Victory Leisure Homes raises over £7k for Downright Special

SUPPORT: From left, Gillian Bowlas, Charity Manager at Downright Special, Shirin Kemp, Director of Marketing and PR at Victory Leisure Homes, and Chris Rooks, Flooring Department Team Leader at Victory Leisure Homes

By Rick Lyon

Luxury holiday homes manufacturer Victory Leisure Homes has raised over £7,000 for its charity of the year, Downright Special – an organisation close to the heart of one member of staff.

Downright Special supports children with Down Syndrome in Hull and the East Riding, assisting families and professionals in all aspects of the care and education of children with the condition. Its aim is to build a brighter future for children with Down Syndrome, supporting them to achieve their full potential and promoting successful inclusion in all aspects of life.

One of Victory’s team leaders, Chris Rooks, became a dad to daughter Millie four years ago. She was diagnosed with Down Syndrome before she was born and the family regularly use the facilities at Downright Special.

Victory kicked the year off on a high with its first official fundraising event in March. Taking place just before Down Syndrome Awareness Week, its sponsored five-a-side football match saw 10 other companies taking part with Victory.

Shirin Kemp, Director of Marketing and PR at Victory, said: “Giving back to the local community, especially to one that’s close to the heart of one of our team members, has always been core to our values and ethos as a company. The team at Victory are over the moon with the amount raised this year for Downright Special.

“Staff particularly enjoyed getting involved in the bake sales and raffles, with a range of prizes up for grabs, including the ultimate Cadbury’s Easter hamper and the latest generation Apple watch.”

Victory staff also successfully completed the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge in just 10 hours in July and took part in the Edinburgh Marathon in May.

Gillian Bowlas, Charity Manager at Downright Special, said: “The generosity from everyone at Victory has been unbelievable and we can’t thank them enough for their continued support.

“The money raised will go towards our facilities, sessions we hold for the children and their families, and ultimately this will help to build a brighter future for children with Down Syndrome.”