Friday 28 September saw Julie Hesmondhalgh presented with a cheque for £1664 to benefit local charity, Maundy Relief, of which she is a patron.

Half of the money was donated by Scott Dawson Advertising, who ran the #AmazingAccrington Soapbox Challenge, and the other half by event sponsors, Emerson and Renwick who are this year celebrating 100 years!

Maundy Relief is a registered charity based in #AmazingAccrington. The primary aim of the organisation is to support the local community through providing household furniture, goods and food; counselling for those in mental distress; companionship for the lonely; advice and informal advocacy for those struggling with bureaucracy; as well as hosting group activities and training. 

As the Soapbox Challenge event sponsors, Emerson and Renwick were given the opportunity to decide which charity would benefit from the incredible donation.

Ben Clements, Managing Director, commented:

"We chose Maundy Relief because it's a local, worthwhile charity. It's really important to our company to support the local community and this organisation does just that - providing support and resources to the most vulnerable in our society. They have become embedded within #AmazingAccrington, everyone around the town has heard of the name, which shows the impact they have had and continue to have in the area."

Theresa Fitzgerald, volunteer at Maundy Relief, said:

"The money donated will go towards buying food, sleeping bags, toiletries and shoes. The cupboards are bare at the moment, so the donation couldn't have come at a more fitting time. Our service users will benefit massively from the money raised. Thank you."

Murray Dawson, Managing Director of Scott Dawson Advertising and Chairman of the #AmazingAccrington initiative, added:

"The #AmazingAccrington initiative is all about supporting the local community including charitieis, local people and local businesses. We know the money will be put to good use at Maundy Relief, with the added perk of it benefitting the local community. We're thankful to all involved who have helped make this happen." 

Julie Hesmondhalgh, Former Coronation Street star and Patron of Maundy Relief, said:

"It was exciting to receive the call off Murray letting me know that this money was being donated to Maundy Relief. In a twist of fate, the event sponsors, Emerson and Renwick, just happen to be my mother's place of work for around 15 years. Maundy Relief work really hard to support people in the local community and, as someone who was born and bred in Accrington, it's important to me to help out where I can. I know the organisation is so grateful for this donation from Scott Dawson Advertising and Emerson and Renwick."