AN AYRSHIRE initiative set up to provide respite breaks for children with serious illnesses, and their families, has been chosen as a charity partner by a UK-wide building supplies firm.

Jewson has chosen Whiteleys Retreat as its official charity partner for Scotland and the North.

The charity, situated in Alloway, provides free therapeutic respite breaks and extended support for children, young people and their families with cancer or life altering illnesses.

It was selected by Jewson employees who have a close connection with the cause.

To launch the new partnership, and begin their fund-raising efforts for Whiteleys Retreat, members of Jewson’s branches across Scotland and the North will don their walking boots and kilts to join the Kiltwalk in Glasgow on Sunday, April 30 – and walk up to 23 miles from the city, finishing in the idyllic surroundings of Loch Lomond. 

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As well as regular fund-raising events and activities, the firm will also assist with construction projects at the retreat, lending its expertise and working with suppliers to source products and services.

Collection tins have been installed at every Jewson branch in Scotland and a new seven-a-side football competition is being organised, which will be hosted at Ayr United’s Somerset Park stadium. 

Allan Davidson, the company's regional director for Scotland, the North East and the  Lakes, said: “We support several good causes across Jewson’s national branches, and we are thrilled to welcome Whiteleys Retreat as our new charity partner in Scotland.

"It’s a fantastic cause which has touched the hearts of many people in our team and provides a vital facility to local families. 

“We have set ourselves an ambitious fund-raising target, but we are pulling together as a team and with our partners to make sure we reach it.

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"We are committed to supporting Whiteleys Retreat in every way possible, helping them to continue making a huge difference to those who need it most.”

Maxine Allan, chief executive of Whiteleys Retreat, said: “We are extremely delighted to be the chosen charity partner of Jewson, who will help us to raise awareness of our cause across Scotland with collection can distribution in all stores and with vital fundraising events throughout the year.

"They are an energetic and enthusiastic team who really believe in helping their local community. Additional thanks must go to Ayr United for introducing us to Jewson.

"We are looking forward to a very successful year ahead.”

For more information and to make a donation, visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/whiteleysretreatjewson