Mayo Wynne Baxter announced Chestnut Tree House has been chosen as its charity partner for 2012-14. Sussex’s only children’s hospice was picked in a staff poll; attracting an overwhelming 53 per cent of votes. Fundraising activities kick off with a Grand National sweepstake, a Jubilee party and a 900-mile bike ride from Land’s End to John O’Groats.
The leading Sussex law firm has a history of supporting Chestnut Tree House. £8,364 has been raised since the hospice was nominated as its charity partner for the first time in April 2010. It also sponsored the Best of British lunch which raised £177,000 for Chestnut Tree House in June 2011.
Towards the end of the first partnership Mayo Wynne Baxter employees were asked to nominate any charity that works in all the towns the firm has an office; East Grinstead, Brighton, Eastbourne, Seaford and Lewes. Staff chose to stick with Chestnut Tree House by a landslide majority.
As well as helping sick children Chestnut Tree House supports the whole family, including psychological support, care in bereavement therapy, end of life and respite care and sibling support. It costs £2.5 million a year to provide this specialist care. Only nine per cent of funds come from central government and families are never asked to contribute. As a result Chestnut Tree House relies almost completely on the generosity of the people of Sussex.
Mayo Wynne Baxter’s Chief Executive Chris Randall said: “I think Corporate Social Responsibility is most effective when there’s a feeling of connection to a charity’s work. Chestnut Tree House is a humbling place and the important difference it makes to families in unimaginable situations helps keep everyone motivated. I’m very impressed by the imagination and commitment shown by our Chestnut Champions and would like to thank everyone for their hard work and generosity.”
Six volunteers from Mayo Wynne Baxter act as the firm’s Chestnut Tree Champions. As part of her Champion role Executive Assistant Liz Chatfield is taking part in a 10-day bike ride across the length of Britain. She said:
“I was lucky enough to visit Chestnut Tree hospice last year and found it the most welcoming, happy and special place with truly amazing staff and facilities. At £6,000 our bike ride fundraising target is ambitious, but it costs £6,850 to run Chestnut Tree for just one day.”
You can learn more about the Land’s End to John O’Groat’s bike ride and sponsor Liz and the team at http://www.justgiving.com/elizabeth-chatfield.
Notes to editors
Mayo Wynne Baxter is a leading Sussex law firm with almost 200 employees and 30 partners. Its offices can be found in Lewes, East Grinstead, Brighton, Eastbourne and Seaford.
Mayo Wynne Baxter is one of a small number of law firms in England and Wales to have been awarded Lexcel accreditation; the independent standard of legal excellence.
For photos and more information please contact
Vicky Hoad
PR Manager, Mayo Wynne Baxter
01273 407 451