13/05/2011

Published by The Park Inn by Radisson York

Supporters of a Yorkshire charity, who were the lucky recipients of a six-figure sum on TV's A Secret Millionaire, are set to be given the VIP treatment on a day trip to York.

The Park Inn by Radisson York is providing free lunch and drinks for more than 50 volunteers and those helped by the Rainbow's End project when they visit the city on Sunday May 15.

The charity, based in Burngreave in Sheffield, was handed a six-figure cheque by millionaire interior designer Simrin Choudhrie, who had been secretly working as a volunteer in the charity's shop as part of the Channel 4 TV show. She also gave £3,000 so the charity's workers could have a day out, with charity organiser Yvonne Hayes deciding on a trip to York.

The Park Inn by Radisson York's general manager Adrian Pickard got in touch with the charity to offer their support for the day out after seeing the show. He wanted to pay tribute to the work of the Rainbow's End project which helps those in need in the Burngreave area who are out of work, isolated or who are asylum seekers or refugees.

The hotel will welcome all 56 day-trippers from the charity with sandwiches along with coffees and teas for lunch as part of their packed day touring the city's landmarks.

Adrian Pickard said: "I saw the Secret Millionaire programme and when Yvonne said she wanted to take staff to York we got in touch to see how we could help.

"The programme really brought home what a great job they're doing and how the community really benefits so we wanted to extend our hospitality so everyone from the charity has a great time on their day out in York."

Yvonne Hayes said: "We're just overwhelmed by people's generosity.

"To be given this money to put on the day was fantastic and for the hotel to put on lunch for us is wonderful, it makes you realise there are good people out there. It means we can spend more of the money Simrin give us on making sure we have a great day to say thanks to our volunteers and the people who have been part of the project."

ENDS