Jolly Josh receives £2,000 from Crystal Doors

Richard Hagan (third right) with staff from Crystal Doors and their cheque for Jolly Josh

Rochdale manufacturer Crystal Doors has donated £2,000 to Rochdale charity Jolly Josh.

The funds will go towards supporting the final stages of construction for the charity’s premises at Ensor Mill, which is set to open next year.

Jolly Josh – which hosts stay-and-play sessions for children with disabilities and special needs – was started in September 2017 by Carole and James Kelly, of Wardle, after discovering there were no groups for young disabled children in Rochdale.

They named the group after their 15-month-old son, Josh, who was born with Mitochondrial Disease. He sadly died just one month before his legacy was due to begin.

The cause began with sessions at Springside with Hamer Learning Community before late Heywood businessman Peter Cordwell generously gave the local charity 10 years’ worth of free rent at Ensor Mill, Castleton, in 2019.

Sarah Ford, fundraising lead for Jolly Josh, said: “I collected a cheque from Richard and the team to support the final stages of construction of our very own venue 'A place to call home' which is very near completion and we are looking forward to welcoming our families in the New Year.

“It was lovely to meet such a happy team and to see how they are leading the way not only in bespoke vinyl doors and accessories but have set out to prove that even the smallest company can contribute to environmental protection.

“As well as being a very successful businessman. Richard has continued to support Jolly Josh.

“The Jolly Josh team would like to say a big thank you to Richard and his staff for his continued support of Jolly Josh and we looked forward to working with him in the future.”

Richard Hagan, managing director of Crystal Doors, said: “I am very proud of Crystal Doors employees to have again championed success this year, enjoying profits from business to support local people and communities which support others.

“This donation is very special, supporting the late Pete Cordwell’s incredible kindness and generosity given to Jolly Josh to see the Queensway care centre open. Pete and myself shared the belief, that with more wealth, is more responsibility to support others.

“Supporting Jolly Josh, offers everyone the opportunity to change someone’s life, reflect on the value of our life and see what a difference one person can make.”