News: The Food Warehouse gets opening date for new Rotherham location

The Food Warehouse has an opening date for its new store at a popular Rotherham retail destination.

Rothbiz revealed last year that, following TUI's relocation, The Food Warehouse was eyeing up the former TUI unit next to Morrisons at Parkgate Shopping.

The Iceland brand is set to open on June 30.

The Food Warehouse is part of the Iceland Foods Group and is revolutionising the way that people shop in stores. It takes the same product lines as Iceland and extends them in a warehouse space, giving customers the ability to buy in bulk and take advantage of the savings.

The 12,500 sq ft store is a newly reconfigured store space to allow for The Food Warehouse's super simple store layout with wider and fewer aisles.

A spokesperson for The Food Warehouse said: "To celebrate our new store, we've got £1,500 worth of the Food Warehouse vouchers to giveaway to the first 150 customers, and more! The Food Warehouse brings you new and exclusive brands, great selection of bigger value packs, plus we're stocked up with all your favourite household essentials."

Another recent opening is mydentist which has relocated from Rotherham town centre.

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Looking ahead, a one of the last remaining vacant units is now listed as being under offer. The 11,000 sq ft unit was vacated by Sports Direct when the store relocated to a large Frasers Group unit at Parkgate,

At the current Poundstretcher unit, a planning application has recently been submitted by the site's owners that would split the unit in two seperate units. Agents for the applicants say that the works are proposed to enable the floorspace to be reoccupied.

Also at Parkgate the iconic steel tree sculpture that has welcomed visitors to the shopping park since 2018 has found a new home at Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice.

The six metre metal structure, has been relocated to the heart of the hospice’s memory garden – which helps to provide a peaceful space for families to reflect and remember their loved ones.

The bespoke piece of artwork was created by celebrated local sculptor Steve Mehdi who was inspired by Parkgate’s former logo. Following the leading shopping park’s rebrand in October 2025 – complete with a new logo – it was important to everyone at Parkgate that the sculpture was repurposed and found a home where it could continue to be appreciated by the community.

The relocation was made possible with the support of Parkway Sheet Metals, H.Askey Transport, Bramley Construction and Landscape Ltd and Holemasters Demtech Ltd whose teams played a key role in ensuring the safe moving of the sculpture.

Mark Kanaris-Sotiriou Senior Operations Manager at Parkgate said: “We’re incredibly proud to be donating Parkgate’s tree sculpture to Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice. The steel sculpture has welcomed visitors to the park for nearly a decade, and we’re glad that it will remain part of the community in Bluebell Wood’s memory garden. The team at the hospice undertake incredible work caring for babies, children and young people, as well as providing vital support for their families. We’re so proud to partner with them through this addition to the memory garden."

Heidi Hawkins, CEO of Bluebell Wood commented: "We are delighted to welcome this new sculpture to Bluebell Wood. The garden is a very special and important part of our hospice and with summer just around the corner, it’s the perfect time for families to enjoy this wonderful addition. We are incredibly grateful to Parkgate for their support and look forward to sharing this feature with the families in our care."

The Food Warehouse website
Parkgate Shopping website

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News: Beatson Clark community efforts come to light

Glass packaging manufacturer Beatson Clark will be turning its Rotherham factory sign red for Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day - a glowing tribute to those who gave their lives in wartime.

The historic firm, which has been making glass bottles and jars in Rotherham since 1751, has also launched a new charitable fund.

Eddie Pickering, Managing Director at Beatson Clark, said: "Of course we are very proud of the men and women who fought for their country, and proud too of the contribution Beatson Clark has made to the war effort at various times throughout history.



“In 1914, many women began to work at Beatson Clark in the warehouse, washplace and stoppering shop. In World War Two women moved into production while the men were on active service, and women outnumbered men at the Stairfoot site for the first time.

“We also adapted our production to support the war effort in the 1940s, manufacturing glass containers for armament and medical packs as well as the glass spheres for so-called ‘sticky bombs’ used to attack German tanks.”

Alongside its other work supporting charities and good causes, Beatson Clark’s Colleague Community Engagement Fund provides £2,000 every year to support colleagues who are raising money for or supporting local good causes.

Employees have the chance to apply for one of four £500 grants each year – and this year’s winners have just been announced.

Technical buyer Amanda Taylor has won £500 to help her local cricket club to buy all-weather nets.

Whiston Parish Church Cricket Club plans to install a £30,000 three-lane artificial net facility which will be fully wheelchair accessible and available for use by local schools. Beatson Clark’s donation via Amanda will bring this exciting new facility a little closer.

Beatson Clark has long been a supporter of Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, so the company was delighted to offer to help its Quality Assurance and Technical Assistant Trevor Gane who’s raising money for the Rotherham charity.

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Trevor will be running the Doncaster 10K in November and his employers are matching his fund-raising up to £500 from the Colleague Community Engagement Fund.

Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice cares for children and young adults with life-shortening and life-threatening conditions. The charity currently supports around 250 families, both in the hospice in North Anston and in family homes.

Support services include end-of-life treatment and care, music therapy, counselling, sibling support groups, home visits and much more.

Next May a team from Beatson Clark will be tackling the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge to raise money for Bluebell Wood, the mental health charity Mind and Rotherham Cancer Care. The community fund will be matching their efforts up to £1,000.

