"We are often reminded how fragile life is and too often see the need for care beyond what our fabulous NHS provides. This is where the likes of Overgate Hospice come in. We hope our initiative can he"
Martin Duddridge, Director of Ideal Autolease
The fundraising drive will run for six months - from 1 September to 1 March 2021. Car dealership Hepworth Motor Group in Huddersfield who sell new Honda, SsangYong and Mitsubishi vehicles, has also offered to match Ideal’s £70 donation for each new vehicle they supply.
As long-time business supporters of Overgate, the Ideal team came up with the idea after learning of the devastating financial impact that the pandemic has had on Overgate’s fundraising. Each of the local charities’ 14 shops were closed throughout lockdown, with fundraising events also grinding to a halt. The continued uncertainty around large gatherings, a potential second wave and the importance of social distancing means that events planned for later in 2020 also hang in the balance.
Martin Duddridge, Director of Ideal Autolease explained: "We are often reminded how fragile life is and too often see the need for care beyond what our fabulous NHS provides. This is where the likes of Overgate Hospice come in. We hope our initiative can help cut just a little way into the deficit the Hospice faces in the coming months. Each one of our customers will be delighted to know they have helped such a worthy cause."
The independent, Calderdale-based charity provides specialist end of life care for hundreds of local people with life-limiting illnesses every year, as well as working with their families to provide the support, advice and information throughout challenging times. The hospice’s care service is free of charge for Calderdale residents, delivered by a team of specialist doctors and nurses.
Like all businesses, Overgate has been adapting to the outbreak by embracing new technologies and hosting virtual day hospice sessions for new and existing patients so they can continue providing much-needed support and a way to socialise for those in need.
Becki Marren, Business Partnerships Manager at Overgate Hospice said: “We are so lucky to have valued Corporate Members like Ideal Autolease and Hepworth Honda who support us regularly, especially when we need it the most. As a charity, we rely on the generosity of local businesses to continue caring for the people of Calderdale. This fantastic initiative will provide expert palliative care to people in our community who are facing the end of their life. I am so thankful to Martin and the team for their dedication in showing support for their local hospice.”
Steve Brighton, MD of Hepworth Motor Group added: “ We have been a corporate supporter of Overgate Hospice since 2006, and our customers, like the hospice, nearly all come from the local area and I believe it is only right that we provide support to local hospices and smaller charities as our way of repaying that custom. They do a great job of supporting people & their families in their hour of need and I’m very pleased to play a part, albeit a small one in continuing that support in these difficult times.”
Ideal Autolease supply and lease all makes and models of UK sourced cars and vans to individuals and companies nationwide. To enquire about upgrading your car or business fleet to a 70-plate and doing your bit to help drive donations, contact Martin at Ideal Autolease - martin.d@idealautolease.co.uk.
