Meet Our Charity Ball Sponsors
Five local companies have come together to aid local children’s charity Heel & Toe recoup lost funds from the covid pandemic, by supporting their Annual Charity Ball. This year the Charity’s Ball, which takes place on Friday 25th November at the Hilton Hotel Gateshead, is Willy Wonka themed and appropriately named ‘The Wonkaland Ball’.
After a poignant speech at the charity’s 2021 Ball, where Chief Executive Douglas Long informed the charity’s 300 guests that the charity had lost over £350,000 in funding, due to cancelled and postponed events in 2020/2021, dedicated supporters at the Ball came forward to offer their backing to this year’s Ball. Heel & Toe’s Annual Ball is their largest fundraising event and this year looks set to raise even more funds than ever before, thanks to the new co-sponsors coming on board.
At its two Therapy Centres based in Chester le Street, Heel & Toe provides free and subsidised therapies to around 200 children with cerebral palsy and other physical disabilities every week. They receive no government funding and currently need to raise £850,000 each year, to continue providing life-changing therapies for children across the North East, so rely on support from local businesses and the community.
The companies co-sponsoring the 2022 event are Alphagenix, Meldrum Group, Normedica, Self Build Services and Slater & Gordon Lawyers.
Alphagenix
Normedica
Alphagenix and Normedica are owned by Charity Ambassadors and husband and wife team Ross & Joanne Tomkins, who have both supported the charity for many years. Ross is currently undertaking a huge challenge for Heel & Toe, climbing 4 summits in 12 months. He is hoping to raise £40,000.
“We are delighted to be sponsoring a charity that makes a huge impact in children’s lives who need the variety of therapy and services that Heel & Toe offers. We would encourage anyone who can, to get involved with this inspiring charity, whether that be through fundraising, taking part in the many fundraising challenges that are in place or simply showing your support and attending the stunning upcoming Heel & Toe Charity Ball”.
Meldrum Group
Meldrum Group, based in Dunston, have supported Heel & Toe for the last five years, choosing the charity to benefit from their Demolition Ball events and raising funds through staff activities. Michelle Dunlop was appointed a Charity Ambassador in 2019 in recognition of her commitment to Heel & Toe.
“We are absolutely thrilled to be a long-time supporter of such a fantastic and well-deserving charity such as Heel & Toe. The support and service they provide to children with physical disabilities are second to none and we are delighted to be able to continue our support of their work, particularly after facing the challenges of the pandemic.”
Self Build Services Ltd.
Self Build Services is a family run business, led by MD Mark Thompson. Mark’s 9 year old son James has been benefiting from a variety of therapies at Heel & Toe since 2018. James currently accesses weekly conductive education therapy, physiotherapy and massage therapy sessions at Heel & Toe.
“Heel and Toe have supported my son and family for a number of years, to be able to co-sponsor this year’s annual ball is an absolute privilege. My son has benefitted so much from Heel and Toe charity’s support so to be able to contribute in any way is special and an absolute honour.”
Slater & Gordon Lawyers UK
Slater & Gordon Lawyers sponsor a number of Heel & Toe’s event each year to help boost funds raised by the charity and also encourage staff to take up the charity challenges.
“Slater and Gordon is delighted to continue our commitment to Heel and Toe in raising much needed funds to support their truly outstanding and essential work which is very close to our hearts. Raising awareness for this work is paramount especially considering the current economic climate. Heel and Toe provide an invaluable service including free conductive education and therapy to children with cerebral palsy.“