Eddie Pickering added; "We’re pleased and proud to be launching our Colleague Community Engagement Fund, which will enable us to give even more back to our local community.

“We’ve been supporting Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice for many years, and I’m delighted to say that this charity is just one of the good causes that we are supporting this year.

“This new fund is a great way to encourage more of our colleagues to get involved with good causes and wellbeing activities in the local community.”

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Bluebell Wood website

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News: Diamond partnerships extend into new season at Rotherham United

Rotherham United's innovative commercial deal which sees businesses come together as "Diamond Partners" is continuing into the new football season.

Last year the deal enabled the Millers to have the Rotherham Hospice logo proudly emblazoned across the chest. For the the 2024/25 season, the kits will feature another Rotherham charity, Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice.

AESSEAL, Hughie Construction, IPM Group, Mears Group and Steelphalt formed the alliance to become this season’s Diamond Partners and, in turn, provide Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice with the opportunity to be front and centre on the first team kits throughout the upcoming campaign.

Based at North Anston, Bluebell Wood provides care and support to families who have a child who has a life limiting condition and is not expected to live into adulthood.

Steve Coakley, Commercial Director at Rotherham United, said: “We are immensely proud to say that we will proudly carry the Bluebell Wood logo and the message that it holds around the country with us as our main front of shirt sponsor this season, which has once again been made possible thanks to the kindness of five Diamond Partners.

“On behalf of everyone at Rotherham United I want to reiterate how truly grateful we are to AESSEAL, Hughie Construction, IPM Group, Mears Group and Steelphalt for once again being so charitable with their own resources to facilitate this amazing Diamond Partnership. Their kindness – particularly in the current financial climate – should not be underplayed and having seen the impact of this arrangement for the Rotherham Hospice last season, we know how much this will mean to everyone associated with Bluebell Wood.

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“To elaborate on that point, this partnership represents much more than a shirt sponsorship agreement. Not only does it align with all of our values and beliefs as a club that we recognise the role we have to play at the heart of the community, it will also significantly increase the public profile of Bluebell Wood and present them with a number of fundraising opportunities that might not previously have been possible.

“It goes without saying that we will look to maximise that exposure and use our own status both as a club and in our community work to ensure that our second year of having a group of Diamond Partners on-board is as successful as the first.”

Heidi Hawkins, Bluebell Wood's Chief Executive, added: “We are absolutely thrilled to be Rotherham United’s new Diamond Partner for 2024/2025. The new shirts look amazing and having our logo proudly on the front means such a lot to everyone at Bluebell Wood as well as all the families we support in Rotherham and beyond."

Rotherham manufacturing success story, AESSEAL will gift Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice all the hospitality and other benefits that are part of the sponsorship package.

Josie Lewis, IT and Project Manager of AESSEAL plc, and lifetime supporter of Rotherham United, said: "Rotherham United and its associated charitable arm, the Rotherham United Community Trust, are a great community asset it is for Rotherham, and AESSEAL is proud to associate our brand with them.”

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AESSEAL website

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News: Bluebell Wood's Business Expo is back for 2023

Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice are once again giving businesses the opportunity to exhibit their services and network with South Yorkshire’s finest (and beyond) by hosting its Business Expo this month.

The Bluebell Wood Business Expo is held in association with the Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber of Commerce and will take place at the Holiday Inn, Rotherham on June 15.

The event is free to attend and will give local businesses the chance to meet new customers and learn lots from an exciting line up of guest speakers, including Steve Judge. Steve overcame a devastating car accident to become a two-time world champion in paratriathlon and is now an award-winning motivational speaker whose mission is to help people, inspire others and motivate many.

In addition to guest speakers and exhibitors, there will also be refreshments, entertainment from magician, Afro Magic, and our mascot, George, who will be walking around the stands.

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Bluebell Wood Business 365 partner, Troy Mallard from Mallard mortgages will be exhibiting at the expo once again.

He said: "The Bluebell Wood Business Expo was amazing last year. It gave us an opportunity to meet so many new people and network with other likeminded business owners. The vibe was great and I’m looking forward to seeing some familiar faces as well as new ones this year!"

Eleanor Hughes, Regional Fundraiser at Bluebell Wood said: "The event was a huge success last year and we’re really looking forward to doing it all again. We have a fantastic list of exhibitors and there’s still time to book your free delegate place.

"As well as making lots of new contacts, you’ll be helping us to continue supporting families at the most difficult times imaginable."

You can book your free delegate place here

Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice supports children and young adults whose lives are just too short, caring for them in their own homes and at its hospice in North Anston. Every day, it needs to raise £14,000 to keep the doors open for families across South Yorkshire, North Nottinghamshire, North Derbyshire and parts of North Lincolnshire.

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News: Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice hosting business expo

Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice is calling on community-spirited local firms to call into its first ever Business Expo to make an exhibition’s hall worth of contacts while celebrating South Yorkshire’s finest businesses.

Held in association with the Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber of Commerce, the Bluebell Wood Business Expo offers a powerful platform for local firms to meet new customers, make connections and learn new things from an exciting line-up of guest speakers including renown motivational speaker Andy Hanselman and SEO guru David Johnson.

With the majority of its stalls now booked by eager local firms, Bluebell Wood is keen to see as many visitors as possible to network and support the local business community.

