Estate agents hope to raise £10k for appeal

1:47pm Thursday 7th August 2008

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THREE years have passed since Reuben Barrett’s son lost his fight for life – he was only nine days old.

On the anniversary of Finlay’s death, the York estate agent has pledged to raise £10,000 to propel The Press Guardian Angels appeal ever closer to its £300,000 target.

Praising the campaign to create a high-dependency unit for York Hospital children’s ward, Reuben has revealed plans to stage major fundraisers, rally support from his agency’s contacts and dig deep into his own pockets for the cause.

Reuben, of South Bank, in York, said: “My family and I know, sadly from personal experience, how essential high-dependency units are to premature and sick babies.”

“I’m absolutely determined to reach our £10,000 fundraising target to help other sick babies get the best chance in life they possibly can.” His wife, Laura, gave birth to Finlay in July 2005. He fought courageously to survive a blood infection which he was born with, but died nine days later on August 5.

Guardian Angels apeal, which is only £20,000 off its target, aims to fund two life-saving high-dependency rooms in York. These would care for children suffering from illnesses such as meningitis, septicemia, breathing difficulties, viral chest infections, bronchiolitis and fits. A specialist nurse will care solely for these high-dependency children.

Reuben, founder of Coalters Estate and Lettings Agents, is confident of raising £10,000 within two months, personally pledging to put in £5,000 of his own cash.

“I am going to give it a blast to see how much I can raise. We are going to tell our landlords, tenants, buyers and sellers and ask them for some money.”

Coalters’ first money-spinning event is this weekend which staff hope will raise about £1,000.

One of Coalters’ distinctive Minis will be bursting to the bumpers with balloons on Parliament Street, York, on Saturday from 9am to 5pm.

Passers-by will be asked to guess how many balloons are in the vehicle in exchange for a small donation. The winner will receive a hot air balloon ride over York for two people.

The next event will be a benefit concert and raffle from 8pm on Friday, September 19, at The Crescent Working Men’s Club, The Crescent, York.

Coalters’ employee Sarah Stabler’s band, The Players, will be providing the music on the night. For concert tickets, phone Coalters on 01904 655222.