Carlisle charity wins £5k share of our £1Million youth charity giveaway

Jigsaw, Cumbria's Children's Hospice, has been awarded a £5,000 share of a £1 million fund supporting under-18s as a part of our hugely successful Building Futures charity competition.

The charity, which is based in Carlisle but supports children right across Cumbria, was one of 96 organisations to reach the final stage of the funding campaign.

Jigsaw spokesperson Frances Snowden said: “Taking part in Building Futures has been a fantastic experience for us and it was so exciting to reach the finals, with such a broad range of groups being represented and we are delighted to have been awarded £5,000.

“The funding will allow us to deliver invaluable fun, friendship and therapeutic support to children and young people with life-limiting and progressive illnesses, and their families.”

Regional managing director John Roocroft added: “The Building Futures scheme has been a great success and it is wonderful to celebrate the fantastic work of so many organisations supporting young people in our communities.

“We have been overwhelmed by both the response to the competition, and the hard work and dedication of those involved within all the groups.”

Three finalists were each awarded the top prize of £100,000, three the second prize of £50,000 and three the third prize of £20,000. The remaining finalists were handed £5,000 each. With £128,000 already awarded in £1,000 regional grants through Building Futures, the total prize pot was £1.073million.

The first, second and third prize winners were decided by a public vote and around 200,000 votes were cast.

While Building Futures 2021 has concluded, we continue to give away up to £64,000 every month through our Community Champions scheme. Applications for funding can be made at www.persimmonhomes.com/charity

PICTURED: Lauren Graham, field sales manager, presented £5,000 of Building Futures funding to Eleanor Vines, fundraising manager for Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice.