We were both surprised and delighted last week to receive an unexpected boost from our local branch of Beaverbrooks jewellers. Each year the Beaverbrooks Charitable Trust allocate a sum of money to each store to present to a local charity and this year the Romford branch chose to support the Autism Hub in the Liberty Shopping Centre. Beaverbrooks are among our neighbours in the LIberty Centre; they are situated in the main square and the Calm Lane runs right past their door!
We were thrilled to welcome Gemma Eden and Alison Plowman when they called in to donate a cheque for £1000 on behalf of staff at the Romford branch, which will help to support the valuable services and groups that we run out of the Hub. And it wasn't just a random selection from the staff at Beaverbrooks. In fact, we discovered that several members of staff had benefitted from the services and support that we provide, as Michelle Gledhill and Alison Plowman explained.
Michelle said: "We chose Sycamore Trust UK because autism is a condition that affects us personally and we don't think enough is being done to raise awareness of the issue." Alison has a grandson with ASD who has used our services in the past and we've also supported Michelle's family.
We'd like to extend our grateful thanks to the Beaverbrooks Charitable Trust and all the members of staff who contributed!
Photo: Gemma Eden & Alison Plowman present a cheque for £1000 to our Autism Hub manager Debbie Gadbury