We have recently celebrated a decade long relationship with our chosen charity, Cherry Trees and are delighted that our recent donation of £10,000 will support their ‘Gift of Precious Time’ initiative, which will fund respite breaks for children with complex disabilities and their families who rely on them.

Due to the pandemic, staff members here at Martin Grant Homes were unable to undertake many fundraising activities across 2020, which in previous years have included tough challenges such as ‘24 Peaks in 24 Hours’ and the ‘3 Peaks Challenge’. Staff also normally fundraise with other events such as Golf Days for the Production Team & their Sub-Contractors, plus other activities such as baking competitions and dress down days, which are all normally undertaken annually.

Jane Hunnable, Head of Fundraising at Cherry Trees, comments: “Cherry Trees children’s charity is a small, much-loved organisation tucked away in East Clandon, and we have been one of the few respite providers for children with complex disabilities in the UK to remain open, right across the pandemic. There hasn’t been a day when we have had to close, thanks to the commitment of our front-line carers, rigorous Covid-19 policies, new and innovative safe working practices and our fundraising team. We know lots of people have been impressed when they hear we have remained open and often want to support us.

“To be rewarded with such a generous donation of £10,000 by Martin Grant Homes, a prominent organisation locally, left us ending 2020 on a high. It is a significant donation particularly during a time when many charities are fighting to survive. With support from Martin Grant Homes, we have gone into the new year feeling encouraged and cared for. We can’t thank the Directors and staff enough for helping us carry on with our work, giving families much needed respite during the confines of the current lockdown here at our home for children with disabilities.”

Over the years, our continued support has enables Cherry Trees to fund a minibus, a sensory room for the children, a covered walkway to go between the charity’s buildings in winter, among many other initiatives. The charity is a much depended on essential service for the community, delivering home-from-home specialist short break respite care for children and young adults aged up to 19 with a range of complex disabilities including learning, physical and sensory impairments.

Noel Grant, our Chairman & CEO comments: “We have supported Cherry Trees for many years because of the fantastic work they do for children and young people in our local community. The charity has become a lifeline for many and we want to ensure that more families are able to benefit from their services. Quite a few of our team have visited Cherry Trees and have seen for themselves what a unique place it is, enabling children and young people to spend time with friends and enjoy fun new experiences and opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise get a chance to do. 2020 was a challenging year for us all, but we were determined to continue to support Cherry Trees and the great work that they do”.

Martin Grant Homes plan to continue their ongoing support and partnership with Cherry Trees into 2021, although plans for fundraising this year have not yet been decided.