MCCARTHY and Stone’s team, which has sites in Launceston and Bude, has helped to raise more than a quarter of a million pounds for Royal Voluntary Service as part of the celebrations for the retirement housebuilder’s 40th anniversary.

In 2017, McCarthy and Stone, announced it would be celebrating 40 successful years since opening its first development by partnering with Royal Voluntary Service — one of the largest voluntary organisations in the UK, and a charity which shares McCarthy and Stone’s values of helping older people and their families to lead happier, longer and healthier lives.

Throughout its milestone year, McCarthy and Stone employees and homeowners took part in a host of events and activities to raise funds for the older person’s charity.

An initial target of £130,000 was triumphantly smashed, and a cheque for £269,000 was recently handed over to the charity’s ambassador and much-loved dancer and choreographer, Wayne Sleep.

Staff and employees at McCarthy and Stone’s South West region, which includes age-exclusive retirement developments in Cornwall, such as Manaton Court in?Launceston and Pen Morvah in Bude, made a significant contribution to the overall fundraising total, with activities such as a 210-mile bike ride across the region raising an incredible £5,000.

Robert Monkman, regional sales and marketing director for McCarthy and Stone South West, said: “When it came to commemorating 40 years of enriching lives, it seemed fitting for McCarthy and Stone to show its support for Royal Voluntary Service.

“Through its network of committed volunteers, the charity makes a real difference to the lives of older people, helping them to stay active and independent for longer — and it’s fantastic work is therefore very closely aligned to our own aims and company ethos.

“We are extremely grateful to all those who got behind our fundraising efforts, and the support shown by the team in Cornwall who helped us to more-than-double our fundraising target. Throughout the year, there were some quite phenomenal fundraising feats from our teams of dedicated employees across the UK. From running the Berlin Marathon and tackling the Three Peaks Challenge to a gruelling Dragon Boat Race and epic cycle rides, so many people pushed themselves to their limits to boost the funds raised for Royal Voluntary Service.”

McCarthy and Stone also received a huge amount of support from its homeowners and the community in Cornwall, with people dropping in to its developments to take part in various activities including vintage tea parties, craft workshops, and choir performances. Suppliers and contractors also backed the regional team’s fundraising efforts, with financial donations and their participation in events and activities.

Catherine Johnstone, chief executive officer for Royal Voluntary Service, said: “This is a phenomenal fundraising achievement. McCarthy and Stone’s wonderful employees and homeowners have gone to great lengths and worked very hard this past year to raise £269,000 for us. We would like to say a sincere thank you to them all. The funds raised will make a real difference to thousands of lives, helping to support the services we deliver in hospital, at home and in the community.

“We have enjoyed a fantastic partnership with McCarthy and Stone this past year and are very grateful to have been its charity of the year for the 40th anniversary.”