JCB’s £1 million appeal for the NSPCC is riding high after members of Meynell and South Staffordshire Hunt raised £1,500 for the cause.

The Hunt – which covers large parts of Derbyshire as well as Staffordshire, and was established more than 200 years ago – made the donation after staging a promise auction at JCB’s World Headquarters in Rocester.

A £1,500 cheque was presented to JCB Group HR Director Joanne McAdam prior to a February meet at Wootton Hall, Ellastone, Staffs, which is owned by The Hon. Johnny Greenall, Joint Master of the Hunt.

Rachael Morley, the Hunt’s Joint Secretary, said: “The money is going to such a worthwhile cause and it’s fantastic to see JCB raising such a substantial sum for the NSPCC. JCB has been very kind in providing the venue for the charity auctions, so it was the least we could do.”

Five years ago the Hunt made an initial donation of £2,000 to JCB, also in aid of the NSPCC, after holding a similar fundraising event.

JCB’s £1 million NSPCC appeal is paying for a specialist centre in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffs dedicated to saving babies and young children in the county from serious harm and abuse. The centre is called Carole House in honour of Lady Bamford, wife of JCB Chairman Sir Anthony Bamford, for the fundraising she and JCB employees have undertaken for the NSPCC. So far more than £620,000 has been raised towards the target.

JCB Group HR Director Joanne McAdam said: “I would like to express my thanks for the generosity of the Meynell and South Staffordshire Hunt. Every donation made and every charity event staged is vitally important because they help to maintain the fundraising momentum as we push on towards the target.”

Picture caption: JCB Group HR Director Joanne McAdam (centre) receives a cheque for £1500 from Rachael Morley (Hunt Secretary). Also pictured from left: Jenny Arthers (Chair of Committee); Jeremy Allen (Auctioneer) and hunt members Johnny Greenhalgh and Guido Basile.