The free event, to be held at the Holiday Inn on Bawtry Road, Rotherham on June 23rd, will be open to visitors from 9.30am to 3.30pm and free parking is available on site. You can sign up here.

As well as celebrating fantastic local businesses, everyone who attends the Expo will be helping to raise awareness for Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice.

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Jason Gossop, Regional Fundraiser at Bluebell Wood, said: “The Bluebell Wood Business Expo is our way of giving back to the business community who have always been so fantastically generous and supportive of our work.

“A vibrant local economy is very important to us as a charity as we simply couldn’t be there for local children and families without our partners in the business community.

“We have a fantastic day lined up and we’d love to see as many delegates from local firms as possible join us on the day.

“As well as making lots of new contacts and learning new things, you’ll be helping to raise awareness of the vital work we do here at Bluebell Wood.”

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News: Rotherham firm's take on secret Santa

Generous colleagues at a community-spirited Rotherham business are busy spreading festive cheer after coming up with a novel way to support Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice.

Dinnington-based Safetykleen have decorated their office Christmas tree with tags showing various items from the charity’s ‘Amazon Wishlist’ which is packed with carefully selected gift ideas that are safe and appropriate for children and young people who visit the hospice.

Bluebell Wood cares for children and young adults whose lives are sadly just too short, both in their own homes and at their hospice located in North Anston, Rotherham.

Safetykleen is an international business with a head office in Brentford Greater London, and a distribution centre in Dinnington,

Supervisor Matt Davis hung 45 tags on the tree to get things going and was astonished when every single one had been snapped up by kind-hearted colleagues within a few days.

“I came up with the idea after seeing a virtual version with a different charity last year,” said Matt, from Dinnington.

“I wanted to make it a little more personal so I decided to print off the tags and pop them on our tree in the canteen so colleagues can choose a gift for the children themselves.

“We’re just down the road from Bluebell Wood so it’s very much a local charity for us, and it’s such a well-deserving cause. Everyone has really bought into it and the response has been absolutely overwhelming.”

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Bluebell Wood’s Amazon Wishlist features a variety of treats including games, toys, books and art supplies as well as items that can be used for Bluebell Wood’s family fun days.

If any individual, group or business would like to send a gift to children at the hospice this year, they can do so here.

Shannon Gossage, Regional Fundraiser at Bluebell Wood, said: “We absolutely love Safetykleen’s unique take on ‘secret Santa’ and we can’t thank everyone at the firm enough for their kindness and Christmas spirit.

“The children and families who visit Bluebell Wood sadly never know how many more Christmases they’ll get to spend with each other, which makes it such a special time to make memories they’ll treasure for the rest of their lives.

“The wonderful gifts colleagues are kindly donating will help us do exactly that, as well as putting huge smiles on the faces of the children and young people who visit us.

“We’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone at Safetykleen for their generosity – merry Christmas from all at Bluebell Wood!”

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Bluebell Wood website

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News: Pyronix supports Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice’s summer initiative

Rotherham manufacturing firm, Pyronix, has donated over £600 to Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, in support of their summer craft boxes initiative.

The initiative seeks to provide tailored fun activities for families to do together, whilst making special memories.

Based in Hellaby, Pyronix is an award-winning manufacturer with an extensive range of electronic security equipment for intruder alarms. It is a long-time supporter of Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, who care for children and young adults whose lives are sadly just too short, both in their own homes and at their hospice located in North Anston, Rotherham.

Bluebell Wood’s main focus is making magical memories for children, young adults and their families, whether they have years, months, weeks or days together.

The summer boxes contain craft items such as paint and glitter, sensory items such as modo (a special type of playdough with scents and bright colours), water beads, light up toys, as well as something special for the child or young adult and their siblings, to ensure each family feels special.

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Laurence Kenny, Pyronix Marketing Director, said: “We’re really pleased to be able to donate towards the Bluebell Wood craft box initiative. The boxes are offered to the Bluebell Wood children, young adults and their much deserving families, to provide enjoyable experiences and memories together and we’re delighted to be able to provide our support.”

Pyronix said that it is proud to support this great initiative and looks forward to continuing a relationship with Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice in the future.

Jason Gossop, Regional Fundraiser at Bluebell Wood, said: “Throughout the pandemic we’ve been working hard to find new ways to be there for the families in our care and the craft boxes are just one of the many ways we’re helping them to make precious memories together.

“Without the support of community-spirited local businesses like Pyronix, this simply wouldn’t be possible so we’d like to say a huge thank you for their generosity.

“We’ll look forward to continuing to work closely with the brilliant team at Pyronix in the weeks and months ahead.”

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Bluebell Wood website

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News: JBM Metal Recycling go the extra mile to raise over £4,000 for Bluebell Wood

A community-spirited Rotherham business has pulled out all the stops to raise over £4,000 for Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice through its football scratch cards.

Based at North Anston in Rotherham, Bluebell Wood provides care and support to families who have a child who has a life limiting condition and is not expected to live into adulthood.

Swinton-based JBM Metal Recycling has adopted Bluebell Wood as its chosen charity, and have plenty more plans to help the hospice through the challenging months ahead.

The demand for the football scratch cards exceeded the firm’s expectations, and they plan to continue the popular fundraising initiative alongside auctions, car washes and various other socially distant walking and running challenges.

