Car dealerships' donations top £40,000

Circus Starr has given over a million underprivileged children, and children with disabilities, the chance to run away to the circus and forget their troubles

Swansway Motor Group, which owns Swansway Honda Rochdale on Queensway recently donated over £4,300 to Circus Starr, a unique social enterprise.

Founded in 1987, Circus Starr has given over a million underprivileged children, and children with disabilities, the chance to run away to the circus and forget their troubles for a day.

The latest figure of £4,320 has brought the total donated by Swansway to over £40,000 since 2016.

Swansway donated almost £14,500 to Circus Starr in 2018 and the company has committed to continue their support throughout 2019.

The family-owned business has been supporting Circus Starr since January 2016, as director, David Smyth explained: “Since the beginning of 2016, we’ve been donating £20 to Circus Starr for each car we sell on the Motability scheme; that’s the cost of one child and their parent or carer going to a Circus Starr performance.

“The number of cars sold on the Motability scheme in the final quarter of 2018 has led to our largest ever quarterly donation to Circus Starr of £4,320. This means we can help more children attend a Circus Starr performance, which is so much more than a trip to the circus, circus; it can be life-changing.”

Delighted fundraising team trainer, Simone Unett, from Circus Starr, said: “It’s hard to put into words just how much we value Swansway’s support. One in twenty children are born with a disability and 4.5 million children are living in poverty and would simply never have the opportunity to see a live performance.”

“Circus Starr allows the whole family to share a truly magical experience free of any worries, knowing their needs will be met and their senses wowed. It’s a place where families, who too often miss out on fun, can relax, be themselves and feel included,” added Simone.

David Smyth applauds the fun and escape from difficult everyday lives that Circus Starr provides.

He added: “I’m a dad of three children myself and every time I come along to support Circus Starr, I’m humbled by the experience they give these children and their families.

“Seeing how much the children enjoy it, their smiles and their families’ smiles is very emotional for me as a dad, and I’m so proud that our family business is helping Simone and the Circus Starr team make a real difference for other families.”