Battens Charitable Trust donates over £25,000 to the local community amid corona virus crisis

Released On 22nd Apr 2020

The Battens Charitable Trust have donated over £25,000 to local foodbanks, NHS hospitals and the volunteer NHS service Yeovil Freewheelers all based in the South West. All three services have received an unprecedented high demand amid the corona virus crisis. It is no surprise that hospitals all across the UK are feeling the pressure, which, in turn, can affect all staff working in the hospitals.

The money donated to local South West hospitals will aim to help support the welfare of our NHS staff during this challenging period.

The charity Yeovil Free Wheelers, are emergency medical motorcycle couriers for Yeovil District Hospital, Dorset County Hospital, and the community hospitals across our regions. Currently, they are being relied on heavily for distributing medicines out to local people who have been discharged from hospital, as well as their usual emergency duties. This donation can enable the team carry out their services for the community.

The work of food banks is very prominent, now more than ever. Reverend Jono Tregale explains; “Since the COVID-19 lockdown came into force at the end of March, the Sherborne Food Bank has faced unprecedented demand for the support it offers to families and individuals in financial need. This has been accompanied by a reduction in food donations as many donors now find themselves self-isolating and unable to support the food bank as part of a regular shopping trip. This generous cash donation from the Battens Charitable Trust will enable the food bank to source food supplies direct from supermarkets and wholesalers to make up the shortfall in donations, thus ensuring that it can continue to be a ‘helping hand to the hungry’.”

Naomi Dyer Head of Private Client and Trustee of The Battens Charitable Trust said: “We are delighted to be able donate to the local community, supporting the many people affected and the key workers doing their utmost at this unprecedented time. Our heartfelt thanks go out to these people keeping the country running. Our thanks also go out to everyone who has supported our Charitable Trust. It has become greatly respected for its community focus over the years, but without the generosity of the people who donate to it, we would not be able to help.”

Battens Charitable Trust, which was established by Battens Solicitors, has donated more than £500,000 to charities and causes in and around Somerset and Dorset, since it was first founded in 1985. Groups to have benefitted from its funding include schools, hospitals, children and youth sports groups, disability groups and hospices.

If you would like to make a donation or leave a legacy to Battens Charitable Trust or apply for a grant, please contact the Trust team by emailing bct@battens.co.uk or by calling 01935 811304.