A long-running partnership between one of Cumbria’s best-known charities and one of the area’s top car retailers has been renewed – with a new set of wheels handed over to celebrate.
Lloyd MINI, which is based in Carlisle but also has retailers in Cockermouth and South Lakes, has been a long-term backer of Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice and has pledged to continue that support going forward.
To celebrate the renewal of the partnership, Lloyd Motor Group have provided the hospice with a new British Racing Green MINI Countryman, which was officially handed over to the charity on Friday, January 20, with staff and volunteers given the chance to have the first look.
By providing the car, worth £33,400, to the charity, it not only saves the hospice money by not having to purchase or lease a vehicle, but also enables hospice staff to get out into the community and help provide outreach services and raise vital funds to continue caring for local families.
Eleanor Viney, the hospice’s fundraising manager, said: “We’re so grateful to Lloyd MINI for their continued support which not only helps us to be out and about in our community attending events and fundraising, but helps us to take care and other hospice services out to people who need them.
"We need to raise more than £3 million each year so we can continue caring for local families at a time when they need us most, so we very much appreciate all offers of support from our incredible local community, whether they be individual supporters or businesses like Lloyd.”
The first journey the new MINI took was visiting local businesses across Cumbria, including The Cumberland, with members of the hospice’s fundraising team promoting its latest challenge event Bikes Boats Boots.
Lloyd Motor Group’s managing director, Sam Lloyd, said: “We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw because we recognise their important role in the community.
"Knowing that the vehicle enables the hospice team to travel across Cumbria and provide important outreach services to local families is one of the reasons we’re proud to continue our partnership. We’re also delighted to be able to support the hospice with vital fundraising activities through this collaboration," he said.
READ MORE: Cumbria’s village halls to be recognised for providing warm spaces
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here