Rochdale shopping centre supports Manchester charities

Rachel Byrne, Operations Manager at Rochdale Exchange, Lorenzo O’Reilly, Rochdale Exchange Centre Manager, Liz Hogan, the centre’s cleaning supervisor and Lucy Tunn from Manchester Children’s Hospital

Two of the North West’s most prominent charitable organisations, Manchester Children’s Hospital and the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund have received more than £2,000 in donations thanks to Rochdale Exchange Shopping Centre and its centre management team, which have worked tirelessly to raise the much-needed funds.

It was down to the incredible organisational skills of two ladies - Liz Hogan, the centre’s cleaning supervisor, and Rachel Byrne, Rochdale Exchange’s Operations Manager - that the money was collected for both causes.

Members of the centre’s small business market community also rallied together to donate a generous amount, so they could open their stalls for Rochdale Exchange’s very own ‘One Great Day’ event.

Lucy Tunn, Corporate Fundraising Officer at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “I was delighted to accept this cheque on behalf of Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Charity and would like to express our gratitude to Rochdale Exchange for choosing us as one of the beneficiaries.

“The support of local businesses is invaluable to our children’s hospital, with the money raised going towards our recently launched iMRI Scanner Appeal to purchase a state-of-the-art, intra-operative MRI scanning suite, which will transform brain surgery.”

Through donations such as this, the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Charity can provide additional resources that make life easier for patients and their families.

Chairwoman of the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund Trustees, Edith Conn, added: “On behalf of the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund I'd like to send our sincere thanks to the Rochdale Exchange Shopping Exchange for its generous donation. 

“All money raised will go directly to the victims of that terrible night in May 2017, including the families of the 22 people who lost their lives and the many others who were affected, hurt or sustained life-changing injuries. Every penny donated to the fund is making a real difference to their lives, and it is most gratefully received.”

Lorenzo O’Reilly, Rochdale Exchange Shopping Centre manager, said: “We are really proud of Liz, the hard work and passion she showed in raising this money is an incredible achievement and it’s an honour to work with such a lady.

“Rochdale Exchange is committed to supporting charities across the area and we’re delighted to have been able to donate this money to Manchester Children’s Hospital and the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund. Fundraising is so important to ensure the good work they do, continues and we are very pleased that we are able to help.”