LOCAL estate agent, Gascoigne Halman, has raised more than £2,600 for the One Big Wish Appeal, to help help make the hospital environment less scary for patients treated at the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital.

Esther McVey, Tatton MP, was on hand last week to congratulate the team as they handed over the cheque to the RMCH Charity.

The majority of the funds were raised when two of Gascoigne Halman staff members completed a sponsored walk from the children’s hospital to the Wilmslow branch wearing funny festive attire.

Peter Higham, operations director, and Nathan Fitzpatrick, sales manager from the Didsbury office, completed the walk together.

In addition to raising the cash, the estate agent, that has 18 branches across Cheshire and South Manchester, collected 1500 presents for children at the hospital. The gifts were collected before Christmas and were given to those who spent time in the hospital over the festive period. The remaining gifts will also be used for special occasions and rewards for the children throughout the year.

RMCH Charity’s One Big Wish Appeal, is raising funds to purchase specialist virtual reality and pain distraction therapy equipment for young patients. The equipment helps to take their minds off the painful treatments and procedures they face during their time in hospital.

John Halman managing director of Gascoigne Halman said: “The generosity of the community, local businesses, staff, clients, friends and families has really made this campaign a huge success. We wanted to give something back to the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, especially after the bomb explosion at the Manchester Arena where the majority of the children injured from the attack were treated at the Children’s Hospital.”

“It was heart-warming to see so many people supporting the charity appeal. We know the funds raised will make a difference to the children receiving treatment at the hospital, and we are grateful for the amazing work the charity does on a day to day basis.”

Joel Oxberry, Corporate Fundraising Manager for Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Charity, was on hand to receive the cheque. He said, “It has been a pleasure to work with Gascoigne Halman, they really have gone that extra mile to raise money for The One Big Wish Appeal. We’re grateful for their support and look forward to working with them again in the near future.”