Employees of Arena Group have raised over £5,200 in memory of Stockport grandfather, Neil Singleton.
Mason Singleton, celebrating his 6th birthday, was joined by his classmates at the end of term’s assembly to receive a cheque for over £5,200 from Arena Group in memory of his grandad Neil, a keen fundraiser for Lisburne School in Stockport.
The sum was raised by Arena in Neil Singleton’s memory after their colleague lost his life following a heart attack in 2017. Neil, who was based in Arena’s Atherton office, lost his life following a heart attack in 2017, a very experienced and highly respected member of Arena’s sales team who is sadly missed by all who knew him.
“It was an easy decision for Neil’s colleagues to channel their fundraising efforts through 2018 into this worthy cause,” explains Nick Pendlebury, regional sales manager for Arena Group.
“Presenting this cheque today is both a pleasure and poignant reminder that the company lost a highly regarded team mate and friend, whilst his family lost a beloved husband, father and grandad. We’re proud that this sum will benefit Mason and all his school friends in Neil’s memory as Lisburne invests in a new purpose built school.”
Mason received the cheque in the school’s weekly celebration assembly accompanied by his parents and Neil’s wife (Mason’s grandmother), Sandra Singleton.
“Neil would have been so proud of Mason after his second year at school. He is so happy coming every day and really misses it at weekends and school holidays. He has had so much support from Samantha Benson, the Headteacher and all his teachers. He is really going to miss Rachael who has been his key worker for his Reception and first year.
“This cheque from Arena will benefit the school with some special equipment which all the children will be able to use. Thank you so much from myself, Nathan, Joe, Marybeth and our little man Mason.”
Lisburne school received the cheque in the whole school assembly attended by Mason’s family, Nick Pendlebury and the company’s mascot, Arena Owl who joined in with end of term celebrations. The school thanked Arena Group for their kindness fundraising for their children.
Samantha Benson the Headteacher said, “We really appreciate the money that has been raised, all of our children will benefit from this and we are looking at spending the money on a range of outdoor resources to support and enrich the children’s learning. It has been fantastic to receive the support from all our families and this fundraising cheque will be used to provide an enhanced sensory learning environment.”
Other people are urged to get busy fundraising for important local causes such as Lisburne’s new purpose built school for children with special needs.
“The buzz gained from visiting recipients and understanding the impact of your efforts can not be beaten,” explains Nick. “It’s so rewarding to live the values of your organisation and be able to demonstrate them to your colleagues, partners and customers.”