Over £80,000 was recently raised for the Children’s Heart Unit Fund (CHUF) for a new Sensory Room by Metro Radio’s charity Cash for Kids.
And Newcastle Falcons will continue the momentum this Saturday as Falcons owner Semore Kurdi teams up with entrepreneur Graham Wylie to make the Aviva Premiership match against London Irish a charity match in aid of CHUF (kick-off 3pm).
Mr Wylie and Mr Kurdi have put together an enviable list of auction prizes that cannot fail to boost charity funds.
Proceeds will go to the Children's Heart Unit Fund .. the charity for the Children's Heart Unit at the Freeman Hospital, Newcastle - whose incredible medical team saved the life of Mr Wylie’s daughter Kiera.
Ahead of this weekend’s showdown at Kingston Park, Mr Wylie was delighted that Metro Radio’s Cash for Kids got together with Metro Radio's listeners to raise the incredible sum.
He said: “Dan Smith at Metro Radio Cash for Kids has pulled together a brilliant project and achieving the target of £75,000 and more to build the Sensory Room for CHUF within three days was outstanding.
“It is heart warming to see how the North East people, businesses and media have come together to highlight this project. Even cheeky duo Ant and Dec were behind it.
“The new sensory room includes a fibre optic carpet, mirror wall, even glow tubes with fish. It also takes the parents accommodation from good to excellent and has funded two vital pieces of equipment.”
Dan Smith at Metro Radio said: “My feet have not really touched the ground. We reached our target thanks to the generosity of the North East people and businesses, especially Proctor & Gamble for donating over £20,000 and Graham Wylie £38,500.”
Mr Wylie is now looking forward to this Saturday’s game which sees a whole host of “money can’t buy” auction prizes on offer.
Mr Wylie said: “We already have two fantastic annual sporting events aimed at raising funds for the CHUF in the Have a Heart golf trophy challenge at Close House, and the CHUF race day at Newcastle racecourse, so I’m delighted that the Newcastle Falcons are joining the fundraising efforts.
“The day promises to be full of excitement and variety, both on and off the pitch, so I hope the people of the North East will support the day.”
The auction will take place after the whistle has blown but sealed bids can be taken in advance of the game and should be emailed no later than Friday, February 17, to julie.stone@chuf.org.uk.
Keep your eyes peeled for a flavour of the auction prizes on the Falcons facebook page and twitter feed @FalconRugby.
Tickets are available for the game by calling the Falcons Ticket Hotline on 0871 226 6060 or click here to purchase online.