A spokesperson for JBM Metal Recycling said: “We’re delighted to be supporting such an important local charity that does so much to help local families through some of the most difficult times they’ll ever face.

“It’s been a tough few months for all of us but we’re determined to continue to give something back to the community in these uncertain times.

“Over the next 12 months we’re very much looking forward to working closely with Bluebell Wood and raising as much money as possible to support their life-changing work.”

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Anna Gott, Regional Fundraiser for Bluebell Wood, said: “We’d like to say a huge thank you to JBM Metal Recycle for choosing to support Bluebell Wood over the coming 12 months.

“It’s certainly been an amazing start to the partnership and we’d like to thank everyone who has helped JBM raise such an incredible sum of money for us.

“It costs over £5m each year to keep our doors open and with much of our planned fundraising activity cancelled or postponed because of the pandemic, the support of local businesses like JBM really is more important than ever.”

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Bluebell Wood website

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News: Bluebell Wood "overwhelmed" by support of local businesses through lockdown

Rotherham-based Bluebell Wood is sending out a heartfelt thank you to businesses for their "overwhelming" support throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Anston charity works closely with many local and national businesses, as well as having a dedicated "365 Business Club" scheme with additional benefits for firms who choose to join.

Throughout the pandemic the hospice has been inundated with offers of help and support, despite many firms facing unprecedented challenges.

Rachael Dawes, corporate fundraising manager at Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice, said: "We know that it's an incredibly challenging and uncertain time for so many businesses, which makes the support we’ve had over the past few months all the more overwhelming.

"The businesses we work with genuinely care about the communities we serve; and they continue to help us make a real difference to families whose time together is sadly just too short. I really can't put into words how much this means to those in our care, many of whom are going through an incredibly difficult time at the moment.

"We also understand that supporting charities like Bluebell Wood might not be at the top of the list of priorities for every firm right now. We know that it’s tough out there and none of us have a crystal ball to see what’s coming next.

"So for those firms who are not able to support us as they normally would  – we'd like to say a big thank you for all you've done, and we'd be delighted to work with you again when the time is right."

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The charity -  which cares for children with life-threatening and life-shortening conditions across South Yorkshire, North Derbyshire, North Nottinghamshire and parts of North Lincolnshire - has played an important role in supporting local communities and the NHS through the crisis.

"For all the hardship and pain we've witnessed in recent months, we’ve also seen a tremendous community spirit come to the fore that's been nothing short of inspirational,” Rachael continued.

"So many businesses of all shapes and sizes have played a significant role in serving their communities, going above and beyond to make sure they're a part of the solution.

"That's exactly what’s been so humbling for us. Despite the numerous challenges the firms who support us are having to navigate, they’ve still found the time to offer their support, however they're able.

"For those firms who are in a fortunate enough position to be looking to strengthen their relationships with their chosen charities, we would love to welcome you to our 365 Business Club with all its enhanced benefits.

“Working with our partners in the business world is very much a two-way street for us, so however you’re able to support Bluebell Wood, we'll ensure it's reciprocated.

"Thank you all once again to all our wonderful supporters – we simply couldn’t do what we do without you."

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News: Charity fundraising proves good for business for Bluetree

An award-winning Rotherham business which brought in £11,500 for Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice found that fundraising united its team.

Bluetree Group, one of the UK’s largest online printing businesses, employs over 400 staff at its factory at Manvers.

The company decided to focus its charity work by appointing Bluebell Wood as  its ever first Charity of the Year last January.

Based at North Anston in Rotherham, Bluebell Wood provides care and support to families who have a child who has a life limiting condition and is not expected to live into adulthood. It has to raise over £4m each year to continue its work, and receives less than 10% statutory funding.

Emily Gray, a content marketing executive for the group and head of its fundraising efforts, said: "Fundraising has always been a key part of our culture, bringing our team together and having fun in the process. Our team always enjoyed it and we decided to take things further and dedicate our efforts to a worthy local cause.

"We created an events committee and elected a Charity of the Year to focus our efforts. Choosing Bluebell Wood was an easy decision. We’ve been aware of its amazing work supporting families for a long time and have done various fundraising for it in the past. This was an opportunity to give something really substantial to a cause that we really believe in.

"At the beginning of 2019 we pledged to raise £5,000, but we more than doubled that and raised around £11,500. The fun and the opportunities it gave us to bring different team members together has only been good for our business."

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In June, 16 of its team became intrepid explorers and set forth at midnight to climb Mount Snowdon on the hospice's Sunrise on Snowdon fundraiser, raising £2,294.

A month later, two teams rowed in the hospice's annual Manvers Lake Dragon Boat Race, raising £1,151 in sponsorship. They also held a week of internal fundraisers involving leg-waxing, head-shaving, sponge-throwing, cake-baking, an auction and car-washing antics, bringing in £1,187.67.

Five brave colleagues even did a sponsored sky-dive, raising £2,614, and a Halloween bake sale and Christmas jumper event raised another £250.

In addition, the company gave the hospice £3,500 of free printing, £2,000 of envelopes and colleagues filled 50 hospice collection bags destined for its charity shops.

Julie Hampson, corporate fundraiser at Bluebell Wood, said: "We were proud to be the first charity Bluetree's staff have given an entire year of fundraising support to and delighted to hear that they have raised £11,500 for us.

