BUSINESS GROUP SUPPORTS COLCHESTER CARERS CHARITY

15th June 2006

A kind hearted group of businesses has clubbed together to raise money for Colchester Carers Centre for Children, a charity which provides services for parents and carers of children with disabilities. The centre on Oaks Drive in Colchester is also highly regarded for giving support to young carers who look after parents with disabilities and offers a Saturday Respite Scheme.

The Premier Network Group, a group of 25 local businesses who meet regularly to share business leads, aim to raise £2,000 from a 24-hour pool marathon this week-end (17-18 June) and the event at the Blue Boar in New Town has been sponsored by local company TBG Learning, a member of the group. Other supporters of the event are Softlinks Solutions Ltd, SMP Consultancy, Valrey Associates, WSI, IT Authority, Paper Mountain Solutions, Woodruff Financial Planning and Utility Warehouse. They decided to take up the challenge to raise funds after the charity's director, Joyce Raw, talked to them at a recent event.

"This is such an inspiring local charity which is entirely funded by donations and needs £100,000 per year to keep going. It has motivated us as a group to raise funds. The pool marathon will be followed by a cheese and wine auction and Black Tie Ball events and we're aiming to raise £50,000", said Steve Etherington, an Internet consultant from Colchester who is co-ordinating the fundraising efforts. Local comedien Paul Clancy has given his time free to keep the pool players entertained and will join the group on a fund raising walk in Colchester Town Centre before the marathon kicks off at 3pm. Landlord of the pub Gareth Gailley is also helping out.

For further information about the fund raising call Steve Etherington on 01206 533397 or for Colchester Carers Centre, 25 Oaks Drive, Colchester, Telephone Joyce Raw on 01206 560997.