Volunteers from Holyhead ran, walked, jogged and strode their way through a charity fun on 25th June 2006. The fun organised by local electrical company Eton Electric’s and Holyhead McDonald’s aimed to raise in excess of £4,000 for children’s charity RMHC The fun run was set off by MP Albert Owen. Over 100 volunteers signed up amongst them were an enthusiastic class of 34 children from Caergeiliog Primary School and a crew from the Holyhead McDonald’s restaurant. Staff from Eaton Electric’s also gave their best to raise money form the charity. The starting point was the Breakwater, Newry beach at noon, tracing Holyhead Breakwater the longest breakwater in Britain. Coastguards were informed and the local police were present to keep the route safe along with St.John’s Ambulance who volunteered to attend the event. Mayor Trevor Lloyd Hughes was also in attendance to show his support. Follow the event there was a BBQ, refreshments, a bouncy castle and grand prize draw including the chance for one lucky winner to win two tickets for this year’s Community Shield at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium. A five-a-side football tournament also took place at the RNLI Club where volunteers finished their 3-mile run. They were entertained by Steve Celebrations Disco. In addition to the event the local Holyhead McDonald’s restaurant celebrated the day’s event with a magician in store, face painting, balloons, fancy dress with all the proceeds going towards the children’s charity RMHC is an independents children’s charity that provides “home away from home”accommodation for families with children who require inpatient care. Pauline Jones, fun run co-organiser said “The aim of the way was to bring the community together to raise money for RMHC, whilst having some fun! The charity provides a valuable service for families and ensures they are able to stay together at what can be a stressful time. We are proud to be supporting them and are pleased it was a great success” In 2005 McDonald’s customers, employees, suppliers and franchisees raised over £2 million for RMHC There are currently nine Ronald McDonald Houses and 25 RM Family room complexes in the UK which provide a total of 280 family bedrooms. RMCC has committed support to develop and open a further 15 accommodation projects across the UK and Scotland. All facilities are provided free of charge, and help to support the families of sick children at a very stressful time.
When possible accommodation consists of communal living and kitchen areas so that parents can benefit from the experiences and company of others. McDonald’s franchisees, employees and customers raise money through charity events and RMCC collection boxes are located at the front counters of McDonald’s restaurants and not a penny of public donation goes to staffing costs as these are paid for by a contribution from McDonald’s There is a 50% chance that a child will be hospitalised at some point in their childhood and 90% of parents would want to stay with, or near to their children if they were hospitalised. For further details contact Pauline Jones Holyhead 01407 769915
