundation, based between Lewes and Haywards Heath, supports children and young people with complex difficulties.

It caters for more than 20 such people from Brighton and Hove and draws more than 200 staff and supporters from the city.

Its mission is to give disabled children and young adults every opportunity to pursue their fullest potential.

To register go to www.chf.org.uk/Focus10K-update.html.

Pictured is Chris Goodman with son Harry, aged seven.