Gleeson Homes raises thousands of pounds for the Bradley Lowery Foundation
During the last financial year, housebuilder Gleeson Homes’ Tees Valley and Tyne and Wear regions have collectively been supporting the Bradley Lowery Foundation as part of the Company’s Community Matters Programme, with the organisation having been decided as the regions’ charities of the year.
The Bradley Lowery Foundation, established in August 2017, is located in Blackhall, Hartlepool, and was founded by Gemma Lowery, mother of Bradley Lowery, who died at the age of six years old following a long battle with Stage 4 High Risk Neuroblastoma.
The charity aims to support families of patients with any illness and condition who is in need of treatment or equipment that is not available or covered by the NHS. It also supports research into childhood cancers and is currently building a £600,000 holiday home in Scarborough for unwell children to enjoy with their families.
Over the last 12 months, Gleeson colleagues have raised funds in several ways, including a walk of the distance equivalent to Land’s End to John O’Groats, a skydive from 15,000 feet and various tuck shops, bake sales, and dress down days. This has contributed to raising a considerable contribution to the Bradley Lowery Foundation, an astounding £8,940 in total.
Gleeson has also named two streets in remembrance of Bradley on its Hardwicke Place development in Blackhall Colliery, which is opposite where Bradley lived with his family. The roads are named Bradley Lowery Way and Sunshine Place, sunshine being the nickname that Gemma and her husband Carl gave Bradley, thanks to his sunny disposition despite the pain and discomfort he was suffering throughout his illness.
In addition to this, a memorial tree with a plaque commemorating Bradley has been planted in the garden of the show homes on the development.
Andrew Davies, North Eastern Divisional Managing Director said: “I am so proud of what we have achieved for such a fantastic cause. The Bradley Lowery Foundation is a charity close the hearts of all in the North East and I am incredibly proud of the team involved for raising such an incredible amount for the foundation. At Gleeson we are keen to offer our support wherever we can, giving back to local charities and the communities where we operate. This is a meaningful amount of money, and will help the foundation to provide care to those in need."
Gemma Lowery, Founder of the foundation said: “Gleeson has been a fantastic support to the Bradley Lowery Foundation. When I was initially contacted by Gleeson they explained they wanted to name a street after Bradley; I was completely overwhelmed. It is an incredible gesture, and keeps Bradley’s name and legacy alive for years to come. The Gleeson team have taken part in lots of different fundraising activities for the foundation, and go above and beyond to help us.”
Gleeson’s Community Matters programme has been implemented to ensure that the communities in which Gleeson builds also feel the benefit of its new developments, with the housebuilder understanding the importance of involving local people before and during the construction of its homes, leaving a legacy once works are complete.
The programme also sees Gleeson donate to and work with local sports teams and community groups, collaborate with schools on a range of initiatives and provide jobs and apprenticeships for local people.
To find out more about the areas in which Gleeson build and information on the work Gleeson does in the community please visit www.gleesonhomes.co.uk.
