Manorview Hotels & Leisure Group is supporting two Scottish children’s charities by running the London Marathon.
Steve Graham, Managing Director and Steve Buckley, Head of Procurement, are running to raise money for CHAS (Children’s Hospices Across Scotland), and When You Wish Upon A Star (Scotland).
They are looking to raise a total of £6,000 to be split between the two charities.
While there have been runners who have previously completed the 26.2 miles around Britain’s capital for these two charities, this is first time both organisations have been granted a dedicated place at the Virgin Money London Marathon.
The Manorview Group’s head office is located next to Bowfield Hotel & Country Club in Howwood, Johnstone. The hotel has a state-of-the-art gym, which the two runners have been making the best use of in preparation for their challenge which will take place on Sunday 22nd April.
Both charities are also supported by The Busby Hotel, who have organised a Bridal Ball on 7th April to raise funds for the charities. The Ball invites brides to wear their wedding dress for charity.
In 2007, the Manorview Hotels & Leisure Group was founded by Glasgow-based Steve Graham. He purchased one hotel, The Commercial Hotel in Wishaw, Lanarkshire. The company quickly expanded and now boasts a total of 16 licensed trade properties, comprising five pubs, two nightclubs and nine hotels, and a total staff of nearly 600. Total turnover for the year to 31 March 2016 for the entire Group was £15.8m.
The Group actively support charities and in 2017 raised and donated a total of over £48k.
Judith King, Fundraisers’ Assistant from When Wish Upon a Star charity in Scotland, said, “We are honoured that Manorview Hotels & Leisure Group continue to support our work. By taking on the Virgin Money London Marathon in April, the two Steves will become Wish Granters for just some of Scotland’s most deserving children who live with a life-threatening illness. We believe every child deserves to smile and with every Wish pound that they raise we will be in a position to grant the most magical Wishes. Wishes allow our families to put their child’s illness on hold, giving them much needed time together and something to look forward to as they have fun and create precious magical memories.
We wish them both the very best with their final training preparations and to the amazing challenge of the marathon itself, their support is greatly appreciated by everyone in the Scotland team at When You Wish Upon a Star”
Scott Maxwell, Events Co-ordinator from CHAS, said, “A marathon is such an incredible challenge and we’re so grateful to the boys for supporting CHAS in this way. When the going gets really tough on 22 April, I just want them to remember that every step they take and every pound they have raised will help families who have children with life-shortening conditions. Knowing that your child may die before you do is the unthinkable reality facing thousands of families across Scotland, but thanks to the efforts of the two Steves, CHAS can make sure the short time the families have together, is a time filled with happiness and fun.”
This is the first marathon for both Steve Graham and Steve Buckley and the pair have been training together.
Steve Graham, CEO, Manorview Group said, “At Manorview we instil a strong emphasises on the value of people. Our charity initiative grows that ethos to go beyond our Manorview team to cultivate care and consideration for others. We’ve set ourselves a challenge. It will be a great achievement. We’re delighted to help two very worthwhile children’s charities who deserve to receive this support”.
The Manorview Hotels & Leisure Group was listed last year in the London Stock Exchange 1000 Companies to Inspire Britain Report. This is the second time the company has been listed, the first time being 2015.
Although the Group has grown considerably it still retains its family-run feel and ethos. Steve Graham’s son Carlton, is Area Operations Manager, and daughter Shauna is Operations Support. Steve’s niece Fallon Cowley is Commercial Director, and her husband Anthony Cowley is Property Development Director.