A generous businessman who has given up his corporate box at St James Park to raise much needed funds for children with a range of severe and complex learning disabilities is optimistic that his efforts will bring in thousands of pounds towards a new therapy/training centre at Hadrian School.
Rob Armstrong, Director of leading recruitment agency; MTrec Recruitment and Newcastle taxi firm, LA Taxis, has supported Hadrian School in Benwell for many years by supplying replacement computers that had been stolen as well as helping to raise money for specialist equipment to help the children with their education and general welfare at the school.
The primary day school caters for the needs of pupils aged between two and eleven years with a range of additional needs including complex, severe learning difficulties and profound and multiple learning difficulties. Earlier this month, the school received the results of a recent Ofsted inspection that awarded them a full house of ‘outstanding in all areas’ recognition.
Mr Armstrong, from Ponteland, is confident that giving up his box for the Liverpool match in April will bring in enough money for the school to make a good start on the new Rebound Therapy Centre. Rebound Therapy is the therapeutic use of a trampoline to overcome physical, perceptual and communication disabilities.
“I’d like to urge every Newcastle United fan to dig deep into their pockets to help the kids at Hadrian. The school are selling raffle tickets at just £2 each to win our box for the day,” said Mr Armstrong. “The lucky prize winner will be able to take themselves and nine friends to the match where they will enjoy corporate hospitality all afternoon as well as watching a top class fixture.”
As if that wasn’t enough, the Newcastle-Gateshead Hilton Hotel have pledged rooms with dinner the night before the match and a fleet of LA Taxis will transport the winners in style to the football ground.
Newcastle United Manager, Alan Pardew helped to kick off the fundraising with a cheque for £5000 from the club, which was presented, to an eager and excited group of children from the school at the Benton training ground recently. In addition, the club have also donated a second box for the match making both prizes worth a total in excess of £5000. The school will also have the opportunity to collect even more funds as the club have given permission for a bucket collection before the Fulham match.
Hadrian School Head Teacher, Chris Rollings was delighted with the generous donation and the progress of ticket sales “It’s been a great month for us so far, having an Outstanding Ofsted inspection and knowing that everyday more tickets are being sold to raise money for our school. It’s difficult to know just how much will be raised as there are literally thousands of tickets out there to sell and we’ve got the collection inside the ground at the Fulham match too.”
“Buying a ticket will lead to life changing experiences for these youngsters, “ said Mr Armstrong. “We will really look after the winner of the raffle, it’s the prize of a lifetime for any Newcastle United fan.”
“I’m grateful for the support of my fellow directors at LA Taxis and MTrec Recruitment as well as our business colleagues at the Newcastle Gateshead Hilton and of course, Newcastle United.”
Tickets costing £2.00 each (£10 per book) can be obtained from Hadrian School, Telephone 0191 2734440 or email admin@hadrian.newcastle.sch.uk
http://www.hadrian.newcastle.sch.uk/AboutUsProjects.html
ENDS
Photo 1 Shows L to R Head teacher Chris Rollings, Bayley, Rebecca, Ismail and Rob Armstrong
More info from Keith Newman at Highlights PR on 07814 397951
