Now at the end of our partnership with Peninsula Group, we look back at how it started - with a £1million pledge for our iMRI Scanner Appeal in 2019 and how it continued to grow over four years into something so much more.

Back in 2019, global employment law consultancy firm Peninsula Group announced a three-year partnership with our Charity and pledged to fundraise £1million for the iMRI Scanner Appeal. We were delighted with the announcement and knew it would make a lasting difference to our young patients at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital who needed complex operations by our neurosurgeons.

However, the partnership went far beyond the three years and the £1mllion pledge. After learning more about our incredible and inspiring patients, Peninsula Group knew they wanted to do more. Not only did they double their iMRI Scanner Appeal pledge to £2million during the Covid-19 pandemic, but during their Christmas 2022 celebrations they announced Making a Difference – a pledge for a further £1million for 2023.

“We were delighted when Peninsula announced they wanted to raise £1million for us – when they doubled it to £2million we were overwhelmed at their generosity!”

- Rachel Laycock, Senior Manager - Corporate Fundraising at Manchester Foundation Trust Charity

Peninsula Group colleagues got creative and went above and beyond to fundraise for our Hospital. They took to the streets in runs, the hills in hikes, the skies in abseils and skydives and to the water in dragon boat races. They walked on Lego and organised events and quizzes, plus raised over £30,000 with payroll giving – there was truly something for everyone so the whole team could come together and get involved.
They smashed their target and that £1million is supporting vital projects across Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, positively impacting thousands of patients and their families who need our hospital each year.

“I think everyone should get involved! It makes you feel good and its super nice to give something back. I don’t think you have to climb mountains to fundraise. Anything from washing cars or car boots are good ways to raise money. I couldn’t think of a more worthy cause!”

- Adam Topping and James Dean, Peninsula Group

While the Making a Difference fundraising drive was to benefit hundreds of thousands of patients who come from across the North West and beyond, it was one little girl in particular who inspired it.
On a visit to Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, Peter Done, Founder & CEO of Peninsula Group, met 11-year-old Ava. Ava has been a patient at the hospital for most of her life. She was diagnosed with a brain tumour at the age of two which gave her a 20-30% chance of surviving 5 years or more.

So dazzled by little Ava, who shares the same name, age, and personality traits as his own granddaughter, Peter decided then and there to launch a new campaign to support the thousands of children cared for at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, just like Ava.

“I’ve got a very personal connection with Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, as do many of the team here at Peninsula Group. It’s a cause that’s so close to our hearts.”

- Peter Done, Founder and CEO at Peninsula Group

As part of this incredibly kind gesture, Peninsula Group dedicated £100,000 to match-fund monies raised by other corporate supporters who wanted to make a difference. From this idea, Making a Difference…Together was born.

With the ambitious goal of raising £200,000, Making a Difference…Together targeted businesses at the initial stages of their fundraising journey or those typically raising between £1,000 and £5,000 annually. Participating businesses were matched pound for pound up to the value of £5,000. So, if the company raised £1,000, it was doubled to £2,000 by Peninsula Group.

“It’s (Leeds Marathon) a big but great commitment and Making a Difference…Together has helped all of us kick on to want to do more. Everyone in the club has taken an interest and helped through donations and messages of support. It’s incredibly worthwhile!”

- Fergus Mulchrone, Academy Manager at Sale Sharks

A total of 30 businesses enthusiastically participated in a diverse range of activities, spanning running, baking, hiking, biking, golfing, and even brunching, collectively just under £71,000. Combined with Peninsula Group's generous match funding, this translated into an incredible £141,878!

The Making a Difference…Together funds will support crucial and life-changing projects across the hospitals, leaving a profound impact on the 280,000 patients who receive treatment annually.

“Our Ben Nevis walk and Bury 10k caught the imagination of the team and motivated our people to work hard in support of an important local cause. We thrilled to be Making a Difference…Together.”

- John Prydderch, Head of Marketing at Communications at Exyte Hargreaves

Our partnership with Peninsula Group is a testament to the power of collective action in making a meaningful difference within a community. We are so thrilled to have been able to collaborate with them for the last four years.

If your business is interested in exploring a partnership with our Charity, learn more here and get in touch with our dedicated team.