Congratulations to our three Persimmon Homes Building Futures 2020 top prize winners, each receiving £100,000 of funding to help them support young people.

The successful trio was announced during a virtual event, presented by Dame Katherine Grainger DBE, chair of UK Sport and Great Britain’s most decorated female Olympian, alongside Persimmon Homes Group CEO Dean Finch, watched live online by around 1,500 people.

The Children’s Hospital Charity came out in top in the Health category and the generous donation will support the appeal to redevelop the Cancer and Leukaemia ward at Sheffield Children’s Hospital.

The ward provides treatment for cancer and blood disorders in children from babies through to 18-year-olds in South Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and Derbyshire, but sees patients from across the UK for chemotherapy, operations and bone marrow transplants.

Catherine Foster, trusts fundraising manager at The Children’s Hospital Charity said: “We are over the moon to win this amazing amount of money and we’d like to say a huge thank you to Persimmon Homes and to everyone who voted daily, shared and encouraged their friends and family to join in We couldn’t have done it without you.

“Our plan is to completely transform the Cancer and Leukaemia Ward making the environment far more pleasant for children to receive life-saving treatment and to recover peacefully. The works will comprise en-suite bedrooms with park views and facilities for parents, as well as a new playroom, teenage room and classroom.”

Northampton Swimming Club was triumphant in the Sport category. The club provides opportunities for competitive and non-competitive swimmers and aims to create an environment in which swimmers thrive and can reach their full potential.

Jacquie Marshall from Northampton Swimming Club, said: “By actively encouraging people to swim, promoting social, physiological and mental well-being benefits, NSC makes a positive contribution to the local community by offering opportunities to all including people with disabilities and from BAME communities.”

“Winning £100,000 will make a tremendous difference, and we aim to subsidise lessons, offer free sessions and camps to increase participation. We want to get more children and youths involved in a team, especially those members of the community who would otherwise be unable to participate due to limited income.”

Going to the top of the class in the Education category was Suffolk-based Ringsfield Hall Eco Activity Centre, which aims to support the physical, emotional and spiritual development of children and young people through outdoor play and exploration.

David Townend, centre director at Ringsfield Hall Eco Activity Centre, said: “Last week we were looking at the awful prospect of closing the centre, but now we can ensure our brilliant staff team are here to support the health and wellbeing of children from across Suffolk and further afield.

“It is our aim to ensure that all children are given equal freedom and opportunity to grow into secure adults; able to take care of themselves, their community, and the environment. Thanks to the £100,000 prize we can now build on the futures of children and their communities by empowering them to make positive changes that would help the climate and the future of the planet.”