Theo Paphitis lends support to new Many Hands campaign

HIGH profile entrepreneur Theo Paphitis is urging North West companies to join a charity challenge for the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Charity.

The former Dragon’s Den investor, whose retail interests include Crewe-based stationery chain Ryman and underwear brand Boux Avenue, is pledging to visit the small firm which comes up with the most innovative fund-raising idea for the Many Hands Campaign, which is hoping to raise more than £50,000 towards the enhancement of the hospital’s burns unit.

The campaign, which first launched in 2008, encourages small businesses to support the charity by signing up to a fundraising target of £1,000 each over the course of 12 months.

In return, all participating businesses are invited to attend four networking events throughout the year, beginning with a launch event at Manchester’s Midland Hotel on Thursday.

Mr Paphitis said: “Many Hands is an excellent initiative which affords small and medium-sized businesses the opportunity to make a tangible contribution to their local hospital charity.

“The new hospital in Manchster is a wonderful facility and was much-needed in the North West. By getting involved in the Many Hands campaign, 50 small businesses can make a big difference to people’s lives at a local level.

“I urge people to get on board – it is great way of building team spirit and also putting something back.”

Royal Manchster Childen’s Hospital Charity chairman Maurice Watkins said: “We are very grateful to Theo for his continuing involvement in this fundraising campaign. His profile and very many accomplishments in the business world make him ideally placed to inspire other business owners to engage actively with their local community and we are very confident that his support will help us to achieve this year’s £50,000 fundraising target.”

For more information about Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Charity please visit www.rmchcharity.org.uk