Ronnie Corbett supports charity appeal for Shirley care home redevelopment

Comedian Ronnie Corbett was the guest of honour at a turf cutting ceremony that launched a charity appeal for a Shirley care home run by national charity MHA.

Ronnie and his wife Anne joined over 100 people at the ‘first cut’ ceremony at Hall Grange, marking both the start of its redevelopment and the launch of the Hall Grange Appeal to help fund the work. The care home is about to be remodelled to offer 45 en suite rooms and communal facilities.  The new care home will be linked to an adjacent retirement living community that will enable a further 23 residents to live independently in their own apartments, while having tailored care and assistance with daily tasks as they might require it.

Hall Grange is part of MHA, the national charity providing accommodation, care and support services to 16,000 older people. MHA hopes to raise £500,000 nationally from the Hall Grange Appeal and is looking for support from community groups, schools, businesses and individuals.

Ronnie said, “Having passed the gates of Hall Grange many times, I have really enjoyed my first visit. There are many lonely older people with no neighbours, and it is lovely to feel the sense of warmth and friendship here. I do hope I will get an invitation to come back when the new home is completed.”

Les Sudron, MHA’s Head of Fundraising, said: “The total cost of the new care home will be over £4 million and we need to raise a significant level of charitable income to ensure that we can deliver all we wish to offer in the shortest time possible. We hope that people will give generously to the Hall Grange Appeal and support us in our work to provide the best possible service for older people in the local area.”

MHA’s Patrons – Baroness Kathleen Richardson of Calow OBE, and BBC Songs of Praise presenter Pam Rhodes – are also endorsing the Appeal.

To find out more about supporting the Hall Grange Appeal, please contact Les Sudron on 0113 2728470 or Les.Sudron@mha.org.uk. You can also contact the home itself, either about the Appeal or to inquire about residency and volunteering opportunities, on 020 8654 1708 or email home.SHI@mha.org.uk.