Awards give charity a record-breaking boost
Published: December 11, 2004
In the 250th anniversary year of the Yorkshire Post, it was fitting that a staggering £250,000 was raised for charity at the Yorkshire Post Business Awards yesterday.
The 550-strong audience at the event in Leeds, pledged a record £210,000 to the Variety Club charity, but this was then increased to £250,000 by a £40,000 donation from David Jones, chairman of fashion chain Next, who was named the Yorkshire Post Business Leader of the Year.
Mr Jones, who lives at Ilkley, is also president of Yorkshire County Cricket Club and, after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease 22 years ago, has raised more than £2m for research into the disease.
The event, at the Queen’s Hotel, saw playwright Sir Alan Ayckbourn accept a lifetime achievement award.
Sir Alan, 65, who has lived in Scarborough for more than 30 years, and runs the town’s Stephen Joseph Theatre, has written more than 66 plays including The Norman Conquests, Absurd Person Singular and Things We Do For Love.
He told the audience he was not sure he should receive a lifetime achievement award.
“That means you’ve done everything, and I certainly think there is a lot more left in me to write,” he said.
Other winners included Burley-in-Wharfedale home shopping and educational supplies business Findel, and the Aagrah Group of Restaurants which has a 10-strong chain in Yorkshire.
The keynote speaker was Ed Balls, former adviser to Chancellor Gordon Brown and Labour’s prospective Parliamentary candidate for Normanton.
The money raised will be used to help disadvantaged and disabled children in the region.
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