"This is what happens when employees are given the chance to work together for a good cause. We have lots of support and encouragement ready to give to other companies who would like us to be their Charity of The Year in 2020.

"We are currently supporting over 300 families of children and young adults with life-shortening and life-threatening conditions across South Yorkshire, North Derbyshire, North Nottinghamshire and parts of North Lincolnshire and it costs more than £4.8m to keep our doors open."

Bluetree website
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News: Liberty Steel hopes charity event will have legs

Staff across the South-Yorkshire based Liberty Speciality Steels took part in the business' inaugural "Legs of Steel" walk recently, raising money for Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice.

Over 50 people including friends and family walked the 15-mile route from Liberty's site in Stocksbridge to the finish at its Rotherham headquarters at Aldwarke. The route took in some of South Yorkshire's trademark countryside and passed the historic Grade I listed Wentworth Woodhouse in the village of Wentworth.

Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice is currently Liberty Speciality Steel's principal charity of choice, with the walk raising over £2,000.

Based at North Anston in Rotherham, Bluebell Wood provides care and support to families who have a child who has a life limiting condition and is not expected to live into adulthood. It has to raise over £4m each year to continue its work, and receives less than 10% statutory funding.

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Alexandra Bee, internal communications manager at Liberty Steel, said: "The walk was a great opportunity to bring colleagues together outside of work while raising money for a worthy local cause, which provides much needed support for severely-ill children and their families.

"Hopefully the "Legs of Steel" walk will become a permanent fixture in Liberty Speciality Steels' calendar, providing our staff's legs aren't too sore!"

Julie Hampson, corporate fundraiser for Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice, added: "We are so thankful to everyone who took part in the walk. Your support helps us care for children and young adults whose lives are sadly just too short, both in their own homes and at our hospice in North Anston.

"We need £11,000 a day to keep our doors open, and only around 10% of our funding is from the government, so support like this really does make a difference, and means we can be there for families during incredibly difficult times."

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News: Beatson Clark gives generously to Rotherham hospices

Carers at two Rotherham hospices are celebrating after each received a generous donation from Beatson Clark, one of the town's oldest businesses.

The glass manufacturer, which has been making glass bottles and jars on Greasbrough Road since 1751, has donated £6,000 each Rotherham Hospice and Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice.

The money will go towards the day-to-day running costs of the two hospices.

Rotherham Hospice on Broom Road provides care for people with illnesses and people nearing the end of their life, while Bluebell Wood cares for children and young adults facing a terminal illness, both in their own homes and at the hospice in North Anston.

Daniel Wales, events and community fundraiser at Rotherham Hospice, said: "Rotherham Hospice provides vital care for anyone with a life-limiting illness within the Metropolitan Borough of Rotherham.

"Whether this is here at the hospice or via our Hospice at Home services, we are there for those who need us the most. All our services are completely free of charge and to keep caring for people we need to raise £2.7m a year.

"This is why we are forever grateful to companies such as Beatson Clark for their generous donations and support which enable us to continue providing this vital care and making a real difference to people's lives."

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Helen Mower, head of fundraising at Bluebell Wood, said: "We'd like to say a huge thank you to everyone at Beatson Clark for all their support.

"At Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice, we care for children with life-shortening and life-threatening conditions and their families. We’re supporting hundreds of families throughout South Yorkshire and beyond, and this fantastic amount helps these families to live with love and laughter and make every moment count, however long they have left together."

Lynn Sidebottom, director of sales and marketing at Beatson Clark, presented the two cheques.

"Everyone knows Beatson Clark in Rotherham and we're always looking for new ways to give something back to the community," said Lynn.

"Following a successful year for the company our owner John Newman wanted to donate some of our profits to worthwhile local charities as well as investing more into the business during 2019.

"These hospices are such a worthy cause and their work benefits us all. We couldn't be happier to make these donations and we look forward to continuing our close partnership with Rotherham Hospice and Bluebell Wood in the future."

Beatson Clark first manufactured glass containers for medicines in Rotherham back in 1751. Now it has a turnover of £50m, employs approximately 350 people in the town and makes glass containers for food, drinks and pharmaceutical brands in the UK and all over the world.

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Rotherham Hospice website
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News: Local companies pitch in for Bluebell Wood

A team from Stelrad in Rotherham, the UK's leading manufacturer of radiators for the heating sector, recently took on a team from the Royal Mail in a charity football match where the net result was a funding boost for Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice.

Lexi Kelly from the Mexborough company's marketing team, with the help of workmates Dean Holdsworth in maintenance and Adam Mars in production, organised the event for the morning of the day England played Sweden in the World Cup.

Based at North Anston in Rotherham, Bluebell Wood provides care and support to families who have a child who has a life limiting condition and is not expected to live into adulthood. It has to raise over £4m each year to continue its work, and receives less than 10% statutory funding.

The game was between Stelrad and the HR services team at Royal Mail, at Mexborough Athletic Football Ground. It ended in a narrow 5-4 victory for the Stelrad team.

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There was a bucket collection for spectators on the day, along with a raffle – with bottles and tickets to Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday games and to a Yorkshire Cricket Club match amongst the other prizes on offer. In total £850 was raised on the day and Stelrad kindly agreed to match the funds raised at the event, doubling that total to an impressive £1,700.

