Staff at a Cumbrian housebuilding company have raised thousands of pounds for a local disability-support charity, through a series of entertaining fundraisers.

Genesis Homes culminated a year of active fundraising with an impressive West End to Broadway Charity Ball.

The ball was held in aid of Annie Mawson’s Sunbeams Music Trust, the housebuilder's chosen charity for 2023.

The Trust utilises music creatively to enhance health and wellbeing amongst disabled adults and children in the local community.

The spectacular event, attended by numerous guests, showcased stunning entertainment by Carlisle-based Explosive Productions.

Attendees were awed by a repertoire of circus skills, fire eating, singing, and dancing.

The fundraising exploits of the Genesis Homes team throughout 2023 included a diverse array of activities.

From office bake offs to a 20-mile walk and golf tournaments, the employees went above and beyond.

Nicky Gordon, Managing Director of Genesis Homes, said: “Members of the Genesis Homes team and I were privileged to be invited along to Annie Mawson’s Sunbeams Music Trust to see the life-changing work the charity carries out to improve the lives of people living with disabilities, and we couldn’t think of a better local cause to support as a business.

“At the charity ball, the Sunbeams team shared with us examples of the positive impact it makes on its service users’ lives and there was barely a dry eye in the venue as we were all so touched by the amazing work the charity does on a daily basis.

“We were honoured to share the evening with the wonderful Annie Mawson MBE and her team, and to be able to raise thousands of pounds which will ensure Sunbeams can continue to make such a huge difference to the lives of children and adults with disabilities is such a reward for us here at Genesis Homes.

“Credit and much thanks go to the staff at Genesis Homes who have gone above and beyond to tackle numerous fundraising challenges throughout the year, and the charity ball was a way of celebrating their achievements and hard work.”

For 31 years, Penrith-based Sunbeams Music Trust has delivered community music therapy to children and adults with numerous disabilities and complex medical needs.

Founded by local harpist and singer Annie Mawson MBE, the Trust has two main programs - Music for Life and Music for Dignity.

These initiatives harness the inventive freedom of music, serving as therapeutic and educational assets in order to enhance beneficiaries’ quality of life and boost their confidence.

Ms Mawson said: “The Sunbeams Music Trust team is absolutely thrilled to receive such fantastic support from Genesis Homes after being selected as their chosen charity of the year for 2023, and we are so grateful to Nicky Gordon and all staff members who have really gone out of their way to help our charity.

“Their fundraising activities have helped raise the awareness of our work to a wider audience, and the money they have raised will have an enormous impact on the Community Music Therapy sessions we deliver to more than 1,000 beneficiaries with complex medical needs and a range of disabilities.

“We can’t say thank you enough to Genesis Homes for this valuable and generous support, and we all had a truly amazing night at the charity ball which was spectacular from start to finish.”

Low Wood Bay Resort and Spa in Windermere served as the picturesque venue for the Genesis Homes’ West End to Broadway Charity Ball.