World Snooker News Release:
Bluebell Wood Continues As World Snooker Charity
Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice in Sheffield will remain as World Snooker’s official charity partner for a second season.
After a successful year of raising funds for the hospice in 2012/13, World Snooker has decided to work with Bluebell Wood again throughout the 2013/14 season.
The hospice in North Anston offers care and support to children and young people with a shortened life expectancy, both in their own homes and at the hospice. It provides support to children and their families throughout South Yorkshire, North Derbyshire, North Nottinghamshire and parts of North Lincolnshire.
A total of £75,724 has already been raised, with initiatives including:
Bucket collections at World Snooker tournaments
An auction of rare snooker memorabilia during the World Championship
Money raised during the World Snooker Awards night
Williamhill.com, World Snooker and WPBSA donated ‘cash for centuries’ at the UK Championship and Masters
Funds from player fines were donated to Bluebell Wood
There will be more initiatives in the coming months including an Evening With Steve Davis and Barry Hearn in Sheffield onNovember 21 – for details see http://www.bluebellwood.org/world-snooker/
World Snooker Chairman Barry Hearn said: “We have really enjoyed working with the Bluebell Wood team and we are delighted with the amount of money raised so far. But having seen the facility at first hand we realise what a monumental job they have on their hands, which is why we are determined to do all we can again in the coming season.
“It costs over £3 million a year to provide that service and they receive less than 5% statutory funding. The children and families there need our help and I’d urge everyone to dig deep and be generous to those who are not as fortunate as we are.”
Claire Rintoul, Chief Executive at Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be chosen again. The money that was raised for us last year through World Snooker has been a fantastic boost to our work. We’re also grateful that this partnership has helped us tell so many more people about what we do and the support that we can offer children and families through some very difficult times.. The children here loved meeting the snooker players, and we were touched by their very genuine interest.”
To find out more about Bluebell Wood and to make a donation visit www.bluebellwood.org