Zen auction raises money for hospice

Robin Griffith, Network and Infrastructure Manager and Terry Gilligan, Senior Network Support Engineer, walking and camping in Snowdonia

Employees at Rochdale-based Zen Internet have taken part in their first ever online auction - raising a fantastic £2,000 for its chosen charity, Dr Kershaw’s Hospice.

Dr Kershaw’s is an independent Hospice in Oldham and was opened in 1989 following the conversion and development of a 1930’s Cottage Hospital originally built with a legacy from Dr John Kershaw, a local General Practitioner and Medical Officer of Health.

Eager bidding began at 9.00am for a wide variety of prizes including a private flight with Managing Director Richard Tang from Blackpool airport for lunch overlooking Douglas Bay.

Other prizes included a meal for four cooked by Andrew Saunders, Zen’s Head of Product Management and Marketing, a guided walk and camping in Snowdonia with Robin Griffiths, Zen’s Network and Infrastructure Manager and a home-baked celebration cake made by Kay-Leigh Baker, Zen’s Technical Support Team Leader.

Dr Kershaw’s provides specialist palliative care for adults with non-curable life-threatening illnesses in a peaceful and homely environment with accommodation for 12 inpatients and 15 day care places. In addition it provides support for patient’s relatives and carers.

“We were really pleased with the amount of money raised for the auction, everyone got involved either bidding or enjoying watching the action. We have built up an excellent relationship with Dr Kershaw’s through events such the Great Manchester Run and have raised nearly £6,000 so far this year for this charity", said Caroline Taylor, HR Manager and a Head of Zen’s Social and Charities Committee.