Local children to benefit from year of fundraising

SOUTHPORT based home insurance provider Paymentshield has selected its new charity of the year for 2018, following a successful year of fundraising over ₤12,000 for the Vital Signs Foundation. The money raised helped towards the funding 2 ECG machines and several heart screening events.

Paymentshield hosted 1 such screening event, which saw 99 individuals aged between 18 and 35 undergo heart screening tests to determine any underlying, previously undetected heart issues that would need further investigation.

Over the next 12 months, the insurance provider will be raising money for Southport based Merefield School, which supports children and young adults with ranging complex needs. Money raised will be donated to Friends of Merefield School, a charity set up in 2011 to support the School and its pupils by raising much needed funds, with the funds being used to help build a specialist playground.

Rob Evans, managing director of Paymentshield, said:- "During 2017, we raised a huge amount of money which helped to make a difference and we developed a fantastic relationship with the Vital Signs Foundation and we look forward to doing the same with those at Merefield. The School provides invaluable support to children and their families and we're delighted to help achieve the charity's goal of transforming the School yard into a purpose built playground. The students have done designs of their dream outdoor space and they're fantastic; it'll be exciting to see them come to life!"

Merefield is a special needs School, tending to the education and developmental needs of children and young adults aged 3 to 19. It offers a varied curriculum to cater for the wide variety of interests and needs within the School, which promotes independence, self esteem and achievement for all.

Gemma Parker, School business manager at Merefield School, said:- "Paymentshield's pledge to support Friends of Merefield School is hugely appreciated. We rely on support like this to be the best School we can be and provide our students with the top quality education we've built a reputation for. The outdoor space will be of great benefit to the School. It's something we've had on our wish list for years and we look forward to working alongside Paymentshield to help make it a reality."

Over the next 12 months, Paymentshield staff will be volunteering their time to help aid the School, as well as holding a range of fundraising events. For more information about Merefield School, visit:- MerefieldSchool.Co.UK.