Lexi Kelly, from Stelrad, said: "I'd like to thank everyone who supported the event and who contributed to this excellent total. It was a lot of work but it all came together really well in the end! I'm really grateful to Stelrad for doubling the amount we raised on the morning of the event – its made the final amount we can donate to the charity very worthwhile!"

Julie Hampson, corporate fundraiser for Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice, added: "We'd like to say a huge thank you to everyone at Stelrad and the Royal Mail for their support on the day of the game. The amount raised will make a real difference to what we do here."

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News: Bluebell Wood motors with Burrows

Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice will be spending less on transport for the next year, thanks to a generous loan from a regional motor company, Burrows.

Based at North Anston in Rotherham, Bluebell Wood provides care and support to families who have a child who has a life limiting condition and is not expected to live into adulthood. It has to raise over £4m each year to continue its work, and receives less than 10% statutory funding.

Featuring the Bluebell Wood logo on its sides, the red car will also do a great job promoting the charity when it's out and about.

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Mark Taylor and Adam Hughes, local business development managers for Burrows Fleet and Business Centre, visited Bluebell Wood to hand over the keys to the new car.

Mark (pictured, far left) said: "We're really happy to loan our Aygo to such a well-loved and valued local charity. We know that Bluebell Wood relies on fundraising for 90% of its annual costs, so we’re pleased to do what we can to help those funds go even further."

Rachael Dawes, corporate fundraising manager at Bluebell Wood (pictured, far right), added: "We're absolutely delighted with the car. It's already been as far afield as London and Wales, as well as to Sheffield United's ground at Bramall Lane where staff and supporters played a match to raise funds for our hospice.

"We're so grateful to Burrows for making this car available to us. It means we can direct more valuable funds directly to the services our families need, whether that’s arts and crafts and music therapy or counselling and end of life treatment and care. This generous loan is helping every penny that our amazing supporters raise go even further."

Family owned Burrows Motor Company now represents Toyota across five dealerships in Rotherham, Barnsley, Doncaster, Sheffield and now, with their latest acquisition, in Worksop. They also represent Kia in Barnsley and Mazda in Sheffield, plus a prestige used car dealership "Burrows Mint Cars" in Sheffield. Their full operation is spread across nine sites in total including the Business and Fleet centre and they have sales, service, MOT and body-shop facilities.

Bluebell Wood website
Burrows website

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News: Millers show support for local hospices

Over the festive football period, Rotherham United club partners 3aaa and KCM Recycling donated hospitality tables at two events at AESSEAL New York Stadium to local hospices.

3aaa is England's largest training provider of Leadership and Management programmes and Rotherham-based KCM Recycling specialise in recycling, trade waste and skip hire.

The annual Chairman's Christmas Ball saw staff and volunteers from the Rotherham Hospice and Bluebell Wood Hospice join the players, staff and Millers Chairman Tony Stewart in the lounge at AESSEAL New York Stadium for the festive gathering, before staff, parents and children from Bluebell Wood Hospice tasted the VIP treatment as Match Sponsors for the New Year's Day game with Blackburn Rovers.

Mark Hitchens, head of commercial at Rotherham United, said: "It is always a pleasure to see representatives from both the Rotherham and Bluebell Wood hospices down here at the club, as I know many of our supporters have seen or experienced first-hand the wonderful service that they provide for the community."

Diane Keeley, head of patient and family support services at the Rotherham Hospice, added: "We were once again honoured to be asked to attend the Chairman's Christmas Ball at Rotherham United and are very grateful to the people at 3aaa for the opportunity to do so."

The only adult hospice in Rotherham for the people of Rotherham, Rotherham Hospice is an independent charity and must raise significant sums of money each year in order to pay for the quality care provided free of charge to patients, their families and carers.

Members of Rotherham United's playing and first team staff enjoyed afternoon tea with the patients and staff this week in a community visit to the Broom-based charity.

Millers legend John Breckin, now a consultant at the club, said: "It is a charity very close to my own heart and one that we are lucky to have and be proud to call our own here in Rotherham, so I was delighted so many of us were able to go up there and show our support for the work that they do.

"I know how proud the club are of their strong affiliation with both the Rotherham and Bluebell Wood hospices so we are delighted to have visited both over the course of the last month."

Based at North Anston, Bluebell Wood provides care and support to families who have a child who has a life limiting condition and is not expected to live into adulthood. It has to raise over £4m each year to continue its work, and receives less than 10% statutory funding.

Millers midfielder Will Vaulks has become Bluebell Wood's newest ambassador. Will asked Bluebell Wood if he could volunteer after signing for the League One club in July 2016. Since then he has worked at the hospice every week, volunteering with the fundraising team, and also supporting the care team that looks after children and young adults with life-shortening and life-threatening conditions.

Will (pictured above) said: "It's a privilege to do my bit for such a worthwhile cause. Since I first came to Rotherham United I've become aware of the valuable work Bluebell Wood does for families facing the toughest times of their lives. I'd like to continue doing my best to help this charity raise funds and encourage more supporters from across the region to give their best."

Anna Gott, community fundraiser at Bluebell Wood (pictured above), added: "Will has been a brilliant support here at the hospice. He's also inspired a lot of his team mates at Rotherham to do their bit by making numerous clothes and toy donations to our shops. He recently came along to our Fun-draising Club Christmas party, which was a great surprise for our members, and really involved himself in all the party games, thanking all our young fundraisers for their support and hard work.

