Ponthafren, a Powys-based charity dedicated to providing positive mental health support services, is celebrating a financial injection today, thanks to the charitable efforts of two local businesses.

SJ Roberts Construction and Lowfield Timber Frames, sister companies based in Lowfield near Welshpool, handed over a generous donation of £3,500 following a year of dedicated fundraising events.

The teams from both companies participated in a variety of events throughout 2023, showcasing their commitment to supporting mental health initiatives across mid-Wales. Notable events in their fundraising calendar included the Welshpool and Newtown 10k runs, Brynkinalt Running Festival, Lake Vyrnwy Half Marathon, Oswestry 10k, and a series of bike events. These efforts culminated in an impressive sum that will significantly aid Ponthafren in its mission to offer vital mental health services to the local community.

Mike Sambrook, Managing Director of SJ Roberts Construction, expressed his admiration for the dedication displayed by the teams. He said: "The dedication that the teams at SJ Roberts and Lowfield Timber Frames have once again demonstrated to raising funds for a charity that they feel a connection with is quite phenomenal. The events that they’ve got involved in require significant personal commitment, and this is reflected in the support that they’ve received."

He continued, "Getting involved in events is one thing, raising a sum such as that which we’ve today handed over to Ponthafren is quite another, and for that, we must extend our thanks to not just the teams here, but to everyone who has supported us with donations."

The fundraising activities were not limited to athletic endeavors. The teams also organized a series of cake sales, raffles, and an office sweepstake to involve a broader range of participants. Darren Jarman, Managing Director at Lowfield Timber Frames, emphasized the importance of inclusivity in their fundraising efforts.

"As a keen runner myself, I thoroughly enjoy the sporting events that we get involved in each year, but to ensure that our fundraising efforts are inclusive across the whole business, it’s important that we don’t focus solely on these," Jarman stated. "We’ve received some fantastic support from local businesses who have donated prizes to our raffles, and our cake sales are often of a ‘Bake Off’ standard!"

The collaborative efforts of SJ Roberts Construction and Lowfield Timber Frames, along with the support of the local community, exemplify the positive impact that corporate fundraising can have on grassroots charities like Ponthafren, ensuring continued provision of mental health services to those in need.