Following the success of last year’s inaugural H.R. Owen Charity Shoot for children’s charity Chain of Hope the event returned once more, raising £50,000 for crucial life-saving work thanks to the generosity of our customers.
On Friday 6th October, guests representing the Group’s luxury brands gathered at Purdey at The Royal Berkshire for a day of spirited clay pigeon shooting, fine dining, and a charity auction. Nestled in a valley among 70 acres of beautiful woodland, it was the perfect setting for the event.
Ken Choo, H.R. Owen CEO, said: “We are delighted to continue our long-standing relationship with Chain of Hope, and spurred on by the success of our inaugural charity shoot day, are overwhelmed with the response from our customers. The H.R. Owen Group is proud to be able to donate this enormously generous sum on behalf of the day’s guests, enabling Chain of Hope to provide life-saving heart operations for children around the world.”
Following a gourmet breakfast at 9 o’clock, two hours of amiably competitive shooting with Purdey 12-bores began at 10 o’clock, with snacks and refreshments at midday. Following a champagne reception, a three-course lunch was served to guests, featuring locally-sourced, juniper-infused venison.
Afterwards, prizes were awarded: for the Top Gun and Top Lady, an engraved glass decanter and engraved cut glass champagne flute respectively. The Top Team received an engraved cut glass paperweight each, while the Clay Conservationist Team graciously received fluffy pheasant toys for their slightly errant shooting.
And then, the highly-anticipated auction. Put under the hammer by a Master Auctioneer, lots included a Ferrari 296 GTS for a long weekend, an Aston Martin F1 team shirt signed by drivers Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll, a limited-edition print of Lewis Hamilton’s Australian GP podium by artist Paul Oz, a tour for four of the hallowed home of Ferrari in Maranello, a morning of shooting for four at Purdey at The Royal Berkshire, a Chauffeur-driven day in London by Rolls Royce, matchday hospitality for 10 for next season’s Cardiff City v Blackburn Rovers game, and an immersive long weekend into the world of Lamborghini, including the loan of a Raging Bull supercar and a VIP tour of the legendary Sant’Agata factory.
Oroyo Eubanks, Chain of Hope Communications Manager, said: “The H.R. Owen team has redoubled its efforts for this year’s charity shoot, and through their hard work and the incredible generosity of all the guests, our specialist cardiac teams – who are all volunteers – will be able to continue to perform life-saving operations for children. Thank you so much.”
Since 1996 The Chain of Hope charity has delivered life-saving treatment to children across the globe. With a specific focus on developing and war-torn countries, it relies on the generosity of public donations. The charity provides education and expertise to local medical experts and cardiac teams, but also facilitates the transportation of children to leading cardiac centres in the UK, Europe, and Asia for emergency treatment where possible.
The charity estimates that one child in every 100 is born with a heart defect. Many of these defects can be treated routinely in the developed world, but in countries where these treatments are not readily available, they are a major cause of premature death and illness – Chain of Hope was created to help as many of these children as possible.