"We're delighted to have Will on board as an ambassador and are sure he'll continue to do a fantastic job spreading the word about Bluebell Wood."

Rotherham United website
Rotherham Hospice website
Bluebell Wood website

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News: Transporter firm delivers £10,000 for Bluebell Wood

Car transport specialists Quinns Car Transport has donated a £10,000 windfall to Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice.

Based at North Anston in Rotherham, Bluebell Wood provides care and support to families who have a child who has a life limiting condition and is not expected to live into adulthood. It has to raise over £4m each year to continue its work, and receives less than 10% statutory funding.

The Kiveton Park vehicle transport company, which has supported South Yorkshire's only children's hospice for the last four years, won the money as part of a first prize in a charity raffle run by bespoke car transporter provider Transporter Engineering.

Quinns, a member of Bluebell Wood's 365 Business Club, won exclusive use of a new 25th anniversary edition EVO 12-car transporter vehicle for a year and £10,000 to donate to charity in the raffle at Transporter Engineering’s 25th anniversary customer event at Stoke Rochford Hall.

Sam Dunmow, logistics director at Quinns, said: "A few years ago we wanted to start raising money for charity and as Bluebell Wood was so local we thought that was a great choice. A few years ago we were invited to visit the hospice to hand over our first donation. Witnessing first-hand the great work they do inspired us to raise even more.

"When we won first prize at the Transporter Engineering evening we were thrilled but we got goose bumps when we found out how much money we'd won. We know £10,000 will make such a difference at Bluebell Wood and enable them to carry on doing the amazing things they do."

Isla Gill, sales and projects manager, Transporter Engineering, added: "We are delighted that the staff at Quinns have decided to donate £10,000 to Bluebell Wood, a charity that they have strong links with. From all of us at Transporter Engineering, we’re proud that we could be part of such a significant donation."

David Hall, corporate fundraiser at Bluebell Wood, said: "We're so very grateful to Quinns for choosing Bluebell Wood, and to Transporter Engineering for making this amazing gift possible. It will make all the difference to families facing the toughest of times and help us support them in making special memories together. £10,000 could pay for 480 hours of specialised nursing care, for several play sessions for all the children at Bluebell Wood and so much more."

In 2018, the Master Cutler will be supporting Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice through the Master Cutler's Challenge.

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News: Pricecheck's charity giveaway

Award-winning firm, Pricecheck Toiletries, has donated stock totalling £10,000 to its three chosen local charities.

Pricecheck is a leading supplier of international branded consumer goods and specialises in excess inventory and fast-moving consumer goods.

The firm won the Queen's Award for International Trade 2015 for continuous and cumulative overseas export earnings growth of 283% over six years. In 2016, it officially opened new 115,000 sq ft premises at Beighton Link Business Park in Rotherham.

Bluebell Wood, St Luke's Hospice and the Weston Park Cancer Charity each received pallet-sized boxes full of various consumer goods to donate to patients, use as raffle prizes, or sell on in their various charity shops throughout the region. With ten large pallet boxes, the contents of each box contained a variety of products totalling £1,000, including toiletries such as toothbrushes, deodorants and shampoos, as well as fragrances and other gift items.

Based at North Anston in Rotherham, Bluebell Wood provides care and support to families who have a child who has a life limiting condition and is not expected to live into adulthood. It has to raise over £4m each year to continue its work, and receives less than 10% statutory funding.

Dave Hall, corporate fundraisers at Bluebell Wood, said: "We have been lucky enough to receive support from Pricecheck for a number of years now and one thing this includes is donations of pallets containing a variety of toiletries, cosmetics and beauty items.

"These various products will be used in our children's and adult's bedrooms, as well as around the hospice itself.

"Because Pricecheck helps provide patients and their families with basic things such as toothbrushes, toothpaste and shampoo, it means they don't have to worry about the little things and can spend all of their time creating memories with their children.

"We are so appreciative of the support we receive from Pricecheck and the partnership we have built and cannot thank them enough."

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Mark Lythe, joint managing director at Pricecheck, added: "It's great knowing that simple items that we use each and every day at home can make such a huge difference to patients when being treated for cancer, or families when visiting their children. We're more than happy to continue providing our chosen charities with pallets of stock and hope to do more in the future."

St Luke's Hospice look after people over 18 from across the Sheffield region, with all kinds of terminal illnesses. Of the £9.1m it takes to deliver its services each year, £6.3m of that has to come from donations.

Jack Kidder, corporate fundraising manager at St Luke's Hospice, said: "We are incredibly grateful to Pricecheck for generously donating this selection of products to be used by our patients. We have already distributed a large amount to our fourteen charity shops across Sheffield, as well as made some of the stock available for sale in our reception for visitors and staff. We rely on the support of companies like Pricecheck to be able to continue providing vital care to adults across Sheffield living with a terminal illness and their families."

Earlier this year, eleven members of the team at Pricecheck, took part in the "Vengeance Run," raising over £3,500. It came a month after Pricecheck donated £10,000 towards Weston Park's "Beyond the Treatment" appeal, after hosting a staff race night fundraiser. The appeal aims to raise £500,000 for much needed inpatient facilities.

Pricecheck exports to over 75 countries worldwide. It has a turnover of £55m and 100 employees.

