Oxford News
Mercedes F1 team in Brackley raise £100,000 for hospice
The Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team, based in Brackley, raised £105,809.98 for Oxfordshire’s Helen & Douglas House, exceeding its original £100,000 goal a full year ahead of schedule.
The funds will support 22, 72-hour supportive stays at the hospice for children with life-limiting conditions and their families.
Rob Thomas, chief operating officer at Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team, said: “It has been fantastic to see our team members come together over the last twelve months for our local children’s hospice.
“All it takes, is all of us, and this applies to everything that we do, both on and off the track.
“Charitable giving is a great source of pride for our team and forms a key part of our identity, and we are so proud to have not only reached but exceeded our fundraising goal for Helen & Douglas House one year ahead of target.
“To know how our funds will support the children in the hospice’s care is incredibly moving.”
Mr Thomas added: “We are in awe of the work undertaken by the hospice to help make every moment count for local families, and we are determined to raise even more for this incredible charity over the coming months.”
Based in Oxford, Helen & Douglas House provides specialist care for children with life-shortening conditions across Oxfordshire and beyond.
Following their success, the team has raised its target to £150,000, with the aim of reaching it by December 2026.
David Whittingham, CEO of Helen & Douglas House, visited the team’s Brackley headquarters on March 11 to thank staff in person.
Mr Whittingham said: “We would like to thank each and every team member who has helped raise over £100,000 a year ahead of target and to all those who will be raising more money for our charity this year.
“The hospice is a very special place where local families can make the most of their time together, creating happy memories during their children’s short lives.”
The money raised by the team has come from skydives, runs, treks, and a charity football match against Aston Martin, which alone raised more than £5,000.
Helen & Douglas House cares for over 580 children, siblings and parents a year.
The charity relies on donations to fund its services, needing to raise over £6 million annually.
Anyone wishing to support the charity can visit hdh.org.uk to donate or email corporate@helenanddouglas.org.uk to discuss becoming a corporate partner.
Thames Valley Police has released a CCTV image as it asks for the public’s help in identifying a man who may have vital information about the incident at Templars Shopping Centre in Cowley.
The reported ‘sexual assault’ happened when a woman in her 20s was inappropriately touched over her clothing at around 3pm on Tuesday, June 30.
READ MORE: Oxfordshire police ‘welcome’ prime minister’s update on PC Harper killers
No arrests have been made at this time and the police has asked for anyone with any information to come forward as soon as possible.
Investigating officer PC Emily Rice said: “We are releasing this CCTV image as we believe the individual pictured may have information that could assist our investigation.
“If this is you, or if you recognise the person shown in the image, please contact Thames Valley Police.”
Anyone with information can make a report to the police online or call 101, quoting reference 43260331880.
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Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through its website.
Appeals for public help in finding individuals by the police can relate to suspects, witnesses or others who may have vital information in relation to the incident.
They do not mean the person is to blame nor do they imply guilt.
The scheme, which took effect on August 28, includes a wide range of furniture and home essentials.
In a statement, IKEA said: “From much-loved favourites to everyday essentials, customers can discover New Lower Prices both online and in-store, helping make it easier to create a home you love, whatever your budget.”
Among the discounted items is the KALLAX shelving unit, soon to be available for £49—down 18% from £60.
The HEMNES daybed, which functions as a sofa, single bed, double bed, and storage unit, will be reduced by 15% from £329 to £279.
In addition to these savings, IKEA is offering more than 1,000 exclusive in-store-only prices with discounts up to 25%.
The company said: “In time for cosy season, in stores nationwide, IKEA is also offering 20% off throws, bedspreads, candles, floor and table lamps, plus selected rugs, thermal curtains, seasonal duvets and cookware, from 7th September to 1st November nationwide.”
The history of IKEA
IKEA was founded in 1943 by Ingvar Kamprad when he was just 17 years old.
Originally, the company sold small goods such as pens and wallets, but in 1948, Kamprad expanded into furniture.
This was facilitated by Ingvar’s father, who gave him a small sum of money for doing well in school, which he used to set up a company.
In 1953, the company adopted flatpack furniture, solving costly transportation problems.
IKEA grew steadily throughout the 1950s in Sweden, before expanding into Denmark and Norway in the 1960s.
By the 1970s, the brand had entered markets in Australia, Austria, Canada, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Kuwait, the Netherlands, Singapore, and Switzerland.
The first UK store opened in Warrington in 1987, marking the start of IKEA’s growth in the British market.
Today, IKEA employs nearly 12,000 people across its 22 UK locations.
Have you bought items from IKEA before? Let us know in the comments.
Thames Valley Police has released CCTV footage of Juan Carlos Clarke, who the force launched a manhunt for just under a week ago,
The 34-year-old is wanted on recall to prison with the photo showing Mr Clarke in Cornmarket, Oxford, at around 1.10pm on Thursday, August 27.
READ MORE: Manhunt launched after ‘sexual assault’ at Oxford shopping centre
A spokesperson for the police said: “We are continuing to appeal for the public’s help to trace Juan Carlos Clarke, who is wanted on recall to prison.
“We are now releasing a recent CCTV image of Juan, taken in Cornmarket, Oxford, at around 1.10pm on Thursday 27 August.
“Please note that he has recently shaved his hair and may look different from previous images circulated.”
Police reiterated other defining characteristics about him, describing him as being of medium build and having a full beard, as well as a broken or missing lower tooth and a tattoo of two eyes in the centre of his back.
They warned that anyone who sees him, should not approach him.
The spokesperson added: “Juan is described as being 5ft 11ins tall, of medium build and with a full beard.
“He has a broken or missing lower tooth, a scar on his left forearm and a tattoo of two eyes in the centre of his back.
READ MORE: Oxfordshire police ‘welcome’ prime minister’s update on PC Harper killers
“He is known to frequent Oxford city centre, Cowley, Jericho, the Oxford canal towpaths, and has connections to Banbury.
“Do not approach him. If you see Juan, call 999 immediately, quoting reference 43260436595.
“Anyone with information about his whereabouts should call 101 or report online, quoting the same reference.”
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