The H.R. Owen Group has raised more than £55,000 for children’s heart charity Chain of Hope, at the Group’s first ever Charity Shoot, headlined by a live auction in aid of the charity.
Taking place on Friday 7 October, teams representing the Group’s various manufacturer partners took part in a bit of competitive, but friendly, marksmanship at Purdey at The Royal Berkshire, with lunch and a headline charity auction wrapping up the day’s action.
Ken Choo, H.R. Owen CEO, said: “For many years H.R. Owen has been a great supporter of Chain of Hope, sharing their incredible life-saving work with our customers and helping to raise vital funds for children all over the world. Once again, the generosity of our customers leaves us incredibly humbled, raising £35,000 during the course of our first ever charity shoot day. To that incredible number the H.R. Owen Group adds a further £20,000, bringing Chain of Hope past the magic £50,000-mark and beyond, which allows them to complete one ‘mission’, delivering life-saving treatment to 12 young children without access to specialist cardiac experts.”
A two-hour clay shoot taking in ten shooting positions provided the challenge, with a team representing Ferrari emerging on top and receiving engraved cut glass tankards. Prizes for the top gun and top lady included an engraved cut glass decanter and a diamond paperweight, while this year’s ‘Clay Conservationists’ were awarded fluffy ducks for their less-than straight shooting.
Following the shoot, guests took in refreshments at a champagne reception and a three course lunch including a main of locally reared Berkshire venison, before the commencement of the charity auction.
Presided over by Master Auctioneer Lord Archer, lots included a chauffeur driven day in London courtesy of Rolls-Royce, an Aston Martin driving experience day at the iconic Millbrook Proving Ground, and a whole weekend experience with the new Ferrari Roma.
Bidders also vied for a Four-Ball at The Grove – one of the UK’s most prestigious golf courses, an experience for two at esteemed gunsmith Perazzi’s UK showroom in London, taking in a clay shoot and a bespoke gun fit, and an overnight stay and dinner at the Lygon Arms – a stunning and picturesque luxury hotel in the heart of the Cotswolds.
Oroyo Eubanks, Chain of Hope Communications Manager, said: “Chain of Hope is extremely proud of the partnership we enjoy with HR Owen. This charity shoot has raised an incredible amount, enough to send our specialist volunteer medical team overseas for a week to carry out heart operations on as many as 12 children suffering from heart disease. A big thank you to all the donors who so generously gave to help the charity reach more of these children. Thank you for helping to mend little hearts.”
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 cardinal 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.