Pricecheck website
Bluebell Wood website
St Luke's website
Weston Park Cancer Charity website

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News: Bluebell Wood launch 365 Business Club

Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice in Rotherham is encouraging local and national organisations to make 2017 count by joining their 365 Business Club for just £1 a day.

Based at North Anston in Rotherham, Bluebell Wood provides care and support to families who have a child who has a life limiting condition and is not expected to live into adulthood. It has to raise over £3m each year to continue its work, and receives less than 10% statutory funding.

Becoming a Bluebell Wood 365 Business Club member is seen as a great way to raise a company's profile, and engage with customers and staff. Corporate members will enjoy many benefits while supporting families during the toughest of times, including having the chance to make contacts at exclusive members' events as well as join a new Facebook networking group. Priority access will also be given to members for upcoming events and sponsorship opportunities.

Rachael Dawes, corporate fundraising manager at Bluebell Wood, said: "By joining our 365 Business Club, you can help make 2017 count for the children and families we support, both at home and at our hospice. Membership costs just £365 a year – or £1 a day – which is enough to pay for 14 sessions of day care for a child who is too ill to attend school.

"When you become a corporate member you'll join a group of like-minded individuals and have the chance to network with other businesses, whilst enhancing your company reputation. Becoming a member of the 365 Business Club allows us to plan for our future."

Bluebell Wood website

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News: Contractors on the right path

The garden at Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice in Rotherham has been significantly improved thanks to help from two organisations, Amey and Aggregate Industries.

Bluebell Wood provides care and support to families who have a child who has a life limiting condition and is not expected to live into adulthood. The charity needs to raise over £4m a year to keep its doors open and only receives around 10% government funding.

The pathways through the hospice garden in North Anston were rough and uneven, making it difficult at times for staff and parents to push children in wheelchairs to the sensory garden and around the hospice grounds.

The work was carried out by Amey, who are currently resurfacing the roads and pavements across Sheffield as part of the Streets Ahead contract, and materials were supplied by Aggregate Industries.

Over 330 sq m of surfacing material was laid weighing almost 40 tonnes, ensuring that families who use the hospice can now fully access all of the facilities.

Completing the work and giving the hospice this much-needed path comes after Amey supported the hospice in a number of ways throughout 2015 as their charity of the year.

Rob Allen, business director at Amey in Sheffield, said: "We are delighted that we have been able to help Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice by resurfacing the path through the garden. A large majority of the work that we're doing in Sheffield consists of resurfacing the city’s roads and pavements and so being able to use the team’s expertise to help a local charity is fantastic.

"Our employees always enjoy taking part in community projects and this activity in particular has proved very rewarding for all those involved. We are also very pleased to have been able to work collaboratively with Aggregate Industries, one of our suppliers."

Andrew Drury, facilities manager at Bluebell Wood, added: "Groups from Amey have volunteered with us before and we were so happy to see them come back. The resurfacing of the garden path will make such a difference to the 250 children we care for, and their families.

"Our garden offers places for sensory play as well as our Dragonfly Garden for remembering loved ones who have passed away, it’s great that everyone can now use it fully. We're very thankful to Amey and Aggregate Industries for all their hard work."

Amey website
Aggregate Industries website
Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice website

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News: Betfred donates £25,000 to Bluebell Wood

Leading UK bookmaker, Betfred has donated £25,000 to the Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice in Rotherham as part of their sponsorship of the Betfred World Snooker Championship.

The Championship was recently won by Mark Selby at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield. Before the start of the tournament, the bookmaker pledged £200 for every century scored, but if 70 centuries were reached they would round it up to £25,000.

Based at North Anston in Rotherham, Bluebell Wood provides care and support to families who have a child who has a life limiting condition and is not expected to live into adulthood. It has to raise over £3m each year to continue its work, and receives less than 10% statutory funding.

Alan McManus' break of 107 took the total number of centuries past the target of 70. The tournament record of 86 centuries was matched this year.

"It's wonderful," said McManus, a three-time Crucible semi-finalist. "On behalf of all the players if we can raise a few quid from being fortunate enough to play at this beautiful place and pot a few balls then it's all good.

"These guys do fantastic work and we're very proud to be associated with Bluebell Wood."

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The huge donation was pledged by Betfred's head of media, Mark Pearson, at the official launch of the tournament on April 15.

He added: "I've seen first-hand the incredible work that this organisation carries out, so it's our absolute pleasure to make this donation.

"They have a real positive presence here at the Crucible Theatre and the surrounding Tudor Square, and have become synonymous with the tournament.

"The record number of centuries at the Betfred World Snooker Championship was broken last year so we laid down a challenge to the players by setting the bar quite high again this year, but their class shone through once more as they surpassed our target."

Fred Done, co-founder of Betfred, added: "Sheffield always makes us feel so welcome so I'm delighted to once again support this fantastic local charity.

"Bluebell Wood makes a massive difference to so many people in this area, and this once again highlights our commitment to supporting the wider community here in snooker's spiritual home, as well as this terrific tournament."

In 2015 Betfred's contributions tipped them over the £200,000 mark in terms of money raised by the hospice in the few short years that it's been the official tournament charity.

World Snooker and Sheffield City Council agreed a deal yesterday to keep the sport's biggest tournament in the city for the next decade.

Betfred website
Bluebell Wood website

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